User’s Manual Version 2.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D C OPYRIGHT EVS Broadcast Equipment – Copyright © 2003-2009. All rights reserved. D ISCLAIMER The information in this manual is furnished for informational use only and subject to change without notice.
Issue 2.12.D 2 XFile Version 2.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................................... 3 WHAT’S NEW IN VERSIONS 2.11 AND 2.12? ................................................................ 6 1. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................... 8 2. SOFTWARE INSTALLATION .................................
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3.8.1 Accessing the Maintenance Mode Window........................................................................... 85 3.8.2 Maintenance Features .......................................................................................................... 86 3.9 CLIP MAINTENANCE ................................................................................................................ 88 3.9.1 Introduction ............
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D 4.8.1 Contextual Menu from the XNet Label ................................................................................ 140 4.8.2 Contextual Menu from the Camera Names Area ................................................................ 141 4.8.3 Contextual Menu from the Grid of a Camera ...................................................................... 142 4.8.4 Contextual Menu from the Right of the Server Name ....
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 What’s New in Versions 2.11 and 2.12? The changes linked to new features in versions 2.11 and 2.12 are listed in the table below: N EW F EATURES IN XF ILE V ERSION 2.11 XFile: The maximum number of clips in the database is raised to 32000. Section 3.1 System Configuration XFile: The Session Configuration Ad vanced Parameters tab has been spiltted into two tabs: Tab 4 File Format and Tab 8 User Parameters. Section 3.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Section 4.6.2 System Configuration – Jobs Tab. XStream: Support of clips 16 audios Section 4.6.2 System Configuration – Jobs Tab. XStream: Additional options for timecode display in the grid Section 4.2.4 Information and Menu Area - Time Section 4.3.2 Time Grid – Time Display Modes Section 4.7 Record Grid Menu – Display Mode N EW F EATURES IN XF ILE V ERSION 2.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 1. Introduction Digital Archiving on removable media The XFile has access to all footage recorded on XT[2] 6U, XT[2] 4U, AirB ox and SpotB ox servers through the SD TI netw ork. When a clip is created on one of the servers, a copy is automatically transferred to XFile in the fil e format selected in the setup.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D network if more archive copies are required. The XFile can also be used as a security backup of the network: should one server lose its footage for any reason (accidental delete for instance), clips can be restored from the XFile to any other server (XT[2] 6U, XT[2] 4U or AirBox) on the network. All Super-motion clips, created on any networked XT[2] server, are stored by XFile amongst the normal files.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 2. Software Installation Important The XFILE 2.12 installers include the XFILE and XSTREAM installers, the Clip Info Exporter installer, the PCX2 drivers and the EVS Logs collector installer. Prior to install XFILE 2.12 uninstall the previous versions of XFILE and XSTREAM. 1.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3. Issue 2.12.D Select the items to install in the Selection Components window: • Main files which include XFILE and XSTREAM installers • Clip Info Exporter • MSXML • Drivers of PCX2 board Click Next . 4. In the next window, select the destination directory to install the new software and click Next .
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 5. In the Contiguration Parameters window, select the RESET EXISTING SETTINGS option, if required, and click Next to continue. This will reset all operational parameters (like SDTI speed, Video Standard, database size, net name and net number, etc.) to default parameters. 6. In the Ready to Install window, select INSTALL to start the installatio n of the main files. A progress bar shows the activity of files transfer.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3. XFile Module Note XFile and XStream applications work simultaneously into 2 separate windows but share the same bandwith for all operations. To access to the XFile or XStream window select the item from the taskbar. 3.
Issue 2.12.D 3.1.1 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 NETWORK SETUP XF ILE I DENTIFICATION ON THE N ETWORK Standalone mode Selecting this option allows the operator to start the XFile without being connected to the XNet. In this mode only the maintenance mode is active. Important The bandwidth, the video standard and the Database Size must be identical on all machines connected to the XNet.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D VarID Uniticy (Global / Local) This parameter is available from XFile version 2.00. It specifies at which level the VarID is unique: • Global: the VarID is unique at the XNet network level • Local: the VarID is unique at the XT[2] level. VarID Length (8 char / 32 char) This parameter is available from XFile version 2.00.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 C OMBINED M ODE GBE + XN ET This combined mode perm its the transfers through the XNet when the Gigabit network is not available, e.g. in case of disconnection of one server from the Gigabit network. 3.1.3 BACKUP CHANNEL ASSIGNMENT From XFile v.2.00, seven backup channels are available. You will assign them according to your backup needs. Two predefined configurations are available and are described below.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D C USTOM C ONFIGURATION When you select the Custom radio button in the Network area and click the Edit Custom button, the Channels Configuration dialog box opens.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 This information is highlighted in red when the number of channels assigned is higher than the maximum supported number. If you assign more channels than supported in the defined configuration, the system will automatically adapt the number of assigned channels when the configuration is saved. XT Gateway Selecting this check box will enable connections with CleanEdit.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3.1.4 STORAGE AREA D ISK MODE (S INGLE D ISK / D UAL D ISK ) Option Description Single Disk Only one disk is used Dual Disk When the first disk is full, the automatically switches to the second disk. system The same clips are saved to both disks at the same time (Mirroring) Refer to section ‘Disk Writing Mode’ on page 36 for additional information. P ATH A / B This specifies the destination to save the MXF files.
Issue 2.12.D 3.2 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 STARTUP At first start the upper part of the window displays: 3.2.1 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION AREA This field displays the current parameters of the system. Some relevant parameters are required to connect to the XNet. If an error message is displayed facing one of the parameters, click on the System Config button to enter the System configuration window.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D If the values are coherent, press START: the System Config field is replaced by the Session Config field. 3.2.2 STATUS AREA The aim of this area is to check the hardware validity, the remaining capacity of disks and to verify the compatibility between the software, the drivers and the data recorded. The system autom atically starts the test processing.
Issue 2.12.D 3.3 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 SESSION CONFIGURATION Once the XFile application is started, the users can define the session configuration by selecting Configuration > Config Session from the main menu. The session configuration window is divided into 7 tabs: 22 1. AutoBackup Selection tab 2. MXF Metadata 3. Session Folders 4. File Format 5. Grab 6. Export 7. XML 8.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3.3.1 Issue 2.12.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 S ELECTION L IST This selection list is only active while the Autobackup mode is disabled. In the Autobackup Selection list, all systems connected to the XNet are listed by net numbers. For each system selected for the autobackup, you can combine several criteria to select the video material to be included in the autobackup.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 PREF Cams The Pref Cams criterion makes it possible to include in the autobackup the clips that were recorded on any camera defined as the first preferential camera (*) or on the second preferential camera (=).
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Criteria Combination The criteria Camera selection, PREF Cams and Archive Flag will be taken into account individually. Refer to example 1. The criteria Page Restriction will restrict the selection on any of the other criteria selected. Refer to example 2.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Note For the AirBox and SpotBox servers, all cameras must be selected. S ELECTION S HORTCUTS Different shortcuts are available to select cameras or systems with ease: Shortcut button Description Reset It clears all selections Backup all It selects all cameras and all pages of all systems. New systems being connected will be also backed up.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Note The Default XFile setting allows the user to initiate the backup of a clip from the XT[2] server via the >AR CHIVE command (see Multicam documentation for details). The Archive Flag also initiates the backup of a clip as requested by the >ARCHIVE command even if the Default XFile is not set, but the Archive status on the XT[2] server is not updated.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D V ALIDATION L IST In the right area, the Autobackup Validation list displays the current selection of Autobackup. The clips displayed in a red line will not be taken into account by the Autobackup criteria and the clips displayed in a green line will be backed up when starting the Autobackup mode. The selected record will be displayed on a blue background.
Issue 2.12.D 3.3.2 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 TAB 2 – MXF METADATA This area displays the current parameters and values saved to the descriptive metadata of the MXF file for the open session. H OW TO M ODIFY THE V ALUES FOR MXF M ETADATA F OR THE S ESSION To modify the values assigned to a given parameter for the open session, proceed as follows: 1. Click the value to modify in the left table.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D H OW TO D EFINE A U SER S ESSION D ATE Two session date fields are defined in the metadata of the backup file: • The PC session date comes from the PC time. This field is not editable and it is defined in the PC settings. • The user session date can be freely defined as explained in the following procedure. To assign a user session date, proceed as follows: 1. Select the User Session Date field: 2.
Issue 2.12.D 3.3.3 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 TAB 3 – XFILE SESSION FOLDERS Session Folder It specifies the folder destination to save the MXF files. Important The system checks the clips present into the session folder and its sub-folders. If a clip is not present and fulfils the criteria defined in the Autobackup selection tab, this clip is automatically backed up.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3.3.4 Issue 2.12.D TAB 4 – FILE FORMAT Parameters for Output File Format The two following settings make it possible, in a Single Disk configuration, to choose the format in which the backup file will be generated. The AutoBackup Output Parameters > File Format drop-down list allows the user to select the default file format for the clips backed up with the autobackup process.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 In both cases, the following formats are available: • EVS MXF 2 MB • MXF OP1a • Quick Time Movie • Quick Time Reference • Avid TM • CleanEdit Reference • Avid MXF OPAtom Parameters for Generating an XML Metadata File When the AutoBackup Output Parameters > Generate EVS XML Metadata check-box is selected, an XML file with the metadata of the clips backed up in the autobackup process is generated.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D Important Always activate this parameter if your backup files include other formats than EVS MXF. Otherwise, you will not be able to view and manipulate these files in XFile. Super Motion Backup Mode Super Slow Motion (SSLM) clips can be obtained by generating a single flow from 2 or 3 cameras.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Disk Writing Mode The available options in the Disk Writing Mode field depend on the Disk Mode selected in the Storage Tab of the XFile Config System window: In Single Disk mode, only one path (Path A) will be available in the list. In Dual Disk mode, the system can • write on the first disk and then automatically switch to the second disk when the first one is full, or • write on both disks simultaneously (mirroring).
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D How to Modify the Default Filename Format String To modify this default format string, proceed as follows: 1. Select the format for which the filenam e string should be modified: EVS MXF, IMX OP1a, Quick Time or AVID via Transfer Manager. 2. In the Filename field, delete the part of the string you do not want to keep in the filename, if any. 3. To add a generic text (i.e.
Issue 2.12.D 3.3.5 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 TAB 5 – GRAB The Multicam operator from his remote control panel is able to select a video fram e/field and to grab a picture. (A Default Xfile must be defined in the Setup menu of the Multicam - See Multicam documentation for more details) Those pictures are created by the XFile and stored on the disks of this XFile. Grab Folder Select the destination folder to save the JPG/BMP files.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Note No compression artifact is added to this file creation process, so the original quality of the image is kept. Grab XT/XFILE Filename Format String The default filename automatically given to EVSGRAB_date_clip number_time code. jpg/bmp the JPG/BMP file is This filename is user-defined and can be modified by typing a generic term (i.e.
Issue 2.12.D 3.3.6 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 TAB 6 – EXPORT All clips backed up by the XFile can be exported to other system s for different purposes: CleanEdit The clips backed up can be automatically inserted into the CleanEdit Database. Place a checkmark in the ‘Update CleanEdit DB’ box and enter the DSN name, user and password for the defined CE database. Please refer to the CleanEdit documentation for more details.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D Default TM Host Name Enter the host name of the default Avid Transfer Manager in this field. Please contact EVS support for details regarding the configuration of AVID TM. Default TM Media Format The Default TM Media Format field makes it possible to specify the media format to which the Avid Transfer Manager will convert the backup file received from the XFile application.
Issue 2.12.D 3.3.7 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 TAB 7 – XML A few operations made by XFile as backup, restore, delete, copy,… are remotely controlled via XML file by a source application (IPDirector, Automation system, …). Two modes are available: XML Jobs Root Folder When using the XML Jobs Root Folder option, the XFile only scans its local folder. To use this option, proceed as follows: 1.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 XML Load balancing Jobs Root Folder The load balancing process allows spreading the XML jobs over several XFiles. In this case, all XML files are stored in a single folder on the network. All XFiles scan this folder and the jobs are distributed among the various XFiles, depending on their availability. When using the XML Load Balancing Jobs Root Folder option, all XFiles will scan the same folder on the network.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Example of XML file for backup command Backup Clip 112 A from XT[2] n°11 to the “F:\ext_folder\clip_11_112A.mxf” 4942648367704751 1132235747 0 112 A F:\ext_folder\clip_11_112A.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D XML Default Parameters It can occur that some XML parameters are not defined by the source application. In this case, XML Default Parameters mentioned in the XM L Tab are taken into account for the missing XML parameters. XML Backup Output Parameters The File Format drop-down list allows the user to select the default file format.
Issue 2.12.D 3.3.8 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 TAB 8 – USER PARAMETERS Parameters for Automatic Processes Autostart This option automatically starts the XFILE software. Autobackup at Startup This option automatically starts the autobackup mode at startup. AutoRetry when Starting Autobackup This option is disabled in version 1.09.00.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D Parameters for Confirmation Messages Confirm Manual Backup Enables or disables the confirmation message while initiating a Backup command. Confirm Manual Restore Enables or disables the confirmation message while initiating a Restore command. Confirm Manual Update Enables or disables the confirmation message while updating a clip previously backed up. This command is only available in Manual backup mode.
Issue 2.12.D 3.4 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 AUTOBACKUP MODE Press to activate the Autobackup Mode. In this mode, the system acts autom atically and backs up all clips according to the criteria defined in the Autobackup selection window. Besides, this mode is important to take account of the different updates made during operations.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D Note Other modes (backup, restore and maintenance) are also available during autobackup: several modes can operate simultaneously. 3.4.1 AUTOBACKUP MAIN WINDOW The Autobackup main window is divided into several areas. The two main areas are the XNet list which monitors the XNet activity and the XFile list which displays the contents of the XFile paths. The screenshot below shows the various areas.
Issue 2.12.D 3.4.2 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 XNET LIST The XNet tab has two possible display modes. It shows: • the clips available on the XNet depending on the selected criteria (see screenshot above) OR • an overview on the autobackup criteria and on the clip backup inform ation (see screenshot below). Note Working with copies of clips can affect the value of the different counters. Use the Refresh button in the XNet field for refining the current values.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3.4.3 XFILE LIST The XFile List area includes the following elements: • At the top left of the area, the number of clips retrieved on the XFile is specified. • At the top right of the area, one or more buttons give access to commands or options specific to the XFile List. • In the upper part of the area, the filter icons make it possible to filter the list of clips displayed in the XFile List.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Clip Information Description Keyword 1 Displays the first keyword assigned to the clip. Keyword 2 Displays the second keyword assigned to the clip. Keyword 3 Displays the third keyword assigned to the clip. Creation Date and Time Displays the creation date and time of the XT[2] where the clip has been created Backup Date and Time Displays the date and time of the XFile when the clip backup file has been created.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3.4.4 Issue 2.12.D NETWORK STATUS The icon displayed in the center of the screen notices the current status of XNet: Connection to XNet is successfully done XFile is connecting Connection to XNet failed Local hardware failure has been detected Standalone mode 3.4.5 DISK USAGE AND DISK MODE The remaining capacity and the capacity of disks are displayed in the lower part of the window for each path.
Issue 2.12.D 3.4.6 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 STATUS AREA The transfer rate of the Backup and Restore processes is permanently evaluated and the progress bars show the activities in progress. Depending on the operations in progress, the operator has the choice between two status displays: Toggle to ‘Jobs done’ display Toggle to ‘ Scheduled jobs’ display J OBS D ONE S TATUS D ISPLAY The different operations are divided into different tabs.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D S CHEDULED J OBS S TATUS D ISPLAY The Scheduled Jobs status display allows the operator to cancel one or all of the jobs in queue. Cancelling Jobs Select one/several items in the list and press ‘Cancel job’, or press ‘Cancel All Scheduled Jobs’ to delete all item s in the list: The selected item s are deleted from the list and the related operations in progress are stopped or the scheduled operations are cancelled.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 D EFINING C OLUMNS Use the right-click button of the mouse (into the list) to access this selection menu. All columns available are listed here. Select or unselect the item to be displayed or to be hidden.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D F ILTERS The upper part of the XFile list displays a list of icons. These buttons give access to the different filters to be applied to the XFile list. The filters are available in the four modes: Autobackup, Manual Backup, Restore and Maintenance modes.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Creation date Note The Creation date and the backup time are different values. The creation date depends on the date and time defined on your XT[2] 6U, XT[2] 4U , AirBox or SpotBox. Please check the date-time of your system before operating. ‘Last Hour’ and ‘Last 24h’ are both quick shortcuts to display the clips created during the last hour or during the last 24 hours.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 1. Issue 2.12.D For date selection, do one of the following: • In the calendar, select the month with the left and right arrows, then the day of the month. OR • Press the Today button. 2. For time selection, do one of the following: • In the Time field, select the hour using the up and down arrows to change the value displayed or directly type the value when the field lights green. OR • Press the Now button. 3.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 In Autobackup mode, the Folders filter displays this selection: Option Description All Displays all the clips included in the current(s) PATH(s) defined in the system configuration at startup. PATH A/B Displays the content of the selected path only. Session Folder Displays all the clips included in the current Session Folder. Independently, a backup folder can be defined for saving the clips manually backed up.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D folder will appear in the Name bar at the bottom of the window if it has been correctly selected. A Backup folder is assigned temporarily for a particular operation. As all operations are successive and therefore entered in a queue, the system will keep in memory the folder defined at the time of the backup’s request.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 The following principles are applicable in this dialog box: • Several folders are selectable at a time. • The sub-folders of the selected folder are selectable as well. • The current Session Folder always lights green in the list. You will find below explanations on how to perform the most important actions in this dialog box, i.e.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D Clipnames Clicking on the icon on the right side opens the following dialog box: Filter Based on Prefix The Filter based on Prefix field allows defining a quick filter based on the first character(s) of a clipname. When you click the Add button to add the prefix defined to the Filter list, the system adds autom atically a "*" sign after the prefix.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Keywords Clicking on the icon on the right side opens the following dialog box: Filter Based on Prefix The Filter based on Prefix field allows defining a quick filter based on the first character(s) of a keyword. When you click the Add button to add the prefix defined to the Filter list, the system adds autom atically a "*" sign after the prefix.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 OK / Cancel Press OK to confirm your selection and to quit the dialog box. The new keywords appear in the Filter field. Press Cancel to come back to the main XFile window without applying any Keyword filter. UmID Clicking on the left icon will display the UmID filter.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 VarID Clicking on the right icon will display the VarID filter. Clicking on the icon on the right side opens the following dialog box: Filter Based on Prefix The Filter based on Prefix field allows defining a quick filter based on the first character(s) of a VarID. When you click the Add button to add the prefix defined to the Filter list, the system adds autom atically a "*" sign after the prefix.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D Media / Clips The MXF file is the file containing all data related to a common audio/video data. The first clip created with this A/V data is called the Master Clip and has the particularity to get the same code for the ID-material and for the ID-louth. All clips ensued from this m asterclip, either by copy, or by update, or by modifying the IN (i.e. short IN) or OUT (i.e.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 The following options are available for selection: Option Description ALL Displays all the clips MasterClip Displays only the Master Clips Note This filter is helpful when restoring clips, because it will only transfer the original clips, and skip the copies.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Camera label Clicking on the icon on the right side opens the following dialog box: Filter Based on Prefix The Filter based on Prefix field allows defining a quick filter based on the first character(s) of a camera label. When you click the Add button to add the prefix defined to the Filter list, the system adds automatically a "*" sign after the prefix.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Filter Based on Prefix The Filter based on Prefix field allows defining a quick filter based on the first character(s) of the session data. When you click the Add button to add the prefix defined to the Filter list, the system adds automatically a "*" sign after the prefix. Clip Markers The clip markers allow the users to tag clips into a global selection and to keep this selection from one mode to another.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D C OUNTERS A counter of clips is available in all modes in the upper side of the list. The first value is the num ber of clips displayed in the list, the second value is the total amount of clips in memory (contents of path(s) + external folder + clips scheduled). The number of items in the different lists can affect the performance of the system. So it is advised to reduce the num ber of clips displayed in the lists.
Issue 2.12.D 3.5 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 BACKUP MODE Press 72 to enter the Backup mode.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3.5.1 HOW TO START MANUALLY THE BACKUP OF A FILE To start the backup of a file, proceed as follows: 1. Press the Backup button to activate the mode. 2. In the XNet area, select the server from which clips will be backed up. To display the list of servers present on the XNet, click 3. 4. Click again back up. .
Issue 2.12.D 3.5.2 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 HOW TO PERFORM A MULTI-SELECTION FOR MANUAL BACKUP To select multiple clips from an XT[2] server to back them up manually, proceed as follows: 1. Define the selection criteria to retrieve a list of clips from the XNet. 2. To select the clips in the XNet list of clips, do one of the following: • To select a list of contiguous clips, press SHIFT and select the first and last clips of the list.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D 4. If applicable, select the requested output format from the File Format field. 5. If required, select the appropriate Disk Writing Mode from the Disk Writing Mode field. 6. In the XFile Multi-Backup window, the clips selected are listed with the current status. 7. Press OK to confirm and to initiate the transfer. If no information is specified in the Status column, the backup will be performed.
Issue 2.12.D 3.6 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 RESTORE MODE Press to enter the Restore mode. The XFile can also be used as a security backup. Clips can be restored from the XFile to any other server (XT[2] 6U, XT[2] 4U, SpotBox or AirBox) on the network.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3.6.1 HOW TO RESTORE A FILE To restore a backed up file on an XT[2] server, proceed as follows: 1. Press the Restore button to activate the mode. 2. Select the clip from the XFile list. 3. Select the server from the XNet area. 4. 5. To display the list of servers present on the XNet, press Change the display of the list to find one location where to restore the clip.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Note While moving/copying a clip, the ID-material is preserved. If the user COPIES a clip to a new location (m aking a new ID Louth) then the XFile will back up the new data. If the user MOVES a clip (ID Louth is maintained), then the XFile will update the original clip.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3.6.2 HOW TO PERFORM A MULTI-SELECTION FOR RESTORE To select multiple clips from an XFile to restore them to an XT[2] server, proceed as follows: 1. In the XFile list on the main XFile window, do one of the following: • To select a list of contiguous clips, press SHIFT and select the first and last clips of the list. • To select non-contiguous clips, press CTRL and select the clips.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Restore Destination Mode The destination mode in the XFile Multi-Restore window allows the users to specify where the clip will be restored: 80 Option Description Original Place The clip returns to its previous location on the XNet. In this case, the selection performed in the XNet list is not taken into account. If the previous location is not free, the user needs to select another Restore Destination mode.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3.7 PUBLISH MODE Press to enter the Publish mode. The Publish mode gives a direct access to the clips saved to XFile disks. A batch of clips can be organized in a ‘page/bank/cam ’ structure and can be accessible – for selection and playback – via the Remote Control panel and/or the VGA of the Multicam, or from the Clips > XFile node of the IPDirector Database Explorer.
Issue 2.12.D 3.7.2 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 HOW TO PUBLISH CLIPS To publish a clip stored on the XFile disk, i.e. to give access to it from the Remote panel, from the VGA of the Multicam application, or from the Clips > XFile node of the IPDirector Database Explorer, you can choose between Online Publish and Fast Publish. O NLINE P UBLISH To publish one or several clips with Online Publish, proceed as follow s: 1.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D • If the selected location is already filled, the clip destination lights red. In this case the publication of this clip will be aborted. Select a publishing method from the Destination Mode drop-down list and press OK. For more details on the various options, see section ‘Restore Destination Mode’, on page 80). 7. 8. You may switch to the Fast Publish mode by pressing the Publish) button.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Important The Fast Publish command will disconnect the XFile from the XNet and then re-connect the XFile to the XNet. During this operation, the Multicam database is updated with the new publish list of the XFile. ¨ This command will stop the current playbacks of XFILE clips. ¨ This command will make ‘unavailable’ the XFILE clips included into a playlist, unless the original UmID is kept, if configured in User Parameters.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3.8 MAINTENANCE MODE 3.8.1 ACCESSING THE MAINTENANCE MODE WINDOW Press to enter the Maintenance mode.
Issue 2.12.D 3.8.2 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 MAINTENANCE FEATURES Four different maintenance sub-modes are available in the Maintenance window. You select the maintenance feature you want to use by clicking the corresponding icon.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Disk Maintenance In Mirroring mode, the Disk Maintenance makes it possible to: • copy files from one XFile path to the other • synchronize the files between two mirrored XFile paths. For more information, refer Maintenance’, on page 111. to 3.12 ‘Disk Note The Disk Maintenance mode is no more available from version 2.02. However, it should be accessible again in a future version.
Issue 2.12.D 3.9 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 CLIP MAINTENANCE From XFile version 1.14, you can back up clips manually and automatically into different formats of backup files. From XFile version 2.00.30, you can view and maintain all the form ats of backup files in the Clip Maintenance mode.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3.9.2 Issue 2.12.D MEDIA INFO AREA When you click the Clip Maintenance icon, the Media Info area opens on the left of the window. The Media Info area displays the current parameters and values saved to the descriptive metadata of the backup file.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 T HUMBNAILS The thumbnails defined for each file are extracted from the MJPEG files. The thumbnail shows the following fram es from left to right: • the IN (i.e. SHORT IN) frame, • the REF frame (automatically defined in the middle of the clip), • the OUT (i.e. SHORT OUT) frame. - The XFile versions previous to the version 1.01.05 do not include the thumbnails creation process.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D HD clips are displayed with 16:9 aspect ratio. F ILE AND C LIP M ETADATA From XFile V.1.14, clips created on XT[2] servers can be backed up in different file formats. The backup files having different formats can be maintained in XFile. The metadata of the EVS MXF files is stored in the header of the MXF file. The metadata of backup files having other formats needs to be stored in a metadata XM L file.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Note Depending on the time code and video systems, the time code in the column is displayed with different characters: The duration for NTSC clips is always calculated on non-drop-frame basis. Note The Nb Videos field is the only way to identify the SuperMotion Backup Mode used to backup SSLM clips: • 1 video(s) for clips backed up with 1/2 or 1/3 fram es. • 2 or 3 video(s) for clips backed up with all frames.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3.9.3 DELETING BACKUP CLIPS AND FILES As several clips may be linked to a backup file, the Delete command has been split in 2 buttons: Delete File and Delete Clip. Both commands are available in the upper right part of the XFile area of the Maintenance window. To mark the clips and the files out, it is advised to change the display to 'Group' in the Media / Clips filter.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 H OW TO P ERFORM A M ULTI -S ELECTION T O D ELETE C LIPS 94 1. Press SHIFT or CTRL and select a batch of files from the XFile list. 2. Press to open XFile Multi-Delete Clips window. This window allows the operator to review the clips before deletion: 3. Press Delete All Clips to confirm the command or Cancel to abort th e operation. 4.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3.9.4 Issue 2.12.D CONVERTING BACKUP FILES From Multicam version 9.00, the A/V material and data are stored in 8MB blocks, no longer in 2MB blocks. In XFile, the EVS MXF backup files will still be created in 2MB block format. When the EVS MXF backup files, or any other backup file in another format are restored, they are obviously restore d in the 8MB block structure on the XT[2] server.
Issue 2.12.D 3.9.5 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 TRANSFERRING BACKUP FILES TO EXTERNAL SYSTEMS From the Maintenance module, it is possible to transfer the backup files to the Avid Transfer Manager or to the CleanEdit suite. H OW TO T RANSFER B ACKUP F ILES TO A VID TM To transfer backup files to Avid TM, proceed as follow s: 1. Select the file(s) to convert in the XFile list of the Maintenance module. 2. Right-click to open the contextual menu. 3.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3.9.6 IMPORTING FILES FROM THIRD PARTY SYSTEMS Files from third parties do not have a corresponding EVS.xml file containing the associated metadata. As they need to be available in XFile, the import function will result in the creation of an EVS.xml file containing the metadata that the system has been able to retrieve. Supported file extension are: EVS MXF, Avid MXF OPAtom and QT mov.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3.10 DISKS-FOLDERS MAINTENANCE 3.10.1 INTRODUCTION A CCESS Click on the Disk icon to enter the Disks-Folders Maintenance mode.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3.10.3 HOW TO COPY/MOVE CLIPS TO OTHER XFILE FOLDERS Important Clips are linked to a backup file. In this mode, the MOVE and COPY commands affect the backup file even if only a clip is selected. The MOVE command is only accessible if the transfer of backup files operates between PATHs. The COPY command is accessible for all transfers from/to external folders.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3.10.4 MAINTAINING FOLDERS IN THE XFILE PATHS In the folder list, two additional functions have been added to ease the use of the folders list: . H OW TO C REATE A F OLDER IN THE XF ILE P ATH To create a new folder in the XFile Path, proceed as follows: 1. Select a position in the Folders tree where to create a new folder. 2. Click on the Create Folder button to open the XFile Create Folder dialog box: 3.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3.11 PLAYLIST MAINTENANCE 3.11.1 INTRODUCTION A CCESS Click on the Playlist Maintenance icon Maintenance. to enter the Playlist P URPOSE The purpose of the Playlist Maintenance is to offer the possibility to compile a playlist from all the best clips captured in the OB van and export the playlist of backup files into a single media file.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3.11.2 OVERVIEW OF THE PLAYLIST MAINTENANCE WINDOW The Playlist Maintenance window is divided into four areas: XF ILE L IST A REA The XFile List area provides the same features as the usual XFile List area. When right-clicking on a clip, you access the following commands in the contextual menu: • M odify the displayed columns. See also the section ‘Defining Columns’, on page 56. • Apply filters.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D M EDIA I NFO A REA The Media Info area contains the same information as the Media Info are a available in the Clip Maintenance. Refer to section 3.9.2 ‘Media Info Area’ on page 89. P LAYLIST A REA The Playlist area displays the backup clips included in the playlist that is being or has been created.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3.11.3 SETTINGS FOR PLAYLISTS A CCESSING THE P LAYLIST S ETTINGS The settings for creating and exporting backup playlists or rendering XT playlists in XFile are defined in the Playlist Manager Setup window .
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 M EDIA F ILE S ETTINGS Filename Format String The following filename is assigned by default to the media file including the playlist A/V material: EVS XFILE_ name>_.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 CSV contents file generation If you tick this check box, the playlist definition file will be generated in the .CSV format, and not the usual XML format. In this case, the setting for merging XML files cannot be taken into account if it is checked: • The clip and playlist metadata are stored in an XML file. • The playlist definition is saved in a CSV file.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 H OW TO C REATE A B ACKUP P LAYLIST To create a backup playlist in the Playlist Maintenance, proceed as follows: 1. In the XFile list area, search for and select the clips you want to add t o a playlist: • To select a list of contiguous clips, press SHIFT and select the first and last clips of the list. • To select non-contiguous clips, press CTRL and select the clips. 2. 3.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 H OW TO L OAD A B ACKUP P LAYLIST You will load a backup playlist if you need to edit it or export it, or simply view its content. To load an existing backup playlist, proceed as follows: 1. Click the button in the PL Info area. The Open dialog box opens on the folder where you last saved a backup playlist. 2. Select the playlist definition file (i.e. the file with the .xml extension) of the playlist you want to load.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3.11.5 EXPORTING A BACKUP PLAYLIST I NTRODUCTION Exporting a playlist of backup clips from XFile will allow you to create a single media file. This file contains a long clip that concatenates the backup clips of the playlist with cut transitions. The two XML files including the playlist definition and the metadata information will also be created in the same folder.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3.11.6 RENDERING AN XT PLAYLIST I NTRODUCTION Rendering a playlist from an XT server to XFile will allow you to backup a playlist into a single media file. This file contains a long clip that concatenates the clips of the XT playlist with cut transitions. The two XML files including the playlist definition and the metadata information will also be created in the same folder.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3.12 DISK MAINTENANCE Note The Disk Maintenance mode is no more available from version 2.02. However. It should be accessible again in a future version. That is the reason why the related section is kept in the User Manual. Click on the Disk icon to enter the Disk Maintenance. The main screen changes to display the content of Path A on the left part of the screen and the content of path B on the right part of the screen.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 3.13 JOB STATUS 3.13.1 PURPOSE The Job Status window gives information on the transfer status of jobs between XFile and the servers connected to it either in a XNet only or GBE only mode or in a combined mode GBE +XNet, as configured through the XFile System Config. This only relates to XFile jobs, not to XStream jobs. 3.13.2 JOB STATUS WINDOW The Job Status window is divided into four main areas.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 XN ET A REA This area displays the number of clips already saved to XFile for each system connected to the XNet and/or to the Gigabit network.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Modifying the Priority of Backup and Restore Jobs The order of the scheduled operations can be modified. This is only available for backup, restore and export clips. Select one job in the list and press: The selected item is re-scheduled in the queue, its new status is “Scheduled 1” The operation will begin as soon as the current job in progress is completed.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 J OBS D ONE A REA This area displays all the jobs done with their status: • Successful with process duration and transfer rate • Error with short error message. Filters The upper part of the Job Done area displays a list of icons. These buttons give access to the different filters to be applied to the area. Click on the button to display/hide the filter.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Completion Time Displays the list of jobs done during • the last day: operation status related to the last 24 hours. • the last hour: operation status related to the last hour. • A period of time: a range of date & time can be defined to sort the jobs created during that period. Click on the ‘Range’ button. A dialog box will then open where you will have to enter a start date and time, as well as an end date and time.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D 3.14 STATISTICS Charts of statistics for restore and backup processes and for disk performances are available from the Statistics menu in the Menu bar. Other information will be added to the statistics charts in a next version.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 4. XStream All operations of XStream are concentrated in a single screen.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 4.1 Issue 2.12.D SCHEDULER AND QUICKSTART MODES The users can perform backup of record trains in XStream using two different modes: the Scheduler mode or the QuickStart mode. The users activate these modes by clicking the buttons at the top of the XStream main window: Both modes can not be active nor work at the same time, even on different XT[2] servers. 4.1.
Issue 2.12.D 4.2 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 INFORMATION & MENU AREA The Information & Menu area displays the elements described below: 4.2.1 SCHEDULER AND QUICKSTART BUTTONS Press to activate the Scheduler Mode. In this mode, the system acts automatically and backs up all files/clips according to the jobs defined via the Edit menu and shown in the time grid. Press to activate the QuickStart mode.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 4.2.3 Issue 2.12.D TRANSFER RATE The counter displays the current transfer rate. An average of bit-rate for all operations is done in real-time. 4.2.4 TIME The current time is displayed on the top right of the screen. As you can select which time information you will work with in the time grid, the time display depends on this selection.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 4.3 TIME GRID 4.3.1 INFORMATION DISPLAYED IN THE TIME GRID Different colour codes are used in the time grid to easily distinguish the various job types. The colour codes are the same in the Scheduler mode and in the QuickStart mode.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D The following sections provide screenshots to show which types of jobs can be found in the various modes.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Q UICK S TART M ODE When a job is launched in the QuickStart mode, the time grid will display it as an endless job in progress from the nowline onwards. The other possible status in QuickStart mode is ‘failed jobs’. 4.3.2 TIME DISPLAY IN THE TIME GRID T IME D ISPLAY M ODES From version 2.00, it is possible to specify which time mode has to be used in the XStream time grid.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 XT Time Code LTC time code of the first camera available on the first XT[2] server displayed in the grid. This mode is the default value on XFile version 2.00. Note When time code jumps occur in the recorded train, the time code jumps will be visible in the XT time code display, not in the PC time display.
Issue 2.12.D 4.5 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 STATUS AREA The different operations are divided into different tabs. 4.5.1 JOBS DONE TAB In JOBS DONE use these filters to refine the selection: Filter Label Description View All Displays all statuses since the startup of the system. View Last Hour Displays the operation status related to the last hour. View Last Day Displays the operation status related to the last 24 hours.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 4.5.2 Issue 2.12.D GENERAL TAB The GENERAL tab displays the information of the selected job in the grid or the selected record train. Cancel Job: delete the selected job displayed in this field. 4.5.3 OTHER TABS The JOBS SELECTED, JOBS PENDING and JOBS ENDLESS tabs give access to Mark IN , Mark OUT and Cancel Job commands which affect the items displayed in the lists.
Issue 2.12.D 4.6 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION Modify the system configuration by selecting Configuration > System Configuration from the top menu: During operations, this window will be displayed in read-only mode for information. 4.6.1 STORAGE TAB The settings specified in the Storage tab are applicable to the Scheduler and QuickStart modes. These are the default settings for the QuickStart mode.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D N UMBER OF D ISKS Specifies the num ber of disks assigned to the channels to backup. Note In order to ensure good performances in data transfers we highly recommend to balance the load onto several disks. P ATH C HANNEL Specifies the path to save files for each channel. 4.6.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 S ELECT D EFAULT O UTPUT M ODE Six different output formats are available to save the files. Depending on the format selected, various parameters fields will be displayed in the Option area. File Format Specific Information EVS MXF The user can add the output file to the CleanEdit database by selecting the Upd. CleanEdit check box (i.e. Update CleanEdit).
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D Default TM Media Format In this group box, you need to select the media format in which the Avid TM will convert the backup file from XStream. Select the radio button corresponding to the requested format: • OMF • MXF/AAF A LWAYS G ENERATE EVS.XML With the EVS MXF file form at, the metadata is included in the header of MXF files. While with all the other formats, no metadata is delivered with the output file.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 F ORMAT S TRING An automatic file name can be given to each file format and can be different for each one. The default MXF file is EVS M XF XSTREAM - .mxf. date>
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 4.6.3 ADVANCED PARAMETERS TAB R ECORD G RID S TART U P O PTIONS The settings of the record grid are pre-defined in the Advanced Parameters window but they can be modified during operations: Field / Button Description Auto Hide Disconnected XTs When this option is selected, only the XT[2] servers connected to the XNet are displayed in the time grid when the application is started.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 E DIT J OB D IALOG O PTIONS This option specifies the time after which the values entered in a text field (i.e. time code) are validated. The default value is 2.0 sec and it can be modified. XML J OBS U SER I NTERACTION A LLOWED When selected, the XML Jobs User Interaction Allowed option allows the user to perform actions (i.e. cancel job, reschedule job, etc.) on the XM L jobs sent to XStream.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 4.7 Issue 2.12.D RECORD GRID MENU The Record Grid menu contains several options or commands related to the information displayed on the record grid, i.e. the nowline, the scheduled jobs, the XT[2] server display, the time display, etc. D ISPLAY M ODE The display mode specifies which time inform ation is used in the XStream time grid.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 C LEAN O PTIONS The Clean commands from the Record Grid menu allow the users to clean jobs from the time grid. Only jobs which have occurred in the past and are completely finished will be cleaned.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D L OAD J OBS The Load Jobs command from the Record Grid menu makes it possible to load an XML file previously created with the inform ation on the running, scheduled or pending jobs. When the XML file is loaded, the jobs saved in the file are loaded in XStream as scheduled jobs, even if they have already been executed in an earlier session.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 4. If you want some of the displayed jobs not to be loaded, select them with CTRL + click and select the Ignore Selected button. The background colour for these records becomes light blue and the value ‘Ignore’ is displayed in the User Decision column. 5. If you want to retry the records highlighted in orange or in red, select them with CTRL + click and select the Retry Selected button. 6.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Colour Codes in the Jobs List The jobs displayed as records in the Jobs List of the XStream Load Jobs window are highlighted with different colours depending on whether they will or would be loaded or not into the XStream. The following table explains the meaning of the different colour codes: Colour Meaning Green Selected jobs which will be loaded as scheduled job in the XStream time grid.
Issue 2.12.D 4.8 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 CONTEXTUAL MENU IN THE SCHEDULER Different contextual menus are available from the time grid depending on where the right-click is performed: 4.8.1 CONTEXTUAL MENU FROM THE XNET LABEL Command Description Auto-Hide Disconnected XTs Select this option to hide or display the disconnected XT[2]s.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 4.8.2 CONTEXTUAL MENU FROM THE CAMERA NAMES AREA This contextual menu appears when you right click the mouse in the area where the camera nam es are displayed (see arrow on screenshot). The following table describes shortly the menu commands: Command Description Collapse Select this option to hide the time grid for the camera on which you have right-clicked. Clicking a camera icon display the camera in the time grid.
Issue 2.12.D 4.8.3 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 CONTEXTUAL MENU FROM THE GRID OF A CAMERA This contextual menu is displayed when you right click the mouse in the grid of a given camera, before the nowline (see arrow on screenshot). The contextual menu after the nowline contains only some of these elements. The commands available from this contextual menu will apply specifically to the related camera.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 4.8.4 CONTEXTUAL MENU FROM THE RIGHT OF THE SERVER NAME This contextual menu appears when you right click the mouse on the right of the server name and above the camera time grid (see arrow on screenshot). The commands available from this contextual menu will apply to all cameras of the given XT[2] server. In the screenshot above, the commands will apply to Cam A to D of the XT[2] server 01.
Issue 2.12.D 4.8.5 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 CONTEXTUAL MENU FROM A JOB This contextual menu appears when you right-click the mouse on a scheduled or running job (see arrow on screenshot). It can vary slightly depending on the job status. The following table describes shortly the menu commands: Command Description Status This option shows the job status. Out … This option gives access to the Preview and Edit functions on the job.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 4.8.6 Issue 2.12.D CHECK TIMECODE INTEGRITY Every 5 minutes, the application automatically checks the time code integrity, i.e. it checks whether time code jumps have occurred in the record trains of XT[2] servers. The user can also perform this check manually on a record train selected in the time grid. In this case, the check starts from the head of the record train back towards the beginning of the record train.
Issue 2.12.D 4.9 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 CREATING AND EDITING JOBS IN SCHEDULER MODE Create a new job in one of the following ways: • by selecting Edit > Add a New Job from the top menu, • by right-clicking in the time grid, • by pressing the Add button in the Channels area. The Add a Job Manually window, which is displayed below, appears to define the different parameters of the job. A very similar window is displayed each time the user edits the job.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 4.9.1 GENERAL INFORMATION The following fields displayed above the tabs provide general inform ation on the job being created or edited: Field Description Job ID Identifier automatically assigned to the job when it is saved for the first time. XT XT[2] from which the record train will be backed up.
Issue 2.12.D 4.9.2 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 IN/OUT TAB IN/OUT Defines the starting time of the clip to be archived. Duration Defines the duration of the current clip if IN or OUT point is not set. Browse Allows you to locate the starting point by reviewing the video. Clicking on the 148 button opens a second window with preview.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Note Prior to start recording files, check the disk capacity information by clicking . A diagram displays the disk capacity required according to the different video standards and bitrates.
Issue 2.12.D 4.9.3 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 OUTPUTS TAB XStream Multitarget allows creating three different output files, with different format, and saving them to three different paths. This is done without reduction of bandwith.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D the expected values for the fields included in the filename. Output Mode It is not mandatory to use Secondary and Third outputs. When no output format is selected from the Output Mode field, Output Disabled is displayed. Compulsory Output for Secondary and Third Output Modes When the Compulsory Output check box is selected, all the jobs must be completed.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 4.10 CREATING JOBS IN QUICKSTART MODE The QuickStart mode allows launching straight away the backup of one or several record trains of one or several XT[2] servers. The users start the backup jobs in QuickStart mode from the QuickStart window.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 The selected cameras are displayed on a bright green background. 5. Click the Record button to start the job. This QuickStart job will automatically start from the nowline as an endless job. Consequently, you will have to stop the QuickStart job manually. 4.10.2 QUICKSTART WINDOW This section describes the fields and buttons of the QuickStart window.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Field / Button Description XT Number and Name Displays the XT[2] number and XT[2] name of the selected XT[2] server. This is a read-only field. Recorder channel Allows (de)selecting the recorder channels of the specified XT[2] server of which the record trains will be backed up. By default, all recorder channels available in the given XT[2] configuration are deselected and displayed on a pale green background.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D 4.10.3 SETUP IN QUICKSTART MODE The settings defined in the Storage and Jobs tabs accessed via the menu Configuration > System Configuration are the default settings in QuickStart mode. In the QuickStart Setup window, you can however define different storage and output settings, specifically for the backup jobs in QuickStart mode.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 These settings will have priority on the default settings defined in the Jobs tab of the XStream Configuration window . XFile Clipname Specifies the name of the clip that XFile will create for the backup of the record train(s). The same clipname is assigned to each record train that is backed up in a given job.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 4.10.5 STORAGE TAB The Storage tab allows the user to define settings on how and where the backup file will be stored. These settings will have priority on the default settings defined in the Storage tab of the XStream Configuration window . Setting Name Description Number of disks Specifies the number of disks assigned to the channels to backup.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 5. External modules The different external modules are available from both XFILE and XSTREAM windows. 5.1 PREVIEW CLIP Double-click on a clip in the list or press the MMEUniversal player module is loaded with the selected clip. button. The Use the command buttons to play back the clip, to search material, to review the clip frame by frame, etc. Note The MME player plays back the clip from the IN point to the OUT point.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 5.2 Issue 2.12.D EDITING A CLIP Currently, you can edit clips/files backed up in EVS MXF, MXF OP1A or Quick Time Movie. You will only be able to preview backup clips/files having other formats. When selecting a file/clip in the XFile list, use the right button of the mouse to access the contextual menu and select Edit: The XFile Edit Clip window appears. It contains several tabs described below: 5.2.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Note The Nb Videos field is the only way to identify the SuperMotion Backup Mode used to backup SSLM clips: • 1 video(s) for clips backed up with 1/2 or 1/3 fram es. • 2 or 3 video(s) for clips backed up with all frames. Note The MXF Doctor software is integrated to the Edit clip module.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 TC M ODE The TC Mode field allows selecting the time code to be dislayed in the Edit Clip window. The user can choose among the following values: TC Mode Name Description Legacy LTC time code without date information, as it was defined before Multicam V 9.00. LTC Original LTC time code with date information, as it is defined from Multicam V 9.00. LTC time code defined when the clip was recorded on the XT[2] server.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 B UTTONS The first series of buttons gathers the GRAB & EXPORT functions. The second series of buttons gathers the SEARCH functions. The third series of buttons gathers the commands which modify the clip. The fourth series of buttons gathers the PREVIEW functions.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 5.2.3 Issue 2.12.D GRAB OPTIONS From the IN-OUT tab of the Edit Clip module, the operator can select one image in the main window (current position of the cursor) and press the Grab Field button or the Grab Frame button to open the following dialog box: File Area Select the filename and the destination folder to save the JPG/BM P files.
Issue 2.12.D 5.2.4 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 EXPORT OPTION The Export option makes it possible to extract a portion of clip from its original clip and export it to a different MXF file. In this case a different UmID is assigned to the new clip. When the IN and OUT points of the new clip are defined, press the Export button to open the following dialog box: File Destination Area Select the filename and the destination folder to save the new MXF file.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 5.2.5 Issue 2.12.D CLIPNAME – KEYWORDS TAB In the Clipname –Keyword Tab, you can modify the UmID (ID louth) and VarID (extended ID), as well as modify or add a ClipName or keywords. To modify the UmID, VarID, Clipname or keywords, select a clip in the list. Then enter the new inform ation in the related field. The new clipname/keyword is updated in the upper list.
Issue 2.12.D 5.2.6 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 HD PREVIEW TAB When editing an HD clip, the HD Preview tab is added to the Edit Clip module in order to play back the clip with full quality preview in a larger view.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 5.3 Issue 2.12.D SHUTTLEPRO USE IN EDIT CLIP MODULE From XFile version 1.12, the ShuttlePRO can be used to perform the commands corresponding to the buttons of the IN-OUT tab in the Edit Clip module. This chapter explains how to install and configure the ShuttlePRO for use in the Edit Clip module. It also provides the ShuttlePRO and shortcut commands in the IN-OUT tab of the Edit Clip module. 5.3.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 The Import Settings window opens: 4. Select the file XFile ShuttlePRO Settings Vx.xx.pref (Vx.xx referring to the file version) that contains the ShuttlePRO settings to be loaded and click APPLY.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 5. Issue 2.12.D Click APPLY to confirm that the XFile settings are to be applied to the ShuttlePRO.
Issue 2.12.D 5.3.2 XFile Version 2.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 ShuttlePRO Dommand Keyboard Shortcut Command Description backwards ALT+←: jump of 1 sec. backwards Go to next Goes to the next picture. CTRL+→: jump of 10 frames forwards ALT+→: jump of 1 sec. forwards JOG 172 J o g Le f t Goes to the previous picture. J o g R i g ht Goes to the next picture.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 5.4 Issue 2.12.D XFILE CLIP INFO EXPORTER The XFile Clip Info Exporter is an external module that allows exporting the clip metadata of all the clips located in a given folder to an XML, TXT or CSV file. This option can be useful for printing purposes.
Issue 2.12.D 5.4.1 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 HOW TO EXPORT DATA TO AN XML, TXT OR CSV FILE You can export the metadata of all the clips located in a given folder to a TXT, XML of CSV file. To export data to an external file, proceed as follows: 1. Double-click the XFile Clip Info Exporter icon on the desktop to open the XFile_ClipInfo_Exporter window. Click the BROWSE button in the Folder to Scan area. The Browse for Folder window is displayed. 2.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 5.4.2 Issue 2.12.D CONFIGURING THE XFILE CLIP EXPORTER Configuring the XFile Clip Exporter consists in specifying which metadata fields have to be exported to the output files.
Issue 2.12.D 5.4.3 XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 FIELDS IN THE CONFIGURATION WINDOW The following table describes the various fields in the Configuration window: Field Description Drop-down list box in which the user selects the separator to be used in the TXT and CSV files to separate the metadata values of a clip. Left list box List of all selectable clip metadata. Right list box Selection of clip metadata that will be exported to an output file.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Field Description Button to export the selection of metadata fields into an external file. The configuration file is generated in the folder C : \Pr o g ra m Fi l e s\ E VS B r o ad c ast E qu i pme n t \X F ile and is called X F il e _C li p I nf o _Ex p o rt e r_C o n fi g _ F i le . xml . Button to move down one position the clip metadata selected in the right table.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 The file is generated in the folder C: \ P ro g ram F i l es\ E V S B r o ad c ast E qu i p me n t\X F i le and is called X F il e _C li p I nf o _Ex p o rt e r_C o n fi g _Fi l e .x m l . 5.4.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 5.5 STORYBOARD In the XFile List of the Maintenance mode, the Storyboard button is available for exporting data to HTML file format. 5.5.1 HOW TO EXPORT DATA TO HTML FILE (STORYBOARD) To export data to an HTML file, proceed as follows: 1. Press 2. Enter a filename for the HTML file. 3. Define a folder to save the thumbnails. 4. Select the data to include in the HTML file. 5.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Appendix 1: XF[2] Hardware HARDWARE DESCRIPTION The XFile software is installed in a workstation operating under Windows XP Pro. The standard system is Intel Core2 Duo E6300 Processor, Intel Motherboard with DRAM 1GB and an EVS PCX board. Note The PCX1 board is not compatible with XFile v2.00 and higher.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 INSTALLING A NEW HARD DISK The aim of the following procedure is to describe how to place and format a new storage hard disk into an XF[2]. It is divided into three parts: 1. Mounting the Disk into the Carrier 2. Creating a Partition on the Storage Disk 3. Disabling the Disk Indexing M OUNTING THE D ISK INTO THE C ARRIER 1. Configure the hard disk in Master mode.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D C REATING A P ARTITION ON THE S TORAGE D ISK 1. From the desktop, right click on My Computer and select Manage from the contextual menu. The Computer Management window opens. 2. Select Disk Management from the Storage section in the Computer Management tree view. The new disk will appear as Unkown and Not Initialized. A red icon is displayed next to the disk name. 3.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 HARD DISK CONFIGURATION EVS provides the following hard disks.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.D CREATING AND REINSTALLING A GHOST OF YOUR SYSTEM The aim of this procedure is to describe how to create a ghost image of your system and how to restore your system with an existing image. Note All delivering systems have a R: RESTORE partition located on the system disk.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 H OW TO C REATE A N EW G HOST I MAGE OF YOUR S YSTEM 186 1. Reboot the system on Bootable DVD (or USB key) which is delivered with the original system. On XFILE system, modify Boot priority in the BIOS settings in order to boot on the USB key. 2. For USB key only, select ‘EVS Ghost Backup or Restore’ in the menu. 3. In the ghost startup window, press [ENTER]. 4.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Issue 2.12.
Issue 2.12.D XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 Regional Contacts AM ERICA (NORTH & LATIN) EVS Americas Tel: +1 973 575 7811 Fax: +1 973 575 7812 Tech. line: +1 973 575 7813 usa@evs.tv Tel: +1 514 750 7544 Fax: +1 514 750 7518 Tech. line: +1 973 575 7813 usa@evs.tv EVS Australia Tel: +61 02 9452 8600 Fax: +61 02 9975 1368 Mobile: +61 420 307 387 sales@evs-asia.com.hk EVS China Tel: +86 10 6808 0248 Fax: +86 10 6808 0246 Tech.
XFile Version 2.12 – User Manual Issue 2.12.D EVS Broadcast Equipment – July 2009 EVS Middle East Tel: +971 4 365 4222 Fax: +971 4 425 3501 Mobile: +971 50 887 8758 middle-east@evs.tv EVS UK Tel: +44 1372 387 250 Fax: +44 1372 387 269 Tech. line: +44 1372 387 266 uk@evs.
EVS Broadcast Equipment Liège Science Park 16, rue Bois St Jean B-4102 Ougrée Belgium Corporate Headquarters North & Latin America Headquarters Asia & Pacific Headquarters Other regional offices available on +32 4 361 7000 +1 973 575 7811 +852 2914 2501 www.evs.tv/contact To learn more about EVS go to www.evs.
