Avid ProEncode ProEncode 1.7 User's Guide

“Sending a Clip or Sequence to ProEncode” on page 54 ) or in the Client

• Destination folder, as set in the Add Jobs dialog box (see

settings (see

“Avid Unity MediaNet Environment” on page 13 . For information

Sharing Folders in an Avid Unity MediaNet Environment

If you are working in an Avid Unity MediaNet environment, the media for the clip or sequence that you are encoding needs to be on a mounted MediaNet workspace. This workspace needs to be shared by the Client and the encoder. You cannot use media that is on a local drive. You also need to specify a shared workspace for the temporary folder and the destination folder.

For more information about Avid Unity MediaNet requirements, see

about configuring Avid Unity MediaNet clients, see the Avid Unity

MediaNet Windows Fibre Channel Client Setup Guide or the Avid Unity

MediaNet Macintosh Fibre Channel Client Setup Guide.

Sharing Folders in a LAN Environment

If you are working in a LAN environment, you must enable sharing

for the temporary folder (see “Setting the Location of the Temporary

File Folder” on page 26 ) and the destination folder (see

“Configuring a ProEncode Client” on page 46

). n

You do not need to explicitly enable sharing for the OMFI MediaFiles folders.

The Avid editing application automatically enables sharing for media folders.

To share folders on a Windows system:

1. Make sure you are logged in with administrative privileges.

2. Select the folder that you want to share.

3. Right-click the folder, and choose Properties from the shortcut menu.

4. Click the Sharing tab, and then select the Shared As option.

You can keep the folder name (the default) or change the name to one that you want to appear on the network. Accept the other default settings.

If you need to set permissions, make sure the encoders will have access to the folder.

5. Click OK.

The folder can now be shared.

6. On each encoding system, map the shared folders as network drives. For more information on mapping drives, see the Windows

Help.

Attaching the Application Key

The application key, commonly referred to as a dongle, allows the

ProEncode software to run on your system. It also lets you access only the number of encoders for which you have purchased licenses.

The application key must connect to a USB port on your system.

To attach the application key:

1. On the computer that will run the DMS Broker, locate a USB port.

2. Attach the application key to the port.

Do not lose the application key. Your ProEncode software does not function without it. If you lose your application key, you must purchase another key from Avid. n

If you are running a standalone system, the application key must be installed on the standalone system.

Setting Up the DMS Broker

For conceptual information about the

Broker, see

“DMS

Broker” on page 10 .

Setting up the DMS Broker requires the following procedures:

•

Installing the DMS Broker Software

•

Configuring the DMS Broker

Installing the DMS Broker Software

To install the DMS Broker software:

1. Insert the ProEncode CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.

If the installer doesn’t start automatically after you insert the

CD-ROM, do the following: a.

Double-click the My Computer icon.

b. Double-click the CD-ROM icon.

Double-click Launch.exe to start the installer.

The Avid Technology window opens.

2. Click Installers.

3. Click Install DMS Broker.

4. Follow the instructions in the installation program.

5. When the installation is complete, click Exit.

Configuring the DMS Broker

After you have installed the DMS Broker software, you can configure the Broker so that it sends an e-mail notification about the status of your encoding jobs. This configuration is necessary if you are using the NewsCutter Post to Web feature.

To configure the DMS Broker:

1. Click the Start button, point to Programs, point to Avid, and then select DMS Broker.

The DMS Broker window opens.

The DMS Broker window displays current information, including the host name for the system on which the Broker resides. The

DMS Broker uses the host name to identify itself on the network.

Note the Broker name because you need to supply it when you set up the ProEncode Provider and ProEncode Client.

2. Click the Settings button.

The Broker Settings dialog box appears.

3. Supply information for mailing notifications from the Broker to the Client: a.

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) Server: Type the name of your local mail server, such as mail.mycompany.com

If you don’t know your mail server, see your network administrator.

b. From Address: Type an e-mail address for the Broker, such as

[email protected]

(Option) Type an SMTP Username and Password if your network supports secure e-mail. These settings give the

Broker a name and password so that it can successfully send e-mail notification. If a network does not use secure e-mail, the settings do not apply and will be disregarded. d. Click OK.

Leave the DMS Broker window open while you install and configure the remaining ProEncode components.

Setting Up the DMS Administration Tool

For conceptual information about the

DMS Administration

Tool, see

“DMS

Administration Tool” on page 12 . For

information about

using it, see Chapter 4.

The DMS Administration Tool software is installed at the same time as the DMS Broker. The DMS Administration Tool uses accounts to access information. The default login for the DMS Administration Tool is the login name Administrator, without a password. You should give this account a password after installing the Broker software.

To change the Administration Tool account password:

1. Open a standard Web browser, either on the computer running the

DMS Broker or on another networked computer. You must use

Internet Explorer.

2. Type a URL for the DMS Broker in the following form: http://broker_name:8080

For example, http://broker1:8080

3. Press Enter (Windows) or Return (Macintosh).

You can find the Broker name in the Name field of the DMS Broker window.

The DMS Administration Tool login screen appears.

4. Type Administrator in the User Name text box.

5. Click Login.

The DMS Jobs page appears.

Mode selector

6. Click Users in the mode selector.

The Users page appears.

User Name link

7. Click the User Name link for the user you want to edit.

The Edit User window opens.

8. Type a password in the Password text box. Then, type it again in the Retype Password text box.

Passwords are case sensitive and can contain only letters, numbers, and underscores. They can be up to 255 characters in length. Passwords are optional, but Avid recommends a password for the Administrator account.

If you forget the Administration password, you need to delete and re-create all accounts. For more information, see

“Reassigning

Passwords” on page 81 .

9. Type a real name as you want it to appear on the Users page.

10. (Option) Type an e-mail address and phone number.

11. If the user you are editing is an administrator, select the Is

Administrator check box.

12. Click Save.

13. Close the Users page by closing the browser window.

Non-administrators can see and edit only their own user’s page.

Adding Users

You can create additional users from the DMS Users page.

To create users:

1. Click Users in the mode selector.

The Users page appears.

Add button

2. Click the Add button.

The Create User window opens.

3. Type the user name.

4. Type a password in the Password text box. Then, type it again in the Retype Password text box.

If you forget the Administration password, you need to delete and re-create all accounts. For more information, see

“Reassigning

Passwords” on page 81 .

5. Type a real name as you want it to appear on the Users page.

6. (Option) Type an e-mail address and phone number.

7. If the user you are creating is an administrator, select the Is

Administrator check box.

8. Click Save.

Installing the ProEncode Service

Before you set up the encoder, you must install the ProEncode service.

You must be an administrator to install the ProEncode service.

To install the ProEncode service:

1. Open the DMS Administration Tool (see

Installing and Configuring the Encoding Application

2. Click Services in the mode selector.

The Services page appears.

3. Click the Install button.

4. Browse to the ProEncode.zip file (located on the CD shipped with your system).

5. Click Install.

The ProEncode service will be installed.

Setting Up an Encoder

For conceptual information about the

ProEncode Provider, see

“ProEncode Provider” on page 11

Setting up an encoder requires the following procedures:

•

•

Installing the ProEncode Provider Software

•

Registering a ProEncode Provider with the DMS Broker

•

Configuring the ProEncode Provider

Repeat these procedures for each encoder that you add to a ProEncode system.

Installing and Configuring the Encoding Application

You must install the encoding application on the encoders. Each encoder needs its own registered copy of the encoding application. See the appropriate Appendix for information on installing the encoding application. For example, if you have cleaner 5 as the encoding application, see Appendix A.

Installing the ProEncode Provider Software

To install the ProEncode Provider software:

1. Quit all Windows applications.

2. Insert the ProEncode CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.

If the installer doesn’t start automatically after you insert the

CD-ROM, do the following: a.

Double-click the My Computer icon.

b. Double-click the CD-ROM icon.

Double-click Launch.exe to start the installer.

The Avid Technology window opens.

3. Click Installers.

4. Click Install ProEncode Provider.

5. Follow the instructions in the installation program.

6. When the installation is complete, click Exit.

The ProEncode Provider installer includes the Avid codecs for

QuickTime. A codec (a term derived from compressor and

decompressor) is hardware or software that compresses and decompresses data. Encoding applications require the Avid software codecs to decompress the QuickTime reference movie and create the final encoded movie.

Registering a ProEncode Provider with the DMS Broker

You use the DMS Administration Tool Providers page to register each

ProEncode Provider with the DMS Broker. This process supplies the

Broker with information about the encoder.

To register a ProEncode Provider with the DMS Broker:

1. Make sure the DMS Broker is running. See “Setting Up the DMS

Broker” on page 30

2. Make sure the ProEncode service is installed. See

“Installing the

ProEncode Service” on page 38 .

3. Open the DMS Administration Tool (see

Provider with the DMS Broker” on page 40

Administration Tool” on page 62

) on the system to be running the

Provider.

4. Click Providers in the mode selector.

The Providers page appears.

5. Click the Register button.

The Register Provider window opens.

6. Select the Service, in this case, ProEncode.

7. In the Provider Name text box, type the name of the encoder.

8. In the Application Name text box, type the name of the encoder application, such as ProEncode Provider.

9. Click Register.

The Provider will be registered.

Configuring the ProEncode Provider

After you have installed the ProEncode Provider software, you need to configure the Provider by choosing the appropriate settings.

To configure the ProEncode Provider:

1. Make sure the DMS Broker is running (see

“Configuring the

DMS Broker” on page 30

2. Click the Start button, point to Programs, point to Avid, and then select ProEncode Provider.

A message appears, informing you that you must supply the

Provider name and the Broker name.

3. Click OK.

The Provider Settings dialog box appears.

4. Specify the settings that you want, as described in

Table 2-2

Setting

ProEncode Provider Settings

Description

Provider Name Type the Provider name that you supplied when you registered the Provider. If you need to change the Provider name, you can type the new name here, but you also need to change it and re-register the Provider (see

“Registering a ProEncode

Broker Name

Automatically Connect Select Yes to connect to the Broker whenever the

Provider software is started. If you select No, you need to connect the Provider before you can use

ProEncode.

Settings Directory

Type the Broker name as shown in the DMS Broker window.

Point to the correct encoding application settings directory to let the Provider know where to go for the correct encoding application settings. Browse if necessary.

5. Click OK.

The Provider Settings dialog box closes.

6. In the ProEncode Provider window, click Connect to connect the

Provider to the Broker. If you selected Yes for Automatically

Connect in the Provider Settings dialog box, the Provider will connect automatically to the Broker.

7. After the connection is made, the Status line in the ProEncode

Provider window reads “Waiting for Jobs,” and the History window displays the message “Connection Established.” The

Connect button changes to Disconnect.

If the Provider cannot connect to the Broker, the Status line reads

“Connection Error.” Make sure the Broker is running, and then click Connect again.

Leave the ProEncode Provider window open.

8. To set up other encoders, see “Setting Up an Encoder” on page 39

Setting Up a ProEncode Client

Setting up a ProEncode Client requires the following procedures:

•

Installing the ProEncode Client Software

•

Configuring a ProEncode Client

Installing the ProEncode Client Software

To install the ProEncode Client software (Windows):

1. Insert the ProEncode CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.

If the installer doesn’t start automatically after you insert the

CD-ROM, do the following: a.

Double-click the My Computer icon.

b. Double-click the CD-ROM icon.

Double-click Launch.exe to start the installer.

The Avid Technology window opens.

2. Click Installers.

3. Click Install ProEncode Client.

4. Follow the instructions in the installation program.

5. When the installation is complete, click Exit.

To install the ProEncode Client software (Macintosh):

1. Insert the ProEncode CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.

2. Double-click the ProEncode Installer icon.

The ProEncode Install window opens.

3. Accept the default installation location from the Install Location pop-up menu, or choose another location.

4. Click Install.

The installation starts. When it is complete, a message appears.

5. Click Quit.

Configuring a ProEncode Client

After you have installed the ProEncode Client software, you must provide the Client with the Broker name.

The ProEncode Client installs a ProEncode Client applet also. The applet uses the settings from the DMS Settings dialog box in your Avid editing application Settings tab. For the applet to run properly, you must install Java

™

1.3. For information, see the Avid ProEncode Release

Notes.

Windows

ProEncode Client software includes optional settings that you can specify according to your work needs. If necessary, you can override these optional settings in the Add Jobs dialog box (see

“Sending a

Clip or Sequence to ProEncode” on page 54 ).

You can configure the ProEncode Client on a standalone system (a system that is not an Avid editing system), or you can configure the

ProEncode Client on an Avid editing system. See the following procedures.

To configure a standalone ProEncode Client:

1. Open the ProEncode Client window:

(Windows) Click the Start button, point to Programs, point to

Avid, and then select ProEncode Client.

(Macintosh) Open the ProEncode folder, and then double-click the ProEncode Client icon.

A message box appears, informing you that you must supply the

Broker name.

2. Click OK.

The Client Settings dialog box appears.

Macintosh

Specify the settings that you want, as described in

Table 2-3

Setting

ProEncode Client Settings

Default Source File

Description

Default Destination

Default Batch Name

Broker Name

(Option) Type the path and file name for the source

QuickTime reference movie. You can click the

Browse button to find and select the file.

(Option) Type the path for the folder where you want the final encoded movies to be sent. You can click the Browse button to find and select the path.

(Option) Type a name for the batch. The batch name appears in any notification messages you receive.

Type the Broker name as shown in the DMS Broker window.

3. Click OK.

The ProEncode Client window opens.

4. Click Quit.

A message box appears and asks if you really want to quit.

5. Click Yes.

The ProEncode Client window closes.

To configure a ProEncode Client on an Avid editing system:

1. Start your Avid editing application.

2. Click the Settings tab in the Project window.

The Settings scroll list appears.

3. Double-click DMS.

The DMS Settings dialog box appears.

4. Type the DMS settings using the descriptions in

Table 2-4

Setting

DMS Settings

Description

DMS Broker is available Click to make sure you are connected to the DMS

Broker. You can deselect this option to disconnect without losing your setting information.

DMS Broker

Username

Password

Type the Broker name as shown in the DMS Broker window.

Type your user name. You must be a registered user to submit jobs.

Type a password.

Table 2-4

Setting

Shared Storage

DMS Settings (Continued)

Description

Email address

Type the directory where you intend to save the

QuickTime reference movie. You can click the

Browse button to locate the directory.

(Option) If you select “Notify me of Job completion by email,” type your e-mail address.

Checking the Installation and Configuration

To check the ProEncode installation and configuration:

1. Make sure the DMS Broker is running. The Status line should read

“The Broker is currently running.” If at least one Provider is connected, the History window shows the message

“ListJobsWithInfo.”

2. Make sure the Providers and settings are registered with the

Broker: a.

Open the DMS Administration Tool (see

“Setting Up the

DMS Administration Tool” on page 32

b. Click Providers in the mode selector. You should see a list of the Providers you have registered along with their connection status.

Check Provider Details on the Providers page to see the settings.

For more information about using the DMS Administration Tool,

see Chapter 4.

3. Make sure each Provider is running. The Status line should read

“Waiting for Jobs.”

C HAPTER 3

Using ProEncode

This chapter describes how to use the ProEncode application. It includes the following sections:

•

Sending a Clip or Sequence to ProEncode

•

Adding a File to ProEncode

•

Monitoring the Encoding

Encoding a Clip or Sequence

There are two methods for encoding a clip or sequence:

• Select the clip or sequence within an Avid editing application, and

send it to ProEncode. See “Sending a Clip or Sequence to

ProEncode” on page 54 .

• Export a QuickTime movie or any other file that the encoding application can process, and add it to ProEncode. See

“Adding a

File to ProEncode” on page 58

Sending a Clip or Sequence to ProEncode

To send a clip or sequence to ProEncode:

1. Check the following:

Make sure the DMS Broker is running.

Make sure the ProEncode Provider software is running on the encoders you want to use.

You can submit jobs to the Broker even if no encoders are available. The

Broker will assign the jobs when one or more encoders become available.

However, you will not be able to select a specific provider.

2. In your Avid editing session, select the clip or sequence in one of the following ways: t Click the clip or sequence in a bin.

t Click in the Timeline.

t Click the monitor that displays the clip or sequence you want to export.

The Avid editing system will automatically create a QuickTime reference movie that includes all tracks of an entire clip or sequence. If you want to use

IN and OUT points or selected tracks, see “Exporting QuickTime

Reference Movies to ProEncode” on page 87 .

You can also right-click

(Windows) or Ctrl+click

(Macintosh) a clip or sequence in a bin, and choose Send To

ProEncode from the shortcut menu.

3. Choose DMS from the File menu, and choose ProEncode from the submenu.

The Avid editing system processes the sequence by rendering any unrendered effects, creating files for audio media, and creating a

QuickTime reference movie that points to video and audio media.

After the movie is created, the Add Jobs dialog box appears.

Profiles window

4. In the Add Jobs dialog box, the Source text box displays the location of the QuickTime reference movie created by the Avid editing system. Select the following parameters for the job: a.

In the Destination text box, type the path for the folder that will hold the encoded movie or click Browse to find and select the folder.

You can set a default destination in the Client Settings dialog box (see

(see “Configuring a ProEncode Client” on page 46 ). If you don’t

b. In the Profiles window, select a setting from the list.

This list includes all encoding application settings that have been registered with the Broker, organized by folder.

Double-click the Folder icon to view the individual settings within the folder.

Each setting is preceded by a colored Signal icon that indicates the following:

Color

Green

Amber

Red

Meaning

A Provider that can use this setting is online.

At least one Provider can use this setting, but it is not online.

You can submit a job, which will be processed when a

Provider that can use the setting becomes available.

No registered Provider can use this setting. This situation might occur if you create a custom setting on a Provider and then delete the Provider. You can use the DMS Administration

Tool to delete the setting.

Click Browse if you want to find and select a setting that is not currently registered with the Broker. For example, if you created a custom setting by using cleaner 5 on the Client, you can send that setting file along with the job to a particular encoder.

Select a priority for this job from the Priority list.

If there are multiple jobs, the priority determines which jobs are processed first.

d. (Option) Select a specific ProEncode Provider for this job from the Provider list.

Selecting a Provider may be necessary if you are sending a custom setting with the job. You can also use this setting to override whatever assignment the Broker would have made.

5. After you have selected the parameters, click Add To Batch.

The job is added to the current batch. You can now add another job to the batch. In most cases, you would use the same QuickTime reference movie with different parameters.

6. After you have added all jobs to your batch, click Close.

The Add Jobs dialog box closes, and the jobs are shown in the

ProEncode Client window, along with information about each job.

7. If you want to delete or change a job, select the job and click

Remove Job. You can then add the job again, using new parameters.

8. (Option) Type a name in the Batch Name text box.

A batch name identifies the group of jobs for notification. The batch name appears in any notification message sent by the

Broker. Jobs are not identified by batch in the DMS Administration

Tool.

You can set a default batch name in the Client Settings dialog box

name the batch, the DMS Administrator will monitor the batch using an internally generated job ID.

9. (Option) If you want to be notified about the failure or completion of the jobs in this batch, click Notification.

The Notification Settings dialog box appears.

10. Select the notification options you want. If you do not want to receive notification, do not select either check box. Click OK.

11. Click Submit.

A dialog box appears asking for user name and password. You must be a registered DMS user to submit jobs.

The Client sends information about all jobs in the batch to the Broker, which in turn assigns each job to a Provider. The Provider starts the encoding application, which processes the job. The Provider then sends information about the job to the DMS Broker. If you have chosen to receive a notification, the Broker sends a message to the Client.

Adding a File to ProEncode

You can use ProEncode to manage the encoding of any video or audio format that the encoding application can process, such as QuickTime,

AVI, or AIFF.

To add a file to ProEncode:

1. Make sure the file is in a folder that can be accessed by an encoder.

For more information, see “Sharing Folders” on page 27 .

2. Start the Client by pointing to the Start button, pointing to

Program Files, pointing to Avid, and then selecting ProEncode

Client.

The Add Jobs dialog box appears.

3. Type the path for the source file in the Source text box, or click

Browse and navigate to the file.

4. To encode the file, see

“Sending a Clip or Sequence to

ProEncode” on page 54

. Begin the procedure at step 4.

Monitoring the Encoding

For troubleshooting information, see

Appendix C.

After you submit the batch to be encoded, you can monitor the jobs using the following:

• DMS Administration Tool: The DMS Administration Tool gives you the most information for monitoring and managing jobs. For

complete information, see Chapter 4.

• DMS Broker and ProEncode Provider windows: Each window includes a Status line and a History window. The History window includes information that you can use for troubleshooting.

C HAPTER 4

Using the DMS

Administration Tool

The DMS Administration Tool lets you monitor and manage all aspects of your ProEncode system. This chapter includes the following sections:

•

The DMS Administration Tool

•

Opening the DMS Administration Tool

•

Exploring the DMS Administration Tool

•

Using the DMS Jobs Page

•

Using the DMS Providers Page

The DMS Administration Tool

The DMS Administration Tool is the user interface for viewing and managing the DMS Broker. Distributed Media Services (DMS) is the software infrastructure on which ProEncode is layered. For more information about DMS, see

“ProEncode Basics” on page 7 .

The DMS Administration Tool is a Web-based application that communicates with the DMS Broker’s built-in Web server. This communication lets you manage ProEncode through a browser from anywhere on the Internet.

The DMS Administration Tool performs two types of functions:

• Provides detailed information about the ProEncode system, based on lists of jobs, encoders, profiles, and users

• Provides controls for managing the ProEncode system, such as the ability to cancel jobs, delete ProEncode Providers, delete profiles, and create or delete users

Opening the DMS Administration Tool

You can use the DMS Administration Tool on any computer that has an Internet connection to the computer that is running the DMS

Broker.

To open the DMS Administration Tool:

1. Open a standard Web browser. You must use Internet Explorer 5.0.

2. Type a URL for the DMS Broker in the following form: http://broker_name:8080

For example, http://broker1:8080

3. Press Enter (Windows) or Return (Macintosh).

You can find the Broker name in the Name field of the DMS Broker window.

The DMS Administration Tool login screen appears.

4. Type your user name and password (see

“Using the DMS Users

Page” on page 77 ).

5. Click Login.

If the user name and password are accepted, the DMS Jobs page appears.

Exploring the DMS Administration Tool

The DMS Administration Tool user interface consists of four areas:

• Mode selector: Determines the DMS Administration Tool’s functional mode and which mode-related controls are displayed.

• Navigation controls: Appear only on the Jobs page. The controls

determine what jobs are displayed (see “Navigating the Jobs List” on page 68 ).

Mode selector

Navigation controls

• Control frame: Displays different options, depending on the mode in which you are working.

• Results frame: Displays information based on your choices in the control frame, as described in the following sections.

Mode

Jobs

Control frame

Results frame

Table 4-1 describes the five modes and where to find more

information about them.

Table 4-1

Description

ProEncode Modes

Section Reference

Displays the status and other information about jobs submitted to the DMS Broker. Lets you cancel, delete or retry jobs, depending on your level of privilege.

“Using the DMS Jobs Page” on page 65

Mode

Providers

Profiles

Services

Users

Table 4-1

Description

ProEncode Modes (Continued)

Section Reference

Displays information about encoders that are running ProEncode Provider software. Lets you add, delete, and view settings, depending on your level of privilege.

“Using the DMS Providers

Page” on page 73

Displays a list of application profiles that have been registered with the Broker. Lets you delete profiles, depending on your level of privilege.

ProEncode does not currently use this feature of Distributed Media Services.

Use to install services to DMS.

“Installing the ProEncode

Service” on page 38

Displays a list of user accounts. Lets you create, edit, and delete accounts, depending on your level of privilege.

“Using the DMS Users Page” on page 77

Using the DMS Jobs Page

The DMS Jobs page lets you view information about ProEncode jobs, cancel jobs, delete jobs, and retry jobs.

Opening the DMS Jobs Page

To open the DMS Jobs page: t Open the DMS Administration Tool (see

submitted to the DMS Broker. Table 4-2 describes the information

The DMS Jobs page appears by default after you log in to the DMS

Administration Tool. If the DMS Jobs page does not appear, click

Jobs in the mode selector.

DMS Jobs Page

The DMS Jobs page displays information about jobs you have

displayed on the DMS Jobs page.

Table 4-2 DMS Jobs Page Information

Jobs Page

Column

Status

Service

Job

User

Progress

Indicator (%)

Start Time

End Time

Description

The colors and icons in the display indicate the status of the job:

Yellow bar with no icon = Encoding is processing.

Green bar with Check Mark icon = Encoding is completed.

Gray bar with Stop icon = Encoding has been canceled.

Caution icon = Encoding has failed with an error.

Gray bar with no icon = Encoding is pending or is in a queue.

Lists the name of the installed service.

The name of the service the job was sent to.

The file name submitted by the ProEncode Client, with the encoding application

Setting name appended to it.

The owner name submitted by the ProEncode Client.

The percentage of the job completed.

The date and time that the encoding application started the encoding.

The date and time that encoding application finished the encoding.

Customizing the Jobs List

By default, the DMS Jobs page displays all ProEncode jobs that the

Broker is currently monitoring. You can customize your view to show only your jobs or to show only jobs in a selected state.

To customize the Jobs list:

1. Open the DMS Administration Tool (see

Table 4-3 provides information about all the entries on the Job Details

The DMS Jobs page appears by default after you log in to the DMS

Administration Tool. If the DMS Jobs page does not appear, click

Jobs in the mode selector.

2. In the control frame of the Jobs page, select ProEncode from the

Service list.

3. Select All Users or a user name from the User Name list.

The administrator account allows you to cancel or delete any job. Other accounts let you cancel only the jobs for that account. See

“Setting Up User

Accounts” on page 77 .

4. Select one of the following from the Status list:

All States: Displays all jobs with their current status

Processing: Displays only jobs that are currently being encoded

Completed: Displays only jobs that have been successfully encoded

Canceled: Displays only jobs that have been canceled through the Administrator

Error: Displays only jobs that have stopped with an error

Pending: Displays only jobs that are waiting to be encoded

5. Click the Filter button.

In the results frame, the DMS Jobs page displays jobs that match your choices.

Navigating the Jobs List

The DMS Administration Tool displays jobs in blocks of 15 jobs. It also organizes jobs in groups of 100. Using the following navigation controls, you can view the Jobs list.

To view the previous 15 jobs or the next 15 jobs: t

Click the Previous or Next button.

To view the previous group or the next group of 100 jobs: t Click the Previous Group or Next Group button. The DMS

Administration Tool displays the first 15 jobs of the group.

To view the beginning or the end of the entire list: t Click the First or Last button. The DMS Administration Tool displays the first 15 or the last 15 jobs of the list.

Updating the Jobs List

The Jobs list is automatically updated to show the progress and status of a job.

If any jobs have been added or deleted since you opened the Jobs page, the Refresh button is enabled in the upper right portion of the interface. This button indicates that you are able to update the Jobs list and view changes.

To update the Jobs list, do one of the following: t Click the Refresh button, if available.

t Click any navigation button.

Purging the Jobs List

To purge the Jobs list:

1. On the DMS Jobs page, click the Purge button.

The Purge Jobs window opens.

2. Select the applicable service from the Service list.

3. Select a particular user or Any User from the Submitted By list, depending on the jobs you want to purge.

4. Select which states of jobs you want to purge.

5. Click Purge.

The Jobs list no longer contains the jobs you selected.

If a purge fails, you will get a dialog box listing the job that failed to delete and a reason for the failure.

Viewing Details About a Job

You must be logged in as the job owner or an Administrator to view a job’s details.

To view details about a job: t On the DMS Jobs page, click the hyperlinked job name that appears in the Job column.

The Job Details window opens in a separate browser window.

Some of this information is also shown on the DMS Jobs page.

window.

Entry

Name

Service

State

Submitted By:

Priority

Provider

Requested Provider

Job ID

Batch ID

Submitted At

Started At

Completed At

Progress

Notification source

Table 4-3

Description

Job Details Window Information

A name automatically generated by the DMS Broker, consisting of a combination of the file name (as submitted to the ProEncode Client) and encoding application setting.

The DMS service; in this case, ProEncode.

The current status of the job (see

Table 4-2 on page 66 ).

The user name associated with the job, as submitted by the ProEncode Client.

The priority of the job, as submitted by the ProEncode Client.

The name of the encoder, as registered with the DMS Broker.

The name of the Provider requested, if one was specified.

A number automatically generated by the DMS Broker.

The number of the batch containing the job.

The date and time the job was submitted by the ProEncode Client to the DMS

Broker.

The date and time the encoding was started by the encoding application.

The date and time the encoding was completed by the encoding application.

The percentage of the job that has been encoded.

Displays whether notification of job completed or job error is enabled or disabled.

The location of the source file, as submitted by the ProEncode Client.

Entry destination ommCredentials mobid setting

Table 4-3

Description

Job Details Window Information (Continued)

The location for the finished file, as submitted by the ProEncode Client.

Information that allows ProEncode to interact with Avid Unity

MediaManager.

Identifies the media you are encoding.

The encoding application setting, as submitted by the ProEncode Client.

Canceling a Job

You can cancel a job that is in the Pending or Processing state. n

You can cancel only jobs that have been submitted under your name. If you have logged in as an Administrator, you can cancel any job.

To cancel a ProEncode job:

1. Open the DMS Administration Tool (see

2. On the DMS Jobs page, click the hyperlinked job name that appears in the Job column.

The Job Details window opens in a separate browser window.

3. Click Cancel Job.

A dialog box appears and asks if you are sure you want to cancel the job.

4. Click OK.

The job remains in the Jobs list but the state changes to Canceled.

Retrying a Job

You can retry a ProEncode job that is in the Canceled or Error state.

To retry a ProEncode job:

1. Open the DMS Administration Tool (see

2. On the DMS Jobs page, click the hyperlinked job name that appears in the Job column.

The Job Details window opens in a separate browser window.

3. Click Retry job.

The DMS Broker changes the state to Pending and places the job in the queue for the next available Provider.

Using the DMS Providers Page

The DMS Providers page displays information about computers that are running ProEncoder Provider software (encoders) and are registered with the DMS Broker.

Opening the DMS Providers Page

To open the DMS Providers page:

1. Open the DMS Administration Tool (see

Table 4-4 describes the information displayed on the DMS Providers

2. Click Providers in the mode selector.

The DMS Providers page appears.

DMS Providers Page

page.

Table 4-4

Providers Page

Column Description

DMS Providers Page Information

Provider Name

Service

The name of the encoder, as registered with the DMS Broker

The DMS service; in this case, ProEncode

Host Name The computer name of the Provider

Application Name The name of the Provider application; in this case, ProEncode Provider

Status Indicates whether the Provider is connected to the DMS Broker

Customizing the DMS Providers Display

By default, the DMS Providers page displays all Providers that are registered with the DMS Broker. You can customize your view to show only the connected Providers.

To customize the Providers display:

1. Open the DMS Administration Tool (see

2. Click Providers in the mode selector.

3. In the control frame of the Providers page, select ProEncode from the Service list.

4. Select All Providers or Connected from the Connection Status list.

5. Click the Filter button.

In the results frame, the DMS Providers page displays encoders that match your choices.

Deleting Providers

You must be logged in as an Administrator to delete Providers.

To delete a Provider:

1. Open the DMS Administration Tool (see

“Registering a ProEncode Provider with the DMS

2. Click Providers in the mode selector.

3. Click the check box to the left of the Provider’s name, and click

Delete.

A dialog box appears and asks if you are sure you want to delete the Provider.

4. Click OK.

The Provider is no longer registered with the DMS Broker. To register it again, see

Broker” on page 40

. n

The Register button appears only to users with Administrator privileges.

Using the DMS Users Page

The DMS Users page lets you create and manage user accounts. n

The default login for the DMS Administration Tool is the user name

Administrator, without a password. You should assign a password to this account after you install the DMS Broker. See

“Setting Up the DMS

Administration Tool” on page 32 .

Opening the DMS Users Page

To open the DMS Users page:

1. Open the DMS Administration Tool (see

2. Click Users in the mode selector.

The DMS Users page appears, listing user accounts in the User

Name column.

Setting Up User Accounts

To set up a user account:

1. Open the DMS Administration Tool (see

2. Click Users in the mode selector.

3. Click Add.

The Create User window opens.

4. Type a user name in the User Name text box.

User names and passwords are case sensitive and can contain only letters, numbers, and underscores. They can be up to 255 characters in length.

5. (Option) Type a password in the Password text box. Then, type it again in the Retype Password text box.

Passwords are not required.

6. Click Save.

Editing User Accounts

To edit a user account:

1. Open the DMS Administration Tool (see

2. Click Administration in the mode selector.

3. Click the link in the User Name column for the user you want to edit.

The Edit User window opens.

4. Make any required changes.

5. Click Save.

Deleting User Accounts

You must be logged in as an Administrator to delete user accounts.

To delete a user account:

1. Open the DMS Administration Tool (see

2. Click Users in the mode selector.

The Users page appears.

3. Click the check box to the left of the User Name for each account you want to delete.

4. Click Delete.

A dialog box appears and asks if you are sure you want to delete the user account.

5. Click OK.

The user account is deleted.

Reassigning Passwords

If a user forgets his or her password, you need to assign a new one. If the Administrator forgets his or her password, you need to delete and re-create all accounts.

To reassign a user password:

1. Open the DMS Administration Tool (see

2. Click Users in the mode selector.

The Users page appears.

3. Click the link in the User Name column for the user you want to edit.

The Edit User window opens.

4. Type a password in the Password text box. Then, type it again in the Retype Password text box.

5. Click Save.

To delete and re-create all accounts:

1. Open the DMS Administration Tool (see

6. Re-create all user accounts (see “Setting Up User Accounts” on page 77 ).

2. Click Users in the mode selector.

The Users page appears.

3. Click Select All.

4. Click Delete.

A dialog box appears and asks if you are sure you want to delete the user accounts.

5. Click OK.

The user accounts are deleted.

The user “Administrator” cannot be deleted. If you try to delete

Administrator, you will receive an error message.

A PPENDIX A

cleaner 5

Overview

cleaner 5 is a cross-platform solution that supports all major streaming media formats, including RealSystem, Windows Media

™

, QuickTime, and MP3, as well as AVI, MPEG-1, and MPEG-2. c

ProEncode requires cleaner 5.0.2 or later. ProEncode does not support earlier releases of cleaner or media cleaner

Pro.

You install cleaner 5 on each encoder and then register the Provider.

See

“Registering a ProEncode Provider with the DMS Broker” on page 40 .

When the Broker sends a job to an encoder, the ProEncode Provider starts cleaner 5, monitors the encoding, and sends information about the job to the Broker. cleaner 5 creates the output movies in the destination folder.

For more specific requirements, see the Autodesk Web site at www.autodesk.com.

Installing cleaner 5

You must install cleaner 5 on the encoders. Each encoder needs its own registered copy of cleaner 5.

After installing the application, you must start it so that it can build the initial list of cleaner settings. You also need to set preferences that enable cleaner to work efficiently with ProEncode.

ProEncode requires cleaner 5.0.2 or later. ProEncode does not support earlier releases of cleaner.

To install and configure cleaner 5 software:

1. Insert the cleaner 5 CD-ROM, and follow the on-screen or printed instructions.

2. Start the cleaner 5 application.

3. Choose Preferences from the Edit menu.

The cleaner 5 dialog box appears.

4. In the News & Updates section, select “Only when requested” from the list.

5. In the Processing section, select “Append setting to file name.”

This setting prevents the accidental overwriting of files. This might occur, for example, if you are processing for both MPEG-1

Video CD and MPEG-1web.

6. In the Streaming Server Paths section, type the streaming server paths you are using.

If you select a streaming setting through ProEncode and these text boxes are blank, the job will fail.

7. Click OK.

8. Quit Cleaner 5.

9. Continue with “Registering a ProEncode Provider with the DMS

Broker” on page 40

A PPENDIX B

Exporting QuickTime

Reference Movies

This appendix describes how to export QuickTime reference movies from an Avid editing application and then add them to ProEncode. It includes the following sections:

•

Exporting QuickTime Reference Movies to ProEncode

•

QuickTime Reference Export Options

Exporting QuickTime Reference Movies to

ProEncode

When you use the Send To ProEncode command to automatically send a clip or sequence to ProEncode, the Avid editing application creates a

QuickTime reference movie that includes default settings. These settings are listed in

“QuickTime Reference Export Options” on page 92 . If you prefer to use other settings, you can export a

QuickTime reference movie from the Avid application or another application that supports QuickTime reference movies and add it to

ProEncode.

The source folder, destination folder, and media must be on a shared drive or on shared storage. See

“Sharing Folders” on page 27 .

Use this procedure if you have any of the following applications:

• Symphony Release 3.1 or later

• Media Composer or Film Composer Release 10.1 (Windows or

Macintosh) or later

• Avid Xpress Release 4.1 or later

• NewsCutter Release 2.0 or later

For other applications from which you are exporting, see their documentation.

To export a QuickTime reference movie:

1. Identify the clip or sequence that you want to export in one of the following ways: t To export specific tracks in a clip or sequence, enable those tracks in the Track Selector panel, and disable all others.

t To export part of a clip or sequence, mark IN and OUT points. t To export the entire clip or sequence, clear IN and OUT points, and make sure the topmost video and audio tracks are monitored.

2. Select the clip or sequence in one of the following ways: t Click the clip or sequence in a bin. t Click in the Timeline window.

t Click the monitor that displays the clip or sequence you want to export.

3. Choose Export from the File menu.

The Export As dialog box (Windows) or a destination dialog box

(Macintosh) appears.

Windows

Macintosh

4. Select the Export settings by doing one of the following: t If you created a setting in advance, choose the setting from the

Export Setting list and go to step

10 .

t If you want to create or edit a setting, go to step

5. Click Options.

The Export Settings dialog box appears.

6. Choose QuickTime Reference from the Export As pop-up menu.

The Export Settings dialog box displays the QuickTime Reference options.

7. Select the necessary QuickTime Reference options as described in

Table B-1 .

If you want to create a movie with IN and OUT points, enabled tracks, or both, select the appropriate options in the upper right corner of the dialog box.

8. Click Save As.

The Save Export Setting dialog box appears.

9. Type a name for the setting in the Setting Name text box, and click

OK.

The Export As dialog box (Windows) or the destination dialog box

(Macintosh) appears, with the default QuickTime reference movie file name extension in the File name text box.

10. Select the destination folder for the file.

Make sure an encoder can access the destination folder. For more information, see

“Sharing Folders” on page 27

11. (Option) Change the file name.

12. Click Save.

The file is exported and appears at the chosen destination.

If the export process is interrupted, the entire file is unusable. You need to repeat the export process.

To encode a clip or sequence, see “Adding a File to ProEncode” on page 58 .

QuickTime Reference Export Options

When you use the Send To ProEncode command to automatically send a clip or sequence to ProEncode, the Avid editing application creates a

QuickTime reference movie that includes the following settings:

• Flatten Video Tracks

• Fill Spaces with Black

• Render All Video Effects

• Premix Audio Tracks

• Use Network Media References

• Add Shares for Media Drives

• Pixel Aspect Ratio: Square

If you want to use different options, export a QuickTime reference movie as described in

“Exporting QuickTime Reference Movies to

ProEncode” on page 87 .

Table B-1 describes the QuickTime Reference options in the Export

Settings dialog box.

Options

Use Marks

Table B-1 Export Settings Dialog Box

QuickTime Reference Options

Description

When this option is selected, the system uses current IN and OUT points in the selected clip or sequence to determine the starting and ending frames for export. To export the entire clip or sequence, deselect this option.

Table B-1 Export Settings Dialog Box

QuickTime Reference Options (Continued)

Description Options

Use Enabled Tracks When this option is selected, the system uses tracks that are enabled in the

Timeline. To export the entire clip or sequence, deselect this option.

Flatten Video Tracks When this option is selected, the composition is exported as one video track. When this option is deselected, one QuickTime video track is generated for each video track in the composition, and you cannot select

Fill Spaces with Black. Because most third-party applications do not understand multiple QuickTime video tracks, it is a good idea to select this option. This option is selected automatically if you selected the Fast

Draft Defaults and the Digital Mastering Defaults options.

Fill Spaces with Black When this option is selected, blank spaces in video tracks are filled with black in the QuickTime movie. Because QuickTime movies do not recognize blank spaces, it is a good idea to select this option. When this option is deselected, a QuickTime movie might interpret spaces in the video track as gray or the background of the player. This option is selected automatically if you selected the Fast Draft Defaults and Digital

Mastering Defaults options.

Render All Video Effects When this option is selected, all unrendered video effects, including matte keys and titles, are rendered before export. When this option is deselected, any unrendered effects are ignored. This option is selected automatically if you selected the Digital Mastering Defaults option.

Premix Audio Tracks

Fast Draft Defaults

When this option is selected, the audio tracks in the composition are mixed to stereo AIFF-C files created at the same location as the movie.

When this option is deselected, the original audio is exported. This option is selected automatically if you selected the Digital Mastering Defaults option.

Click this button for a faster export. This button automatically selects

Flatten Video Tracks and Fill Spaces with Black. It automatically deselects

Render All Video Effects and Premix Audio Tracks.

Digital Mastering

Defaults

Click this button to render all video effects and premix audio tracks before exporting the file. This button automatically selects Flatten Video Tracks,

Fill Spaces with Black, Render All Video Effects, and Premix Audio

Tracks.

Table B-1 Export Settings Dialog Box

QuickTime Reference Options (Continued)

Description Options

Use Network Media

References

When this option is selected, the exported movie uses the machine and share name of the media drive in the QuickTime reference movie instead of a drive letter. Select this option when the media files referenced by the movie are accessed remotely over the network. If the media files are stored on the same drive as the QuickTime reference movie, you do not need to select this option. When this option is deselected, Add Shares for

Media Drives appears dimmed.

Add Shares for Media

Drives

When this option is selected, the system creates a new drive share for referenced media files stored on unshared network drives. The drive share is hidden; that is, other users do not see the shared drive when browsing your computer. You do not need to select this option when media is stored on the same drive as the QuickTime reference movie.

Pixel Aspect Ratio The pixel aspect ratio allows you to apply a scaling to the video: Square,

4:3 Non-Square, or 16:9 Non-Square. The pixel aspect ratio allows you to control the display format without modifying the source file.

This feature creates metadata — additional data that is stored with the

QuickTime movie. Some applications, such as the QuickTime Player and

Avid ePublisher, can interpret this metadata and scale the image at display time.

The pixel aspect ratio is useful for QuickTime reference movies because you do not modify the source files of referenced movies. For example, if your source movies are stored at the standard 720 x 486 for NTSC

(720 x 576 for PAL), you can create two different QuickTime reference movies that use the same referenced source files — one that uses 4:3 and another that uses 16:9.

A PPENDIX C

Troubleshooting ProEncode

This appendix provides information on troubleshooting your

ProEncode system. If you have problems encoding jobs with

ProEncode, see the following sections:

•

Finding Solutions for Specific Problems

•

General Troubleshooting Procedure

•

Checking the User Information File

•

Checking the Log File

Finding Solutions for Specific Problems

See

Table C-1 for problems, probable causes, and solutions.

Table C-1 Troubleshooting ProEncode

Probable Cause Solution Problem

DMS Broker

The Broker does not start and displays an application key error.

There is no application key or the application key is not working properly.

Make sure the application key is properly connected (see

“Attaching the Application

Key” on page 29 ). Then,

reinstall the Broker software

(see “Installing the DMS

Broker Software” on page 30

ProEncode Provider

The Provider cannot contact the Broker. The error message “Connection Error -

Unknown Provider” appears.

The Provider has not been registered.

“Registering a ProEncode

Provider with the DMS

Broker” on page 40 ).

The Broker is not running.

Start the Broker.

The Provider settings have an incorrect name for Provider, Broker, or both.

Change the settings for the

Provider (see

“Configuring the

ProEncode Provider” on page 42 ).

The Provider does not start the encoding application.

The encoding application is not installed on the computer.

On a Windows system, Internet

Explorer 5.5 is not installed.

Install the encoding application

(see the appropriate Appendix).

See the Avid ProEncode Release

Notes.

Table C-1 Troubleshooting ProEncode (Continued)

Probable Cause Solution Problem

Processed jobs are output to an incorrect or unknown location.

The folder specified in the ProEncode

Client Add Jobs dialog box is incorrect or does not exist.

Make sure the output folder exists (see

“Configuring a

ProEncode Client” on page 46

“Sending a Clip or

Sequence to ProEncode” on page 54 ).

SETTINGS ERROR message appears in the encoding application, and no jobs encode.

The drive or workspace specified for output is not available.

Make sure the drive or workspace is online and shared

correctly (see “Sharing

Folders” on page 27

On a Macintosh client, the Avid Unity

Server name is incorrect.

Specify the correct Avid Unity

Server name (see