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The
hardware components of AVECO automation systems
include: |
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Server:
The PC automation
server runs the automation software modules, houses
the database, controls devices and runs the client
applications (the graphical user interfaces).
The PC automation server contains the VRP genlock
card with the option of housing a number of ILC
and other communication cards. An Ethernet network
card connects the automation servers to each other
and to automation terminals. If a connection to
external planning systems is required, another
network card is installed for this purpose. Servers
can also include a secondary hard disc installed
for backing up the system and data. An automation
system can include any number of automation servers
connected in LAN or WAN configurations. There
are two different versions of the server available:
Server, industrial version:
Here a rackmount industrial PC is
used as the automation sever. It is built in a
rugged 19" chassis with dual, hot-swappable
disk drives and power supplies, dust filters and
many slots for expansion cards.
The industrial server's standard
package includes:
- 8 RS422 ports for VTRs and videoserver
channels (2 ILC cards) expandable to 24 ports.
- 8 RS232 and 8 RS422 ports for
mixers, routers and auxiliary equipment expandable
to 128 by adding breakout boxes.
If more ports are needed then additional
server(s) should be used.
Server, minitower version:
Here a minitower PC is used as the
automation server. The minitower variant is cost-effective.
It is used when a standalone box or small network
of automation servers are all that is required
and when only a few devices need automated control.
The minitower server's standard
package includes:
- 8 RS422 ports for VTRs and videoserver
channels (2 ILC cards) expandable to 12 ports.
- 8 RS232 and 8 RS422 ports for
mixers, routers and auxiliary equipment expandable
to 128 by adding breakout boxes.
If more ports are needed then additional
server(s) should be used.
Standby control server:
A standby server is a fully equipped
control server plus a serial switchover unit that
can be manually switched to run the automation
system. This server regularly receives backup
copies of the playlists and database from the
main server. In case of a failure of the main
automation server automation control can be transferred
to the standby server.
Mirrored control server:
A mirrored control server is a fully
equipped automation server plus a serial switchover
unit that will automatically take control of the
automation system should the diagnostics subsystem
determine the main server has failed. The mirrored
server can assume control of the automation process
within the vertical blanking period so the on-air
signal remains intact when the main automation
server fails.
Terminal:
The diskless PC which runs the graphical
user interface and the client applications is
called the terminal. Each terminal is equipped
with the PC keyboard, mouse and the user keyboard
with the transport control buttons, jog wheel
and other dedicated buttons.
The dedicated keyboard with jog/shuttle
wheel and with programmable functional buttons
facilitates clip handling, marking IN and OUT
frames, cueing, timing, trimming and reviewing
clips.
VRP card:
The server uses this card for locking
up to the studio reference signal. The card also
holds eight optoisolated GPI inputs and sixteen
GPI relay outputs.
ILC card:
The Intelligent line controller
(ILC) card manages four RS422 lines. A microprocessor
placed on each ILC card manages RS422 traffic
in SONY, Odetics or Profile Native protocols and
thus offloads the host PC processor.
Serial communication card:
This is used for communication with
devices controlled by protocols other than SONY,
Odetics or Profile Native, either via RS422 or
RS232.
Rackmount barcode reader:
Barcode reader is 1U unit which
can be mounted in the rack above the individual
VTRs to identify tapes loaded into the VTRs by
barcode. Supports all existing barcode standards.
Requires barcode labels to be attached on the
top side of the tapes.
Serial changeover unit:
The serial change over unit
provides a connection point for cabling to devices
from more than one source. When automation servers
are mirrored, the serial switchover unit houses
connections from both servers to the same devices.
The unit will switch control from one server to
the other as directed by diagnostic subsystems.
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