Product Description
The K2 Media Client is a cost-effective Broadcast Enterprise Server that incorporates IT server platform and storage technologies to deliver a networked solution to facilities for ingest, playout, news integration, and media asset management. It is a comprehensive platform that provides a suite of user applications and system tools.
The K2 Media Client is designed for “headless” operation from a remote control point.
The K2 Media Client product is further described in the following sections:
K2 Media Client features
This section provides an overview of K2 Media Client features. Refer to Specifications for details.
The following features are common to all models:
- Four channels (maximum) per chassis
- SDI video inputs and outputs
- AES/EBU or embedded audio inputs and outputs.
- Redundant power supply, RAID 1 protected Windows XP system disk, cooling fans for reliability
- RAID media storage
- Remote operation and configuration via AppCenter workstation
- NetCentral™ provides remote error reporting and monitoring via SNMP (Optional for models using internal storage only)
- Gibagit Ethernet
- AMP, VDCP, and BVW remote control protocols supported
- Remote control over RS-422 or Ethernet
- GPI Trigger (12 I/O)
- Support for import of various media and graphics file formats, with transcode as necessary to native file format.
Features of Standard Definition models
Standard definition (SD) models are SD-only, in that they neither encode nor decode high-definition video. SD-only models have bi-directional video codecs, which means each of the four channels can be configured to be either a record or a play channel. You can encode and decode video using the DVCAM, DVCPRO or MPEG-2 compression standards. You can play clips of any of these compression types through any play channel without any configuration changes. For example, you can play DV, DVCPro25, DVCPro50, and MPEG-2 clips back-to-back on the same timeline.
SD-only models support encode and decode of VBI data.
Features of High Definition models
High definition (HD) models are really HD/SD, in that they can process either SD or HD video. However, only the MPEG-2 compression standard is used in these HD/SD models. In addition, these models use dedicated encoders for recording and dedicated decoders for playing. The number and type (record or play) of channels in the chassis is determined by the model.
Record channels can record either SD or HD through an HD encoder. Play channels play both SD and HD clips through an Agile HD decoder. Both HD and SD clips are played out in the format specified for the output assigned to the channel. All clips are either up- or down-converted appropriately to play on that output, and their aspect ratios are adjusted. For example, you can play 50 Hz SD 625, HD 1080i at 25 Hz, and HD 720p at 50 Hz clips back-to-back on the same timeline.
HD/SD models support encode and decode of SD VBI data and HD Ancillary data, with appropriate up/down conversion for playout.
Features of internal storage models
Both HD/SD and SD-only models are available with internal storage, consisting of 12 disk drives configured as six RAID 1 pairs, or LUNs. One LUN is the system drive, while five LUNs are for media storage. This makes the internal storage K2 Media Client a self-contained, stand-alone unit, with no external devices for storage, audio, or video connections required. You can transfer media in and out of the internal storage K2 Media Client via Gigabit Ethernet.
Refer to Managing Internal Storage for more information.
Features of external storage models
Both HD and SD-only models are available as external storage clients. Multiple external storage K2 Media Clients connect to the K2 storage system via Gigabit Ethernet to share a common pool of storage. The external storage K2 Media Client contains two internal disk drives that make up the RAID 1 system drive.
Refer to External Storage and the K2 Storage System Instruction Manual for more information.
Introducing K2 Media Client models
The following sections provide overview descriptions of the different K2 Media Client models.
Introducing the SD-04
The SD-04 model has four SD bidirectional channels. Each bi-directional channel can be configured as either a record channel or a play channel depending upon your needs at the time. You can have four record channels, four play channels, or a combination of record and play channels.
The illustration below shows the SD-04 with internal storage.
The illustration below shows the SD-04 with external storage. You can connect multiple SD-04 models or other external storage models to a K2 storage system to share a common pool of storage.
Introducing the HD-02
HD-02 model has two output channels and internal storage. Output channels are Agile, in that you can configure each channel to output either SD or HD; the clips (either SD or HD) are automatically up-converted or down-converted accordingly.The illustration below shows the HD-02 with internal storage.
The illustration below shows the HD-02 with external storage. You can connect multiple HD-02 models or other external storage models to a K2 storage system to share a common pool of storage.
This is a playout-only unit, with media input via transfer.
Introducing the HD-03
The HD-03 model has three output channels and internal storage. Output channels are Agile, in that you can configure each channel to output either SD or HD; the clips (either SD or HD) are automatically up-converted or down-converted accordingly.The illustration below shows the HD-03 with internal storage.
The illustration below shows the HD-03 with external storage. You can connect multiple HD-03 models or other external storage models to a K2 storage system to share a common pool of storage.
This is a playout-only unit, with media input via transfer.
Introducing the HD-04
The HD-04 model has four output channels and internal storage. Output channels are Agile, in that you can configure each channel to output either SD or HD; the clips (either SD or HD) are automatically up-converted or down-converted accordingly. The illustration below shows the HD-04 with internal storage.
The illustration below shows the HD-04 with external storage.You can connect multiple HD-04 models or other external storage models to a K2 storage system to share a common pool of storage.
This is a playout-only unit, with media input via transfer.
Introducing the HD-12
The HD-12 model has one input channel, two output channels, and internal storage. The input channel can be configured to record either SD or HD. Output channels are Agile, in that you can configure each channel to output either SD or HD; the clips (either SD or HD) are automatically up-converted or down-converted accordingly. The illustration below shows the HD-12 with internal storage.
The illustration below shows the HD-12 with external storage. You can connect multiple HD-12 models or other external storage models to a K2 storage system to share a common pool of storage.
Introducing the HD-13
The HD-13 model has one input channel, three output channels, and internal storage. The input channel can be configured to record either SD or HD. Output channels are Agile, in that you can configure each channel to output either SD or HD; the clips (either SD or HD) are automatically up-converted or down-converted accordingly. The illustration below shows the HD-13 with internal storage.
The illustration below shows the HD-13 with external storage.You can connect multiple HD-13 models or other external storage models to a K2 storage system to share a common pool of storage.
Introducing the HD-22
The HD-22 model has two input channels, two output channels, and internal storage. The input channels can be configured to record either SD or HD. Output channels are Agile, in that you can configure each channel to output either SD or HD; the clips (either SD or HD) are automatically up-converted or down-converted accordingly. The illustration below shows the HD-22 with internal storage.
The illustration below shows the HD-22 with external storage.You can connect multiple HD-22 models or other external storage models to a K2 storage system to share a common pool of storage.
Front panel indicators
With the front bezel in place, the indicator LEDs are visible. The LEDs indicate the status of the machine. For example, when the Service LED is a steady yellow light, this could signify that one of the power cables is unplugged. For more information on indicator LEDs, see the K2 Media Client Service Manual.
With the front bezel flipped down, you have access to the standby switch, USB port, and the removable media drive.
Rear panel view
The following drawings identify the rear panel connectors and components. The cards are in different locations for the SD and HD/SD rear panels. For information on how the connectors map to the SD and HD/SD K2 Media Client channels, see RS-422 ports and channels.
NOTE: In both the SD and HD/SD models, the GigE port 3/port 4 board can be replaced by an FC board (optional).SD rear panel view
HD rear panel view
K2 Media Client system overview
The K2 Media Client is a standard PCI bus-based Windows computer with extensive enhancements to provide the video disk recorder functionality. This section explains the major architectural blocks.
Application System
The Application system architecture is similar to that of standard PC-type computers. It uses an ATX form factor motherboard which provides PCI board slots for expansion, built in Ethernet, and USB ports.
Standard boards are as follows:
- Graphics Board — This board provides enhanced performance for screen graphics and a connection for a VGA monitor.
- RS422 Boards — The K2 Media Client has two RS422 boards. These standard boards provide four RS-422 ports for connecting remote control devices.
- Dual Ethernet Board — This board provides additional Gigabit Ethernet ports, which are required for redundant (teamed) connections and the connection to the media network for external storage models.
- RAID Controller — This board provides the RAID functionality and SCSI connection for the internal disk drives. This includes both media and system drives for internal storage models, but just the RAID 1 pair of system drives for external storage models. The external ports on this board are not used.
The Application system uses a Windows operating system upon which all K2 Media Client applications run for configuration and control of the unit.
Real Time System
The Real Time system uses Grass Valley boards to provide the core video disk recorder functionality. Primary components are as follows:
- Real Time Processor (RTP) Board — This board provides a dedicated processor and connections for media access and processing. It functions as a riser board, connecting to the PCI slot below and the Codec board above.
- Codec Board — This board hosts the circuits responsible for encoding/decoding video and processing audio and timecode. It also provides the majority of the media-related input and output connectors.
- XLR Board — This board provides XLR connectors, which are used for LTC inputs and outputs. It is primarily an extension of the codec board to allow the space and orientation required for XLR connections.
The Real Time system uses a dedicated operating system. This operating system runs on the RTP board and manages all the hardware involved in controlling the flow of video, audio, timecode, genlock, and GPI in and out of the K2 Media Client.
Media control and processing
The following section explains how the Application system and the Real Time system work together to provide K2 Media Client functionality.
The high processing requirements of digital video can overwhelm the processor on a standard desktop PC, resulting in wait-times that destroy the video’s essential real-time aspect. The K2 Media Client avoids this problem by providing dedicated systems that isolate processing needs. The components that work together to provide this functionality are as follows:
The Application system is, at its core, a conventional desktop PC-type system. In the K2 Media Client it is dedicated to control, configuration, and networking functions that do not require real-time accuracy. The Application system has the following components:
- Application software provides the user interface for operating the K2 Media Client. The software runs as Windows programs.
- The Media File system manages clips. It includes a database that associates the clip with its video, audio, and timecode files and a dedicated file system (separate from the Windows file system) that controls access to the raw data that makes up each file. Any reading and writing of clips, be it through play and record operations or through file transfers and media streaming, is managed by the database. The database and file system run as Windows programs.
The Storage system includes the media disk drives, controllers, drivers, and adapters necessary for access and movement of the data. While the primary data flow is within the overall control of the Real Time system, some components and their communication pathways cross over into the Application system. For example, the RAID controller board plugs into the motherboard and accesses media drives in internal storage models, yet it is controlled by Windows. The media drives appear as the V: drive to the Windows operating system.
The Real Time system manages the media flow between the Storage system and the inputs and outputs. The Real Time system has a dedicated processor and time-sensitive mechanisms to serve media processing needs while maintaining real-time accuracy.
When you control play and record operations from within the Application system you trigger a chain of events that eventually crosses over into the Real Time system and results in media access. The following sequence is an example of this type of chain of events:
- A user operates the Player application to play a particular clip. The Player application asks the Media File system for permission to access the clip. The Media File system grants access. In external storage models, the Media File system enforces shared storage policies in order to grant the access. When access is granted, the Player application initiates play access to the clip.
- The database identifies the files that make up the clip and the file system instructs the Storage system to open access to the files.
- The Storage system finds the raw data and opens the appropriate read access. At this point both the Application system and the Real Time system are involved. Windows controls the media drives and controllers, so the Real Time system makes file requests to Windows and it causes the data to be transferred to buffers on the Real Time processor. The data is then available to the Real Time system so that it can be processed at exactly the right time.
- The Real Time system processes the media, decompresses it, adjusts its timing, and moves it as required to play the clip as specified by the user.
Locations of rear panel boards
Boards are mapped to rear panel slots as follows:
Board Slot in SD-only models Slot in HD/SD models Comments ATX Motherboard — — — Dual Ethernet1 2 5 Plugs into PCI bus RS422 3 3 Occupies a rear panel slot but does not plug into a PCI bus. Graphics 4 4 Plugs into PCI bus RTP 5 2 Plugs into PCI bus RAID controller 6 6 Plugs into PCI bus RS422 7 7 Occupies a rear panel slot but does not plug into a PCI bus.
1Can be replaced by an FC board (optional)RS-422 ports
The Windows COM port assignments to the physical RS-422 port connectors on a K2 Media Client are described in the following illustration. For information on the relationship between RS-422 ports and K2 Media Client channels, see RS-422 ports and channels. For information about RS-422 connectors, see Connecting RS-422. The RS-422 ports correspond to internal USB hubs. For more information on USB see Enabling and disabling the USB ports.
NOTE: The designations P1, P2, P3, P4 in this illustration refer to Port 1, Port 2, and so on. Do not confuse them with the HD/SD K2 Media Client Player channels P1, P2, etc.
RAID drive numbering
RAID drives are numbered as follows. This numbering is displayed in Storage Utility and on the K2 Media Client chassis RAID drive labeling. You can see the labeling when you remove the fan module.
Copyright Thomson Broadcast and Media Solutions, Inc. http://www.thomsongrassvalley.com |