10 = Introduction
Full Slate of Audio Features Image Servers include both analog and digital audio circuits, making it an important tool in
the transition to digital broadcasting. It includes gold XLR connectors for audio inputs and outputs,
and each can be configured for either AES/EBU digital or +4 dBu balanced analog. SDI embedded
audio is also available as an option. In discrete digital format, each video program can have four
channels of audio, whereas analog I/O provides two channels. (An AES/EBU line on a single XLR
connector carries two audio channels, so a given number of XLR connectors make more channels
possible in digital format.)
360 Systems brings over 30 years experience in broadcast and pro-audio to the audio
design of Image Servers. It utilizes a 24-bit word, and delivers a 20 dB improvement in SNR (10
times!) compared with older 16-bit audio systems. An insertable sample-rate converter is included,
plus input circuits with excellent hum and RF rejection, and 20 dB of headroom. 360 Systems’ Bit-
for-Bit® design strategy guarantees that when a Dolby®-E, Dolby AC3, or any other encoded
program is recorded, it will play back correctly.
On-Screen Graphic User Interface The Image Server’s On-Screen graphic user interface (GUI) gives fast access to all server
functions. It is controlled by a standard keyboard and mouse (supplied) and requires only a VESA-
compliant SVGA display.
The GUI displays a complete control panel for each server channel, which includes
transport control buttons, clip file management and head and tail trimming, allowing the Image
Server to operate as three self-contained VTR equivalents.
System configuration is clear and straightforward with the On-Screen GUI. It provides
access to MPEG-2 encoding parameters, audio channel and time-code settings. Whenever new
server features are installed (using the built-in CD-ROM drive) new set-up parameters and user-
interface features become immediately available.
The GUI can be remotely accessed by a Windows PC through an Ethernet link, or of a
wide-area connection using a high-security remote KVM product. Contact 360 Systems sales for
complete information on these options.
MXF Networking over Gigabit Ethernet Image Servers move beyond providing just a simple base-band solution for video input and
output. MXF file transfers over Gigabit Ethernet open the door to new IP solutions for transferring
video across the room—or across the country—at exceptionally low cost.
By using economical switches and computer-industry infrastructure, the Image Server’s
Gigabit Ethernet design enables low-cost networking of broadcast operations from ingest to storage,
for editing, play-to-air, and archiving. The Image Server moves programs many times faster than
real time, saving time and streamlining operations.
360 Systems’ MXF implementation uses Operational Patterns 1a and 1b. It has been tested
for compatibility with MXF files from many other manufacturers. 360 Systems can make Image
Server MXF files available for testing and evaluation through our FTP Site. Contact the customer
service department to arrange for access.