Alchemist Live SDI. User Guide

Transcription

1 Alchemist Live SDI User Guide

2 Version History Date Version Release by Reason for Changes 16/01/ Jon Metcalf Initial release 18/01/ Jon Metcalf Update several bitmaps & reverse NIC designation. Version Number: SAM Page 2 of 71

3 Table of Contents 1. Introduction System Requirements / Prerequisites Alchemist Live SDI Hardware SAM Live Architecture Installing RollCall Control Panel (RCP) Using RCP via IP Proxy Service Configuring RollCall Proxy Connecting to Alchemist Live using RCP SAM Live Template Agent Configuration Standard Agent Configurations Available Agents Configured Agents SAM Live Host Logging SAM Live Host Setup RollCall Port Misc Unit Name License Server Log Server Configuring Alchemist Live Alchemist Live Unit Status Alchemist Live Input Status Alchemist Live Output Status Alchemist Live Input Input Configuration: SDI Input / SDI Quad Link Alchemist Live Output Output Configuration: SDI Input / SDI Quad Link Alchemist Live Conversion Video Input: Interlaced / PsF / Progressive Video Output: Interlaced / PsF / Progressive Conversion Mode and Aperture Aspect Ratio: various Blanking: Left / Right / Top / Bottom Alchemist Live Utilities Proc Amp: Y Gain / C Gain / Black Level Luma Clipper: White Max / White Knee / Black Min / Black Knee Color Space Conversion: Auto / REC601 / BT709 / BT HDR Conversion: BT2020: PQ / S-Log 3 / HLG / HDR Page 3 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

4 7.7.5 RGB Legalizer: Off / 700mV / 721mV / 735mV / Custom Alchemist Live Logging Alchemist Live Setup Unit Name Agent STOP Misc: Version / Start Time / Proc ID / CPU Mask / Current Log Server IP Routing RTP Input Configuration Hardware Configuration The Console Introduction Accessing the Console Configure Network Set Time and Date Upgrade SAM Live Add New License Display Status Retrieve Operational Logs Restart Shut Down IPMI Introduction IPMI IP Address Configuration Remote Access via Control Panel Embedded Java Applet Appendix A. IPMI Username / Password Appendix B. System Latency Appendix C. BIOS Settings List of Tables Table 1: Table of Terminology... 5 Table 2: Supported Resolution/Framerate Table 3: Latency Tables High Framerates Table 4: Latency Tables Low Framerates Version Number: SAM Page 4 of 71

5 Definitions, Acronyms and Abbreviations Table 1: Table of Terminology Term Anamorphic Definition A method of carrying wide screen content, in a comparatively narrower aspect ratio transport. GPU Graphical Processing Unit. Very efficient, highly parallel compute engine for advanced image processing techniques. HDR High Dynamic Range. Is a representation that allows extended dynamic range (darker darks, brighter whites) by means of new transfer functions (EOTF/OETF) and Wide Color Gamut (WCG), which replaces the traditional CRT gamma curve and BT709 colour space. License file Defines the quantity of products available License Server An application that manages product licenses Locking code Lock code based on specific locking criteria. xfile products are locked to host machine the sentinel service is installed on Ph.C Phase Correlation: SAM s advanced motion estimation algorithm. RollCall SAM s generic remote control application. SAM Live Agent Virtual software instantiation which adopts a product type to perform a particular media processing function. SAM Live Host Host software application which manages one or more SAM Live agents. SDR Standard Dynamic Range: traditional CRT gamma curve defined by BT709 colour space in HD and by REC601 in SD. Synchro An Alchemist Live conversion mode, where conversion is achieved by a process of either repeating, or dropping source frames. No picture building is performed. WCG Wide Color Gamut. ITU-R BT.2020 works together with the HDR functionality to offer a much wider color gamut than the traditional BT.709. Page 5 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

6 1. Introduction Alchemist Live SDI offers the very best motion compensated framerate conversion for Live IP and SDI media streams. Supporting SD, HD, 1080p, UHD, 4K and HDR Alchemist Live provides transparent, artefact free conversion enabling seamless global distribution of live media. Alchemist Live consists of software architecture combined with start of the art COTS hardware to offer SAM s industry leading framerate conversion quality in a 4U turnkey solution. Alchemist Live offers native support for a single channel of UHD/4K, or up to three channels of 1080p, making it the most flexible solution available today. In addition, a suite of HDR processing tools are included enabling real-time conversion of SDR to HDR, HDR to SDR and HDR to other HDR formats. The control interface for Alchemist Live is SAM s generic RollCall control platform (available as a free download). Alchemist Live runs on the SAM Live software framework. This software architecture is the common platform for all the products in the SAM Live product portfolio. It consists of a Host software application which manages software agents. Agents adopt a product type based on licenses installed. For Alchemist Live, an agent represents a channel of process. In single channel UDH/4K mode one agent will be running, and in three channel 1080p mode, three software agents will be running. Important Information: Three channel mode of operation: The same reference is shared across all three channels Changes to reference will affect the output of all three channels All three independent outputs are locked to the same temporal frequency All three inputs must be the same temporal frequency For the above reasons, in the three channel mode of operation, channel one is the master channel. Channel one specifies the output temporal frequency of all three channels and channel 1 dictates the genlock mode of operation for all three channels. If the input standard, output standard or genlock mode is changed on channel one, it will change the other two channels and therefore can cause a disturbance on the other two channels. In every other respect the channels are independent. Users should always start by using channel one first and then move onto channels two and three respectively. Single channel mode of operation: For UHD/4K SDI input must be square division The UHD/4K SDI output is formatted as square division Version Number: SAM Page 6 of 71

7 Genlock The 3 rd party SDI input and output cards have independent clocks In either single channel or three channel mode, to achieve full genlock (including clock locking) the inputs must be locked to the same clock as the reference applied to Alchemist Live SDI. 2. System Requirements / Prerequisites The RollCall application should be installed on a remote Windows computer (RollCall will only run on Windows). At the time of writing, the latest RollCall Suite version is: V Note that there must be an IP network connection between the Remote RollCall PC and the Alchemist Live SDI. The default IP address on NIC 1 is (see Appendix A for more details). 2.1 Alchemist Live SDI Hardware IPMI NIC 1 NIC 2 Output SDI Interface Input SDI Interface 4U Server Chassis The Alchemist Live Turnkey is based on a generic COTS Server enclosure. The video interface is provided by 2x third party video interface PCIe cards. Page 7 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

8 Video Interface PCIe card SDI video ports are provided by 4x micro BNC connectors. The two PCIe cards are identical, but one is configured as an input device, and the other as an output device. A pair of quad-link SDI cables is provided; one for the input and one for output. These will effectively interface the Micro BNC s of the interface card, to standard BNC. Note the Quadlink cable is generically marked as: SDI 1 (IN 1/A) SDI 2 (IN 2/B) SDI 3 (Out 3/A) SDI 4 (Out 2/B) When employed in an Alchemist Live SDI Installation, the cables should just be referred to as SDI 1 to 4 (the bracketed info should be ignored). A pair of breakout cables is also included. In the first version of Alchemist Live SDI, this cable is only is only used for conveying an external reference signal to the output video interface card, hence only one cable is needed. Version Number: SAM Page 8 of 71

9 3. SAM Live Architecture The SAM Live software consists of a Host, Agent and License Server. The SAM Live Host manages the SAM Live Agents. Typically there would be one host per physical compute instance. From a RollCall perspective, the SAM Live Host can be considered as a virtual IQ frame. SAM Live Agents are spawned by the Host and adopt a product type based on the nominated product license. Each agent has its own unique RollCall address just like a module would in a frame and can therefore be considered as a virtual slot. The License Server is the local daemon that manages the product license/licenses. The daemon must be present on start for the product to successful use of the product. If for any reason the license disappears there is a 7 day grace period before the product will stop working. 4. Installing RollCall Control Panel (RCP) The Alchemist Live SDI does not have a dedicated control interface, but instead utilizes RCP. Note this guide is not a RollCall tutorial. RCP is the control application for the SAM product range and is available to SAM customers free of charge. RCP will most likely be installed on a remote PC with a network connection to the host machine. Installation is very easy. Just launch the RollCall Suite Installer and follow the Install Wizard. Note that part way through the install process, you will be asked which RollCall components are to be installed. You can install all components if you wish, but from an Alchemist Live SDI perspective, the important components are: Control Panel IP Control Proxy Service Follow the RollCall installer wizard to complete the process. Once installed, control of SAM Live products is possible using Control Panel. It is recommended to use Control Panel via IP Proxy service Page 9 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

10 5. Using RCP via IP Proxy Service 5.1 Configuring RollCall Proxy The following procedure will describe how to set up RollCall IP Control Proxy Service on a remote PC, on the same network as the SAM Live host machine. Note that the advantage of using the IP Control Proxy Service is that control of multiple SAM products can be managed from a single RollCall control panel session, without the need to keep changing the connection IP Address. By using IP Control Proxy Service, Control Panel can be set to Localhost and all devices configured in the IP Control Proxy Service will be visible in the connection pane of Control Panel. In this example, the SAM Live application is configured in RollCall Proxy: 1. On the remote PC, where RollCall has been installed, note the RollCall launch icon, present on the task bar (note if it s not visible, go to: Start/All Programs/Snell and the RollCall Proxy application can be picked from the listed RollCall components) RollCall Proxy application launch Launch RollCall Proxy. The RollCall IP Proxy window will open: Version Number: SAM Page 10 of 71

11 2. In the Map Connections to Ethernet Chassis or IP Share pane, select Add: Select The Add a new Client window will appear: 3. Populate the Add a new Client: The Network Name is usually an intuitive name that will allow easy identification of the device within the Map Connections to Ethernet Chassis or IP Share pane. The Subnet address needs to be set. The actual hex value set isn t important, as long as it unique. If the Alchemist Live is the first item configure into RollCall Proxy, use the hex address 1000 (as in this example). If it s the second, use hex address 2000 (assuming 1000 has already been used). Enter the Primary IPShare Address. This is the IP Address of the Alchemist Live host machine. If this is not known at this point in time, see Appendix 1 below. Click OK. Page 11 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

12 The configured Client will now appear in the Map Connections to Ethernet Chassis or IP Share pane. Version Number: SAM Page 12 of 71

13 5.2 Connecting to Alchemist Live using RCP 1. On the remote PC, open RollCall Control Panel, via the desktop icon: The RollCall Control Panel will open: 2. Click on the Connection icon: The Build Network Window will now appear: The IP Address will default to: localhost. This is the required setting. If the IP Address is set to anything else, set it to localhost. Select OK. Page 13 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

14 3. SAM Live will now appear in the RollCall connection pane: 4. Right click on Alchemist Live. A drop-down list will appear. Select Expand. SAM Live will now appear: 5. Right click on Sam Live. A drop-down list will appear. Select Connect. Select Version Number: SAM Page 14 of 71

15 The SAM Live Host template will now load. 6. In the RollCall Connection pane, expand the tree by selecting the small white arrow to the left of the SAM Live icon: Click to expand the tree Alchemist Live will appear: Page 15 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

16 7. Double click on the Alchemist Live listing, and the Alchemist Live RollCall Template will load: Open templates Both the SAM Live and Alchemist Live templates are now loaded and maybe configured. Confirmation of the loaded templates is shown under the Connected Units. It is possible to quickly change between templates, by simply clicking on the required template, in the Connected Units tab. Version Number: SAM Page 16 of 71

17 6. SAM Live Template 6.1 Agent Configuration Note that the Alchemist Live Agent will have started automatically, hence the Unit Status pane will show an Agent running: Page 17 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

18 6.1.1 Standard Agent Configurations Detected Hardware In the Detected Hardware pane, the relevant hardware is reported (CPU & GPU): Agent Configuration In the Agent Configuration pane, the Alchemist Live maybe configured to be: A single channel Alchemist Live supporting 4K conversion. A three channel Alchemist Live supporting up to 3G (no 4K). Configuration is via a drop-down menu: When configured as a single Alchemist Live supporting 4K conversion: Note that only a single Alchemist Live is available in the connection pane. Version Number: SAM Page 18 of 71

19 When configured as 3 x Alchemist Live supporting 3G conversion: Note that 3 x Alchemist Live are available in the connection pane. Note: to reconfigure the Alchemist Live, as a single 4K processor, or as a 3 x 1080p (3G) processor, the Alchemist Live Agent must first be stopped (see part below) Available Agents Licensing details are displayed within the Available Agents Note that an Alchemist Live installation will have a total of 3 licenses. 3 licenses are required for a single conversion process that includes a 4K resolution (either input or output). 3 licenses allow up to 3 independent conversion processes, each up to 1080p resolution (no 4K inputs or outputs configured) Configured Agents In the Configured Agents pane, confirmation that the Alchemist Live Agent is running: Note: Alchemist Live Agent can be manually stopped and started from within the Configured Agents pane. Page 19 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

20 6.2 SAM Live Host Logging In the Logging window, Log fields maybe be disabled and enabled. Log fields are sent to the defined Log Server (see 4.3.6). The default configuration is everything enabled. Version Number: SAM Page 20 of 71

21 6.3 SAM Live Host Setup RollCall Port The default RollCall Port is In normal circumstances the RollCall Port is left in its default setting. However, an alternative RollCall port can be configure here, if required Misc The Misc pane reports: The SAM Live Software Version The Start Time (when the Agent was started) The Hostname Page 21 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

22 6.3.3 Unit Name This is the identifying name of the SAM Live product/unit/application. If several SAM Live products are running, it may be desirable to give them individual names: To edit the unit name, simply type the desired name in the box and press S to save. Pressing the P button will return the name to its default setting: SAM Live License Server This field details the relevant License Server of the Alchemist Live. In normal circumstances the License Server runs on the Product/Turnkey host machine, hence the Host is defined as Localhost. The default Port is In normal circumstances the default Port would be used. If desired the Port number can be changed, by simply typing the required port number in the box and pressing S (save). Pressing P (Preset) will return the Port number to its default value. Lock Code: The Alchemist Live license is locked to the hardware that the License Server is running on. The lock code is used to generate the license. Version Number: SAM Page 22 of 71

23 6.3.5 Log Server Here the desired Log Server can be defined Page 23 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

24 7. Configuring Alchemist Live 7.1 Alchemist Live Unit Status Here confirmation is given that the: System (SYS) is running. License (LIC) is valid and present. Input (INP) is valid. Output (OUT) is valid. Version Number: SAM Page 24 of 71

25 7.2 Alchemist Live Input Status Here Video and Audio sources are confirmed. The Input Video standard is confirmed. In this example it is p. 7.3 Alchemist Live Output Status Here the configured output video format and standard are confirmed. The number of output audio channels is confirmed. The system latency is reported in terms of ms. Page 25 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

26 7.4 Alchemist Live Input Input Configuration: SDI Input / SDI Quad Link The input format is selected in the Input Configuration field. Note Alchemist Live SDI supports SDI inputs. Alchemist Live 25G will support RTP input transport streams (release date to be confirmed). SDI Input: Two SDI input types are available. SDI Input enable supports formats include SD, HD, or 3G. Quad Link (UHD/4K) When the applied input is UHD or 4K via SDI Quad Link (square division), SDI Quad Link (UHD/4K) input should be selected. Version Number: SAM Page 26 of 71

27 7.5 Alchemist Live Output Output Configuration: SDI Input / SDI Quad Link The output format is selected in the Output Configuration field. Note Alchemist Live SDI supports SDI outputs. Alchemist Live 25G will support RTP output transport streams (release date to be confirmed). SDI Output: When the required output is SD, HD or 3G, SDI Output should be selected. When the required output is to be UHD/4K SDI, SDI Quad Link (UHD/4K) should be selected. Page 27 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

28 7.6 Alchemist Live Conversion Video Input: Interlaced / PsF / Progressive Alchemist Live relies on automatic standards detection of the incoming source signal. This field reports the detected input video format. When Progressive inputs are detected, the Progressive input flag will be set and the Interlaced and PsF flags will be greyed out (not available). When an interlaced input is detected, it will be assumed that the incoming signal is true high frame rate, and the Interlaced flag will be set. If the input is actually psf, it will be detected as true high frame rate content. For example, if the input is psf, Alchemist Live will detect the input as i (since the video transport is the same for both). Therefore, in such a scenario, it is important that the psf input flag is manually selected. Note - for optimal conversion performance of psf sources, it is important that the input is identified as psf and not processed as true high frame rate interlaced input. Version Number: SAM Page 28 of 71

29 7.6.2 Video Output: Interlaced / PsF / Progressive Note - the options offered in the Video Output pane will depend on the settings of the Output Configuration tab (see paragraph above). In the Video Output pane the output video format can be defined in terms of Resolution, Frame Rate and Scan Rate. Note that when the output is configured to be SDI Quad Link, the options: Interlaced, and PsF will be greyed out (not available) Conversion Mode and Aperture Aperture Select: Sharp / Normal / Anti-alias This control can be used to set the appropriate conversion aperture. Available settings are Normal, Sharp & Anti-alias. The default setting is Normal. Sharp preserves the most vertical resolution from the input picture. Normal provides the best compromise for typical input pictures. Anti-alias is designed to prevent objectionable aliases in the output pictures. Aliasing refers to an artefact associated with sampled signals. This undesirable effect is caused by sampling frequencies being to low to faithfully reproduce the frequencies present in the original source. Page 29 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

30 Mode Select: Motion Comp (Ph.C), Linear (Ph.C Off), Synchro (Ph.C Off) This control is used to set the conversion mode. Three modes of operation are available: Motion Comp (Ph.C) Linear (Ph.C off) Synchro (Ph.C off) Motion Comp (Ph.C) is the default and applies Motion Compensated Interpolation when converting from one frame rate to another. Linear (Ph.C off) disables the Motion Compensation, and employs a linear interpolation when converting from one frame rate to another. Synchro (Ph.C off) converts from one frame rate to another, by dropping or repeating input pictures as required. Depending on the conversion requested, field or frame based synchronise events could occur. Alias Suppression: Horizontal / Vertical The Alias Suppression feature allows the user to manually increase, or decrease, the magnitude of alias suppression. Separate horizontal and vertical controls are available. Two slider controls are offered. Default setting is zero. Positive settings increase alias suppression. Negative settings decrease suppression. Alias suppression should be used to balance perceived resolution against unwanted aliasing. Version Number: SAM Page 30 of 71

31 7.6.4 Aspect Ratio: various The user can specify aspect ratio translations using either the drop down presets or the custom settings. ARC controls include: Input screen aspect Output screen aspect Source image aspect Source to output translation Input Screen Aspect Input Screen Aspect is used to describe the source screen input aspect ratio by selecting the relevant setting from the drop down list: Output Screen Aspect Output Screen Aspect is used to describe the destination screen aspect ratio from the drop down list. Page 31 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

32 Source Image Aspect Source Image Aspect is used to define the aspect ratio of the active image within the input screen aspect. Source translation Source translation is used to describe the translation required from source to output image. Custom Custom controls can be enabled to activate the custom display setting sliders. The controls: Size, Pan, Asp and Tilt can now be used set any desired display settings Blanking: Left / Right / Top / Bottom The Blanking slider controls allow the User to blank areas of the output image. Blanked areas will appear black in the output image. Version Number: SAM Page 32 of 71

33 7.7 Alchemist Live Utilities Proc Amp: Y Gain / C Gain / Black Level The Luma gain may be adjusted using the slider control Y Gain. The range is +/- 6dB. The Chroma gain may be adjusted using the slider control C Gain. The range is +/- 6dB. The Black level may be adjusted using the slider control Black Level. The range is +/- 80mV. Page 33 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

34 7.7.2 Luma Clipper: White Max / White Knee / Black Min / Black Knee The Luma Clipper feature is enabled with the tick box. Note that the default setting is disabled. When Enabled, the controls: White Maximum, White Knee, Black Minimum and Black Knee all become active and may be configured Color Space Conversion: Auto / REC601 / BT709 / BT2020 Input Color Space In Auto mode, if the input is: SD, it will be assumed that the source complies to REC601. HD, it will be assumed that the source complies to BT709. UHD/4K, it will be assumed that the source complies to BT709. The User can manually force the desired Input Color Space setting. This is especially useful when inputting BT2020 as currently there is no automatic signalling present in the SDI. Version Number: SAM Page 34 of 71

35 Output Color Space In Auto mode, if the output is: SD, it will comply to REC601. HD, it will comply to BT709. UHD/4K, it will comply to BT709. The User may chose to manually force the desired Output Color Space setting HDR Conversion: BT2020: PQ / S-Log 3 / HLG / HDR10 Alchemist Live supports HDR Color Space and gamma transfer function. Supported transfer functions are: BT709 (SDR) PQ S-Log 3 HLG HDR10 Alchemist Live supports the following conversion modes: Conversion from HDR to SDR color space/gamma transfer function Retention of HDR color space/gamma transfer function Translation of HDR color space/gamma transfer function Conversion from SDR to HDR color space/gamma transfer function Note that in its default state, the HDR Conversion menu will be greyed out (unavailable). To make the controls active it is first necessary to configure the Color Space menu. Page 35 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

36 To enable the Input Transfer Function sub-menu, the Input Color Space menu must be set to BT2020. Select BT2020 Once enabled, the relevant Input Transfer Function can be manually configured. To enable the Output Transfer Function sub-menu, the Output Color Space menu must be set to BT2020. Select BT2020 Once enabled, the relevant Output Transfer Function can be manually configured. SDR Range This control is only active if an: SDR to HDR conversion is configured. HDR to SDR conversion is configured. Version Number: SAM Page 36 of 71

37 SDR to HDR In this configuration, the SDR Range control is used to define the luminance range/brightness of the SDR input. Note that a lower setting will result in a brighter HDR output. HDR to SDR In this configuration, the SDR Range control is used to define the luminance range/brightness of the SDR output. Note that a higher setting will result in a brighter SDR output. Page 37 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

38 7.7.5 RGB Legalizer: Off / 700mV / 721mV / 735mV / Custom The default setting of the RGB Legalizer is Off. Three preset settings are offered for the RGB Legalizer Level control: 700mV, 721mV or 735mV. These can be selected using the drop-down menu. Alternatively, a Custom setting can be configured. When set to Custom, the custom controls become active allowing the User to set any combination of values: Version Number: SAM Page 38 of 71

39 7.8 Alchemist Live Logging In the Logging window, Log fields may be enabled and disabled. Log fields are sent to the defined Log Server (see above) may be defined. The default configuration is everything enabled. Page 39 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

40 7.9 Alchemist Live Setup Unit Name An Alchemist Live running in UHD/4K mode will only have a single Alchemist Live processor. The default name will be: Alchemist Live (1) An Alchemist Live running in 3x 1080p (3G) mode will set the default names as: Alchemist Live (1) Alchemist Live (2) Alchemist Live (3) Version Number: SAM Page 40 of 71

41 In all cases, the Alchemist Live name may be edited: Once the new name has been typed in, pressing the S button will save the change Agent STOP Pressing the STOP button will stop the Alchemist Live Agent. If the Agent is stopped, the template will close. The Agent can be restarted from the SAM Live template (see part above) Misc: Version / Start Time / Proc ID / CPU Mask / Current Log Server Misc offers a number of useful information fields. Page 41 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

42 7.9.4 IP Routing Video I/O via RTP will be available in due course via the Alchemist Live IP, hence the IP Routing field is greyed-out and cannot be interacted with RTP Input Configuration Video I/O via RTP will be available in due course via the Alchemist Live IP, hence the RTP Input Configuration field is greyed-out and cannot be interacted with Hardware Configuration I/O Configuration This read only menu item indicates Alchemist Live SDI offers support for SDI only. Version Number: SAM Page 42 of 71

43 GPU Devices The GPU Devices field confirms the GPU resource available for video processing. This field is noninteractive. SDI I/O Devices Hardware Status: Reports the status of the two Video Interface cards. Buffer Level: Reports the latency attributed to each Video Interface card, in terms of frames. Reference Alchemist Live can either operate with the output in Freerun mode (i.e. not referenced), or Referenced Locked to an external reference signal. The Default Setting is Freerun. An external reference can either be a bi-level sync, or a tri-sync. Page 43 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

44 When in Referenced Locked mode, confirmation of the reference state and the reference standard, are reported: Note: to achieve reference lock (full genlock) between input and output SDI cards, the source will need to be clock-locked to the same source as the reference. Version Number: SAM Page 44 of 71

45 Table 2: Supported Resolution/Framerate Supported resolution Framerate 525i (720x480) 29.97psf, 59.94i 625i (720x576) 25psf, 50i 720 (1280x720) 50p, 59.94p, 60p 1080 (1920x1080) 23p, 24p, 25psf, 25p, 29.97psf, 29p, 30p, 50i, 50p, 59.94i, 59.94p, 60i, 60p UHD (3840x2160) 4K (4096x2160) 23p, 24p, 25p, 29.97p, 30p, 50p, 59.94p, 60p 23p, 24p, 25p, 29.97p, 30p, 50p, 59.94p, 60p Notes: 1. The supported Resolutions/Frame Rates apply to both Alchemist Live input and output. 2. High to Low frame rate conversion is not supported (i.e 50p to 23p). 3. Low to High frame rate conversion is not supported (i.e 29.97p to 50p). Page 45 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

46 8. The Console 8.1 Introduction Alchemist Live runs on Linux Ubuntu OS. It is appreciated that many Users will have little or no experience of using this OS. In consideration of this, Alchemist Live includes a Console offering easy configuration of key elements of the system. Some of the Console features require the use of a USB stick. USB sticks will be automatically mounted and should be formatted as either FAT32 or NTFS. Using the Console the following items are easily configured: Network NIC 1 (eno1) static IP only, NIC 2 (eno2) maybe configured to be either Static IP or DHCP. The time and date may be set. An upgrade process may be initiated. A new license may be installed. The Status of the system may be displayed. Operational Logs may be retrieved. The Server can be power-cycled. The Server can be shut down. 8.2 Accessing the Console To access the Console connect a monitor to the onboard VGA and connect a USB mouse and keyboard. 1. Connect a Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse to the Alchemist Live Host machine: Version Number: SAM Page 46 of 71

47 2. Connect a Network cable to the Server: Note that there are 3 network ports. IPMI network port NIC 1 NIC 2 NIC 1 (eno1) is factory configured with the default Static IP Address: This port maybe set to another static IP address but cannot be set to DHCP. NIC 2 (eno2) is factory configured as DHCP. This port maybe configured as static or DHCP. IPMI port allows control of the IPMI interface (see section 10, below). 3. Boot up the Alchemist Live. Once the boot sequence has completed, to access to the Console type: Alt F2 The Console will now appear: Note that the SAM Live software version is reported. Configurable items Page 47 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

48 8.2.1 Configure Network Using the up/down arrows on the keyboard, highlight the item to be configured. In this case: Configure Network Press return and the Network Configuration menu will now be displayed: Note that in the Console: NIC 1 equates to eno1 NIC 2 equates to eno2 Version Number: SAM Page 48 of 71

49 Using the up/down arrows on the keyboard, highlight the NIC to be configured. In this example NIC 2 is selected: Now press the space bar on the keyboard to select the NIC. Using the up/down arrows on the keyboard, highlight Configure and press the space bar to select Configure: Now press the Tab button: Note that the screen will update and it is now possible to set the NIC as either DHCP or Static. Select the desired configuration. Page 49 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

50 If the selection is Static, press the Tab button again and the display will update again, this time with fields to enter an IP Address and Gateway visible: Using the up/down arrows on the keyboard, highlight IP (IP will turn white): Type in the required address: Note: In Linux the IP Address must be appended with: /24 If it is desired to communicate over an associated/trunked/bridged network, then a Gateway Address will be required: Once IP Address and Gateway have been configured, using the up/down arrows on the keyboard, highlight: Apply Version Number: SAM Page 50 of 71

51 Press return and a confirmation of the configuration change will be asked for: Select OK. Note that confirmation new Static IP Address is displayed in the Current status section: If the NIC has been configured to be DHCP, the IP Address will be displayed in the Current Status section. To exit the Configure Network menu, navigate down to the OK symbol (bottom right corner of display): Select OK. This will return the display to the top menu of the Console. Page 51 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

52 8.2.2 Set Time and Date Using the up/down arrows on the keyboard, highlight Set Time and Date: Select return to enter the Set Time and Date: Select OK to complete the process, and return to the top menu. Version Number: SAM Page 52 of 71

53 8.2.3 Upgrade SAM Live The Software Update will need to be uploaded to a USB Drive. Using the up/down arrows on the keyboard, highlight Upgrade SAM Live: Press return and a system prompt will appear to insert the USB Drive. Follow the on screen instruction to complete the process. Page 53 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

54 8.2.4 Add New License The License File will need to be copied onto the root of the USB Drive. Using the up/down arrows on the keyboard, highlight Add New License: Press return and a system prompt will appear to insert the USB Drive. Follow the on screen instruction to complete the process. Version Number: SAM Page 54 of 71

55 8.2.5 Display Status Using the up/down arrows on the keyboard, highlight: Display Status Press return and the Status page will be displayed: Page 55 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

56 8.2.6 Retrieve Operational Logs The Operational logs will be downloaded onto a USB Drive. Using the up/down arrows on the keyboard, highlight: Retrieve Operational Logs Press return and a message will appear prompting the Operator to insert a USB drive: Restart Using the up/down arrows on the keyboard, highlight: Restart Press return to power-cycle the SAM Live Host machine. Version Number: SAM Page 56 of 71

57 8.2.8 Shut Down Using the up/down arrows on the keyboard, highlight: Shut Down Press return to power down the SAM Live Host machine. Note: Pressing the chassis the power button will also stimulate a system Shut Down. Page 57 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

58 9. IPMI 9.1 Introduction The Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) is a set of computer interface specifications that provides management and monitoring capabilities independently of the host system's CPU, firmware (BIOS or UEFI) and operating system. Practical uses of this application for Alchemist Live include: Remote access to the host machine. Remote power cycling. Remote access to the BIOS of the host machine. 9.2 IPMI IP Address Configuration The initial configuration of the IPMI network address will require local access to the SAM Live host machine. 1. Connect a Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse to the Alchemist Live Host machine: 2. Connect the IPMI network port to the LAN. IPMI network port Version Number: SAM Page 58 of 71

59 3. Boot up the SAM Live host machine. Note that the current IPMI IP Address will be displayed on the opening splash screen: 4. Upon seeing the SAM splash screen, press DEL to enter the BIOS Menu: The BIOS menu will now appear: Page 59 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

60 5. Navigate to the IPMI menu: 6. Enter the BMC Network Configuration submenu. Update IPMI LAN Configuration Default setting = [No] Note that it is possible to lockdown the BMC Network Configuration menu, to deter unauthorised configuration. This is the Factory Default condition of this menu. If the menu is in lockdown mode, the menu item Update IPMI LAN Configuration will be set to [No], as shown above. In order to interact with the BMC Network Configuration menu, it must be unlocked. This is done by setting BMC Network Configuration menu to [Yes]. Version Number: SAM Page 60 of 71

61 7. The BMC Network Configuration menu will now be active. In this example the Configuration Address Source is set to [DHCP]. 8. If it is desired to configure the address source to be a Static IP Address, select the menu item Configuration Address Source. A submenu will appear called Configuration Address Source: The menu items: Station IP Address Subnet Mask Gateway IP Address will all now become active and the desired Static IP Address details maybe configured. Configure required Static IP Address Save and exit the BIOS menu and the SAM Live host machine will continue to boot normally. Page 61 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

62 9.3 Remote Access via Control Panel Embedded Java Applet Remote access to the Alchemist Live, via the IPMI port, is possible from a remote PC. This procedure should work on a PC running Windows, Linux or Apple Mac OS. The following example details remote access from a Windows PC (procedure should also work for Mac, or Linux) It is a requirement that Java be installed on the remote PC. 1. Open an Internet Browser The following have been tested by SAM. Windows: Google Chrome/Mozilla Firefox/Internet Explorer IOS: Safari In this example, on a Windows system Google Chrome is the browser of choice: 2. In the Address Bar, enter the IPMI IP Address: IPMI IP Address A login page will appear Version Number: SAM Page 62 of 71

63 3. Enter the User Name and Password. The Default values are: Username: ADMIN Password: ADMIN Nb: If these values have been changed, it will be necessary to login using the new details. Press return to continue. The SuperMicro System menu will load: Page 63 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

64 4. In the option bar, hover the mouse over Remote Control. A drop down menu will appear: Select Select Console Redirection The Console Redirection page will appear: 6. In the Console Redirection page, select Launch Console. Select Note that a download message will appear at the bottom of the Chrome Browser: Select Keep Version Number: SAM Page 64 of 71

65 A Java launch.jnlp file will appear: 7. Double click launch.jnlp. The Java Applet will launch. A Security Warning will appear: Select Continue. A Verifying application window will briefly appear: Followed by a Do you want to run this application? window: Page 65 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

66 Select Run The Java Applet will open, allowing remote access to the SAM Live host machine. Pressing: Alt F2 will gain access to the Console. Version Number: SAM Page 66 of 71

67 Appendix A. IPMI Username / Password Username: ADMIN Password: ADMIN Page 67 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

68 Appendix B. System Latency The system latency is reported on the status of the agent. For reference, here are some typical conversion delays. The actual number will vary by up +/- field/frame depending the standards in use and the phase of the frame synchronizer. Table 3: Latency Tables High Framerates Input Ouput Nominal Delay / Latency i i 315ms p p 235ms i i 320ms p p 245ms UHD 50p UHD 59p 310ms 4K 50p 4K 59p 310ms i i 315ms p p 210ms i i 320ms p p 210ms UHD 59p UHD 50p 265ms 4K 59p 4K 50p 265ms Version Number: SAM Page 68 of 71

69 Table 4: Latency Tables Low Framerates Input Ouput Nominal Delay / Latency psf psf 470ms psf psf 470ms p p 480ms UHD 25p UHD 29p 600ms 4K 25p 4K 29p 600ms psf psf 420ms psf psf 420ms p p 435ms UHD 29p UHD 25p 530ms 4K 29p 4K 25p 540ms UHD 23p UHD 25p 640ms UHD 25p UHD 23p 630ms Page 69 of SAM Version Number: 1.1

70 Appendix C. BIOS Settings The following BIOS settings are configured from the factory and are required to ensure Alchemist Live performs in the intended and optimal manner. The BIOS can be entered by pressing DEL on boot. Advanced > CPU Configuration Hyper-threading Enable AES-NI Enable Virtualization Disable Advanced > CPU Configuration > Advanced Power Management Configuration Power technology Custom Energy Performance Tuning Disable Energy Performance BIOS Setting Performance Energy Efficient Turbo Disable Advanced > CPU Configuration > Advanced Power Management Configuration Power technology Custom Energy Performance Tuning Disable Energy Performance BIOS Setting Performance Energy Efficient Turbo Disable Enter CPU P-States EIST Enable Turbo Enable P-State Coordination HW_ALL Enter HWPM State Control HWPM State Control Disable Enter CPU C-States Package C-State Limit C0/C1 State C3 Report Disable C6 Report Disable Enhanced Halt State Disable Version Number: SAM Page 70 of 71

71 Enter CPU T-States T-State Control Disable C3 Report Disable Advanced > Chipset Configuration > North Bridge > Integrated IO Configuration > QPI Configuration Link Frequency Select 9.6GT/s Advanced > ACPI Settings Numa Enabled Page 71 of SAM Version Number: 1.1