8 = Introduction
Introduction 360 Systems’ Image Server 2000™ and Multi-Format Image Server are multi-stream video
recorder/servers designed for television broadcast, production, and Pro-AV applications. Image
Servers can play three independent video streams at once, and store up to 170 hours of MPEG-2
video, with four audio channels per video stream, in just 3½” of rack space. The server’s extensive
feature set makes it an excellent choice for VTR replacement, automation, remote trucks, P-E-G
applications, corporate and entertainment presentations. The Image Server is produced in both
NTSC and PAL models. References in this document to frame counts other than 29.97 or 30
frames should be understood to be a PAL example.
The Transition to a Digital Plant
The Image Server smoothes the transition to digital production and broadcasting by
providing both composite video (VDCP) and serial digital (SDI) interfaces, plus network transfers in
MXF format over Gigabit Ethernet. It’s never necessary to add additional video A/D or D/A
converters, and a full complement of premium-quality MPEG-2 codecs is included as standard
equipment. The server’s dual analog and digital personality—for both video and audio—lets it fit
seamlessly into an existing analog facility, or become part of a new digital build-out. Apart from
serving its intended purposes, the Image Server is also valuable for its ability to convert between
different analog and digital media formats in real-time.
Exceptional Storage Capacity
The Image Server’s program storage is scaleable to suit the needs of both small and large
users. It houses four hard drives within its compact enclosure, providing from 52 to over 170
hours of storage at 12 Mb/s (Megabits per second). Storage time is proportional at other data rates.
The server’s RAID-5 disk array provides a high level of security for stored programs. By spreading
parity information across all drives, the RAID array keeps the server in service, even with a failed
drive. The multi-drive array also generates the high data rates needed for multiple video streams at
up to 50 Mb/s, and enables fast program transfers through the Gigabit Ethernet ports.
Drive Size Storage Capacity
(4 drives)
Time @ 12 Mb/s
2 audio channels
Time @ 8 Mb/s
2 audio channels
120 GB 480 GB 52 hours 72 hours
250 GB 1.0 TB 112 hours 150 hours
400 GB 1.6 TB 170 hours 250 hours
IMAGE SERVER STORAGE TIMES
The Image Server’s unique ability to play two video streams while recording another, and
at the same time perform network file transfers over Ethernet, makes it far more than just a
replacement for a VTR.