However, most satellite services still provide metadata via the serial port on the satellite receiver. Most automation systems have opted for IP or creating a metadata File. Some older systems and most satellite feeds use a serial connection to output now playing data. Once set, if we do not receive data for an extended period the connection is reset. As a workaround for dropped connections, we can set the persistent connection option in CSRDS. However, in some cases an error is not generated so data stops coming. Since this can be a normal situation as computers are re-booted or when windows updates are applied, CSRDS has a number of built in error trapping routines that will monitor the connection and will automatically reconnect when the system is available. This most often generates a “Forcefully” rejected error when CSRDS tries to connect to the IP and Port. We can establish the ability to communicate using the Windows “Ping” command but even if we can Ping the PC the port may still be an issue blocking the communication. We also need to ensure the port is used by another application or blocked by the PC’s security, Network Permissions, group policies, etc. The computers must be on the same network or routed so we often use dual NIC cards. The most common issues with the TCP/IP method is establishing the link. In a few cases like the NextGen the automation system is the client so we need to set the “Input Source is the Client” in the CSRDS configuration and CSRDS becomes the server. In most cases the automation system is the server so CSRDS defaults as the Client. When received the link is established and both systems can send and receive data. As the server, the application opens the selected port and “listens” for a connection request. It does not matter which PC is the server as long as one is set as the server. This is usually a TCP/IP connection where one PC is the “server” and all other PC’s are the Client. We then configure CSRDS with the IP of the automation system using the same port assigned in the automation system. To configure the system for an IP link we configure the automation system to send the metadata to the IP of the CSRDS computer and select the port. There are 3 options for capturing metadata from automation systems and satellite services IP, Serial or via a metadata file. When all 3 conditions are met the correct metadata will be formatted and posted as required. Communications (how is the metadata received), the format (what does the data look like) and filtering (how are the events defined). There are 3 conditions for capturing and posting metadata. When next events are available they are used to pre-stage artwork for digital receivers, web sites, and streaming services, etc. Most of today’s automation systems will output metadata with the current on-air event and some will also send a few next events.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |