NTSC/PAL Network Interface Board for MPEG IMX TM VTRs BKMW-E2000 TM
A bridge between two worlds merging tape-based recording into an asynchronous network environment Rapid progress in IP-based network technology has dramatically changed the way that data can be exchanged. In industries such as broadcasting, establishing a network infrastructure within an organization will almost certainly bring improved operational efficiency. To take full advantage of these opportunities, Sony has developed a plug-in network interface board, the BKMW-E2000, for use with MSW-2000 Series MPEG IMX Studio Recorders and Player. The BKMW-E2000 allows these VTRs to be integrated into a standard Gigabit Ethernet network. Sony has named this network-capable VTR the e-vtr. An e-vtr can output video/audio recordings as Material Exchange Format* (MXF) files, a proposed SMPTE standard, enabling the flexible exchange of material throughout a TCP/IP network. Since MPEG IMX VTRs have the capability of playing back all 1/2-inch SD formats, including Digital BETACAM, BETACAM SX, BETACAM SP and BETACAM, existing video assets can be converted to MXF files for exchange within a network. The e-vtr provides seamless operation in MPEG-based production systems including servers, nonlinear editing systems, and automation and asset-management equipment using a network infrastructure. Another powerful feature of file-based operation is the embedding of metadata in the video/audio data file. This allows audio and video material to be identified and labeled, and is the key to efficient use of the material in subsequent processes. The Sony e-vtr is the latest development in recording technology and provides an elegant bridge from the tape-based linear world to the IP-based networked world. *The Material Exchange Format - MXF MXF is a file-based format for the exchange of video, audio and metadata in a networked environment. MXF has been collaboratively developed by major organizations such as the SMPTE, EBU, Pro-MPEG Forum and AAF Association to provide open interoperability of content between compatible production equipment. It has now been posted to SMPTE for standardization. MXF packs video, audio and metadata into a wrapper without further compression or encoding of the material. This allows transparent exchange of original content between MXF-compatible equipment. Metadata is transferred without loss within an MXF file, enabling the video and audio essence to be rapidly identified and accessed. This brings new levels of efficiency to all aspects of the production process, from program planning and shooting right through to the final stages of delivery and archiving. 2
e-vtr System Examples e-vtr to e-vtr Material Transfer Material Ingest to IT- based Machines MXF MXF Nonlinear Editor MXF MXF MXF MXF 2x Speed Transfer (MPEG IMX Only) Server Content Search via WAN VTR Monitoring & Remote Maintenance Preview (Low Rate Picture, Audio & Metadata) Preview, Search, File Cut-Out Operation SNMP Management Software SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) Preview WAN Control Command Current Linear Operations 3
The Sony e-vtr Features The BKMW-E2000 Network Interfaces Board adds a network interface and e-vtr capability to standard MSW-2000 Series MPEG IMX VTRs and player. This provides an elegant migration path from tape-based synchronous operation to network-based asynchronous environments. MPEG IMX VTRs can be integrated into standard Ethernet environments Gigabit Ethernet, 100Base-TX or 10Base-T at the user s pace, bringing new benefits to workflow through the combination of computer-based and current tape-based operations. The e-vtr offers the following features. qqq Sony 1/2-inch SD assets MPEG IMX Digital Betacam Betacam SP Betacam MXF File Output from All 1/2-inch Tape SD Formats The e-vtr can convert linear video assets to MXF, an asynchronous file-based format, allowing exchange of material within a networked environment using the TCP/IP protocol. The e-vtr that is configured on an MSW-M2000/M2000P or MSW-M2100/M2100P VTR can output MXF files from all 1/2- inch tape SD formats including MPEG IMX, Digital BETACAM, BETACAM SX, BETACAM SP and BETACAM cassettes. (An e-vtr-configured on an MSW-A2000/A2000P VTR does not offer a Digital BETACAM output capability, while an e-vtrconfigured on an MSW-2000 VTR does not offer Digital BETACAM and BETACAM/BETACAM SP output capabilities.) Asynchronous File Transfer over a Network The e-vtr uses TCP/IP and FTP to transfer MXF files across the network. MXF files can be transferred at up to twicenormal* playback speed via Gigabit Ethernet**. The e-vtr not only sends MXF files but also receives MXF files and records*** the video, audio and metadata that are wrapped in MXF files onto an MPEG IMX cassette at normal speed****. * Twice-normal speed transfer may require the optional BKMW-105 board to be installed in the MPEG IMX VTR. Please contact your nearest Sony office. ** Actual transfer time depends on traffic conditions and a given network environment. *** Except MSW-M2100/M2100P players **** Actual time required for recording on a tape depends on traffic conditions and a given network environment. MSW-2000 series VTR + BKMW-E2000 option Benefits of the Sony e-vtr Flexible File Exchange of Program Material The flexible exchange of MXF files allows effective collaboration and sharing of material over a networked environment. Simple Control Using Supplied e-vtr Manager Software The e-vtr Manager, a Microsoft Windows -based application, is supplied as part of the BKMW-E2000 option, and runs on a to provide a GUI-based operating environment for the exchange of material between multiple e-vtrs. This simplifies operation both when the e-vtr is used in a simple peer-to-peer configuration or in a large-scale client/server network environment. Industry-Standard Network Interfaces and Protocols The e-vtr is equipped with an IEEE 802.3ab 1000 Base-T interface, which uses an RJ-45 connector, and achieves highspeed data transfers over a broadband network. The more commonly available 100Base-TX and 10Base-T interfaces are also incorporated. In addition to TCP/IP and FTP, the e-vtr also supports a range of computer protocols including UDP, HTTP, and SNMP. 4
Betacam SX Media Asset Management System The Sony e-vtr provides MXF file output from Sony 1/2-inch SD formats, recording from an MXF input onto an MPEG IMX cassette, FTP transfer, and other powerful features Server []] a MXF files Gigabit Ethernet I/F Nonlinear Editor Metadata Ready Metadata can be wrapped in an MXF file. Metadata includes key information that is generated at each production stage. This can be used later to: locate and retrieve media assets manage content copyright categorize content for re-use and re-purpose make decisions in editing, compositing, encoding, and authoring Media Asset Management Using MXF Files Metadata enables the archiving of files generated from all Sony 1/2-inch SD (Standard Definition) format recordings. Remote Operation Centralized and remote control capabilities reduce operator requirements and save time. Content-Browsing Function In an e-vtr system, operators with a connected to the network can browse any material loaded in any e-vtr on the network as low-rate data. An easy-to-use -based GUI is provided to browse the data. With this unique feature, operators can check the content of a file before exchanging it across the network, effectively saving time and keeping network traffic flowing smoothly. This is also useful when agencies or production staff need to view content for approval from remote locations. Remote Monitoring of VTR Status The e-vtr automatically generates HTML files that indicate VTR status and file attributes, allowing operators to view VTR status via a standard web browser on a. The e-vtr also supports SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), the industry-standard protocol for monitoring a network and the equipment that resides on it. This capability allows remote maintenance of the e-vtr. Transfer of Metadata MXF files from the e-vtr contain metadata associated with the video and audio essence, and this metadata stays with the video and audio during the production process. This metadata can be later used for content searching, content verification before transfer, editing decisions, and so on. Use of Existing Networks Even connecting just a few e-vtrs to an existing network can bring many new benefits to operational workflow. The BKMW-E2000 integrates existing MPEG IMX VTRs into the IT domain. 5
Product Configuration Network board CD-ROM including e-vtr application software Connector panel with RJ-45 connector Upper front panel for e-vtr operation Specifications General Power requirements: Operating temperature: Storage temperature: Operating humidity: Dimensions Mass Board (W x H): Front panel (W x H x D): Connector panel (W x H): Board: Front panel: Connector panel: Interface: System Requirements for the Supplied e-vtr Application Software : Operating system: Memory capacity: CPU: Display: Sound: Interface: Hard disk drive: +2.5V DC: 3.0A, +3.4V DC: 3.3A, +6.0V DC: 1.0A (supplied from MSW-2000 Series VTR) +5 to +40 C (+41 to +104 F) -20 to +60 C (-4 to +140 F) 25 to 80% (no condensation) 355 x 146 mm (14 2/5 x 5 4/5 inches) 430 x 70 x 45 mm (17 2/5 x 2 4/5 x 1 4/5 inches) 72 x 42 mm (2 4/5 x 1 3/5 inches) Approx. 380 g (13.4 oz) Approx. 130 g (4.6 oz) Approx. 50 g (1.8 oz) Network Interface, RJ-45, 1000Base-T (GbE), 100Base-TX, 10Base-T IBM /AT -compatible machine Microsoft Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, NT4, XP 128 MB RAM minimum 800-MHz Intel Pentium processor or faster XGA 1024 x 768 or higher with more than 16-bit high color MCI Device & Driver, Microphone, Speaker Fast Ethernet or GbE is recommended. 1 GB or higher Notes: *The BKMW-E2000 can be installed into any MPEG IMX VTR that has a factory pre-installed Tele-File read/write capability. For details, please contact your nearest Sony office. * Some e-vtrs may not allow SDTI-CP input and output. For details, please contact your nearest Sony office. 2003 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of Sony is prohibited. Features and specifications subject to change without notice. All non-metric weights and measurements are approximate. Sony, MPEG IMX, BETACAM, BETACAM SX, BETACAM SP and Tele-File are trademarks of Sony. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. /AT is a trademark of International Business Machines Pentium is a trademark of Intel Corporation. Distributed by V-2139-A MK07821V2SMC03APR Printed in Japan on recycled paper