a Avid Unity MediaNet Release 1.0.1 Release Notes for the Macintosh Operating System This document describes hardware and software requirements for running Avid Unity MediaNet Release 1.0.1. This document also lists all fixed bugs, known bugs, or limitations. MediaNet Release 1.0.1 includes the following releases of the MediaNet software: Avid Unity MediaNet Client Release 1.0.9_CPR Avid Unity MediaNet Administration Tool Release 1.0.5 Avid Unity MediaNet Server Release 1.0.9 n The Avid Unity MediaNet hardware is not customer installable. You must have the hardware and software installed by a certified Avid Field Support Representative or Avid Reseller. The term Avid Composer Products software is used throughout this document. It refers to the following applications on the Macintosh operating system: Media Composer Release 7.2 and Release 8.0 Film Composer Release 7.2 Avid Media Station Release 7.2 Avid Xpress Release 2.2 and Release 2.5
2 Release 1.0.1 Release Notes Contents Symbols and Conventions.................................... 4 Changes to MediaNet Release 1.0.1............................ 5 New MEDIASwitch...................................... 5 pcanywhere Version 9.0................................ 5 Improved Error Messaging................................ 5 Administration Tool Memory Change...................... 6 Administration Tool Function Change...................... 6 New File System Limits................................... 6 Installing MediaNet Software............................. 7 Installing the MediaNet Server Software................7 Installing the MediaNet Client Software................8 Avid/Mezzo Archiver Support............................. 8 MediaNet Client Hardware.................................. 10 Macintosh Operating System Requirements............... 10 Verifying the Macintosh Operating System Version......... 11 Supported RAM Configurations.......................... 11 Built-in RAM........................................... 12 Changing the Memory Allocated to the Application........ 14 Checking Virtual Memory and Cache Size................. 16 Checking File Sharing................................... 16 Troubleshooting Memory Allocation Problems............. 17 Required Libraries and Extensions........................ 18 Creating an Administration Station....................... 20 MediaNet Server Hardware.................................. 20 Preconfigured MediaNet Server.......................... 20 Locating the MediaNet Server............................ 21 PCI Board Locations..................................... 21 MediaNet Server Virtual Memory......................... 22 Adjusting Hardware Profiles............................. 22
Release 1.0.1 Release Notes 3 Creating the Drive Set for the First Time................... 23 Updating the MediaNet Server Dongle.................... 24 Hot Swapping MEDIArray Drives......................... 25 MEDIAHub Support..................................... 25 Downloading MEDIASwitch Updates..................... 26 MediaNet Administration Tool........................... 26 Administration Drive Replacement........................ 26 Identifying the Administration Drive...................... 28 Performance............................................ 28 MediaNet Server Configuration........................... 29 BIOS Revision Level and Configuration............... 29 Windows NT Configuration Changes.................. 39 MediaNet Client Software and Utilities....................... 41 AVIDstartup for Release 8.0.............................. 42 StorEx.................................................. 43 AVIDdrive Utility 2...................................... 43 MediaNet Client Software................................ 44 Opening the Chooser Window at Startup.................. 44 Information You Should Know............................... 45 Workspace Protection Recommendations.................. 45 Setting the Date and Time................................ 46 Starting and Stopping the File Manager.................... 47 Before Performing Administrative Functions............... 49 Analyzing Drive Errors.................................. 49 Mode Page Settings...................................... 50 Do Not Group Workspaces While Digitizing............... 50 Multiple Users Digitizing at the Same Time................ 51 Using Newly Digitized Media Files....................... 51 Different Composer Releases Saved on Different Workspaces 52 Avid Composer Bins and Projects......................... 52 Damaged Files.......................................... 52 Avid Composer Database Files............................ 53 Number of Users Versus Licensed Users................... 53
4 Release 1.0.1 Release Notes Number of Files per Folder............................... 53 Opening Folders with Many Files......................... 54 MediaNet Client Cannot See the MediaNet Server.......... 54 Limitations................................................ 55 Fixed Bugs................................................. 55 Known Bugs............................................... 56 MediaNet Administration................................ 56 MediaNet Server.....................................56 MediaNet Administration Tool........................57 MediaNet Client........................................ 60 General.............................................60 Titles...............................................61 Digitizing...........................................62 Rendering...........................................63 Effects..............................................64 Importing and Exporting..............................64 Symbols and Conventions These release notes use the following special symbols and conventions: Look here in the margin for tips. A An n A In the margin, you will find tips that help you perform tasks more easily and efficiently. check mark indicates a bug that has been fixed. X indicates a known bug or limitation. Where appropriate, a workaround is provided. note provides important related information, reminders, recommendations, and strong suggestions. Symbols and Conventions
Release 1.0.1 Release Notes 5 c A caution means that a specific action you take could cause harm to your computer or cause you to lose data. k This symbol refers to the Apple or Command key. Press and hold the Command key and another key to perform the desired keyboard equivalent. Changes to MediaNet Release 1.0.1 This section describes changes to MediaNet Release 1.0.1. New MEDIASwitch MediaNet now ships with a new MEDIASwitch. This MEDIASwitch uses Gigabit Interface Converters (GBICs) to make cable connections between the MediaNet clients and the MEDIASwitch. GBICs are available for both 9-pin copper cables and optical cables. Refer to the Avid installation instructions that are provided with the MEDIASwitch to properly install it. pcanywhere Version 9.0 MediaNet now ships with pcanywhere version 9.0. You can install pcanywhere using the installation instructions in the Avid Unity MediaNet Setup Guide. Improved Error Messaging MediaNet Release 1.0.1 has improved error message handling. The error messages that are presented by Avid Composer Products software correctly describe the error that has occurred. Changes to MediaNet Release 1.0.1
6 Release 1.0.1 Release Notes Administration Tool Memory Change The preferred memory size for the Administration Tool is now set to 35000 K. This value provides adequate memory for the Administration Tool to finish a drive repair operation successfully. You should always check the Log tab after you perform a drive repair operation to make sure that the repair completes successfully. Administration Tool Function Change The Administration Tool now has the Disable Protection button permanently dimmed. This helps to avoid conflicts in the amount of unused space in workspaces when protection is enabled and disabled several times. When you need to turn off protection for a workspace, click Unprotect All. You can now enable protection by using either Enable Protection or Protect All. Enable Protection will protect all the files that you add to a workspace after the function is enabled. Protect All protects all the files in a workspace. For more information and recommendations on protecting workspaces, see Workspace Protection Recommendations on page 45. n Avid recommends that you always use Protect All when you want to protect a workspace. New File System Limits The number of folders that the File Manager allows when you build a drive set has changed. MediaNet Servers with 128 MB of memory allow 3,000 folders. MediaNet Servers with 384 MB of memory allow 10,000 folders. For more information on creating a drive set, see Creating the Drive Set for the First Time on page 23. Changes to MediaNet Release 1.0.1
Release 1.0.1 Release Notes 7 Installing MediaNet Software The following sections describe how to install the MediaNet Release 1.0.1 software updates. Installing the MediaNet Server Software To install the MediaNet Server software: 1. Make sure that all the MediaNet clients unmount the MediaNet workspaces. 2. Start the MediaNet Monitor Tool. 3. Click the Stop File Manager button to stop the File Manager software. 4. Insert the Avid Unity 1.0.1 NT Installer CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive. The installer autostarts and the Avid Technology window opens. 5. Click Installers. The new releases of the File Manager software and utilities are installed, replacing the existing ones. 6. When the software installation is complete, click Exit to close the Avid Technology window. 7. Eject the Avid Unity 1.0.1 NT Installer CD-ROM. 8. Reboot the MediaNet Server and start the new File Manager. 9. If you have a backup MediaNet Server, you should install the MediaNet Release 1.0.1 software on that server now. n No media files are lost when you perform the update to MediaNet Release 1.0.1 unless you recreate your drive set. Changes to MediaNet Release 1.0.1
8 Release 1.0.1 Release Notes Installing the MediaNet Client Software To install the MediaNet client software and the Administration Tool: 1. Unmount all MediaNet workspaces from the desktop. 2. Make sure that you are running a supported version of the Macintosh Operating System. See Macintosh Operating System Requirements on page 10. 3. Insert the Avid Unity 1.0.1 Release CD-ROM into the Avid system CD-ROM drive. The AvidUnity 1.0.1 Release CD-ROM icon appears on the desktop. 4. Double-click the AvidUnity 1.0.1 Release CD-ROM icon. The AvidUnity 1.0.1 Release CD-ROM window opens. 5. Double-click the AvidUnity Installer. The new releases of the MediaNet client software and the Administration Tool are installed, replacing the existing ones. 6. When the software installation is complete, drag the AvidUnity 1.0.1 Release CD-ROM icon to the Trash. 7. Reboot the MediaNet client to load the new Avid Unity extension. Avid/Mezzo Archiver Support Avid/Mezzo Archiver Release 3.5 recognizes MediaNet workspaces and can work with them as if they were local workspaces. You can back up and restore files on MediaNet workspaces in a manner similar to local workspaces by performing either file and folder backups or project-based backups. You should consider designating one MediaNet client as a backup station for all the clients connected to the MediaNet environment. File and Folder Backup You can back up and restore files and folders on MediaNet workspaces by dragging them to or from an Avid/Mezzo Archiver Overview. This allows you to back up specific files or complete folders. Avid/Mezzo Changes to MediaNet Release 1.0.1
Release 1.0.1 Release Notes 9 Archiver can then perform automatic incremental backups of a file or folder each time you make a change to them. Project-based Backup Project-based backup and restore of media files on MediaNet workspaces is only slightly different from local project-based backup. The major difference is that projects and bins, which are stored by default on each client s internal hard drive, need to be copied to a MediaNet workspace. This allows Avid/Mezzo Archiver, which can access only the internal hard drive and mounted MediaNet workspaces of the MediaNet client where the software is running, to perform a projectbased backup of projects and bins that reside on another MediaNet client. n When you perform a project-based backup, all the media files must reside on MediaNet workspaces. Avid/Mezzo Archiver cannot back up files from another MediaNet client s internal hard drive or its local MediaDrives. For project-based backups, you can create a shared backup folder on a MediaNet workspace and label it for holding projects and bins that users want to back up. Then, users can copy the projects and bins that they want to have backed up to the backup folder. Once the projects and bins are copied to the backup folder, you simply drag the project file to an Avid/Mezzo Archiver Overview to back up the files. Avid/ Mezzo Archiver will gather and back up all the bins and media files associated with that project. To restore files, drag the desired project from an Avid/Mezzo Archiver Overview to the backup folder. n Avid/Mezzo Archiver cannot perform automatic incremental backups of the projects in the shared backup folder until users copy updated projects and bins to the backup folder, replacing previous versions of the projects and bins. Avid/Mezzo Archiver can perform a project-based automatic incremental backup of the projects and bins that are on the MediaNet client running the software. On this client, Avid/Mezzo Archiver has access to the system s internal hard drive. Changes to MediaNet Release 1.0.1
10 Release 1.0.1 Release Notes MediaNet Client Hardware The following sections provide information about the operating system, random access memory (RAM) requirements, and required libraries. Macintosh Operating System Requirements Avid Composer Products software Releases 7.2 and 2.2, which were developed for Avid Unity MediaNet clients, require Mac OS 8.1, 8.5.1, or 8.6 and support the following Macintosh systems: Power Macintosh 9500 with a 233-MHz, 200-MHz, 150-MHz, or 132-MHz processor Power Macintosh 9600 with a 350-MHz, 300-MHz, 233-MHz, or 200-MHz processor Power Macintosh G3 with a 333-MHz processor Avid Composer Products software Releases 8.0 and 2.5 require Mac OS 8.5.1 or 8.6 and support the following Macintosh systems: Power Macintosh 9600 with a 350-MHz, 300-MHz, 233-MHz, or 200-MHz processor Power Macintosh G3 with a 333-MHz processor To determine which version of Mac OS is on your system, see Verifying the Macintosh Operating System Version on page 11. c Other versions of Mac OS have not been tested and might cause problems. If you do not have the correct version of Mac OS on your system, you must install it. For instructions on uninstalling or installing Mac OS, see your Apple documentation. MediaNet Client Hardware
Release 1.0.1 Release Notes 11 Verifying the Macintosh Operating System Version To find out if you have the correct version of the Macintosh operating system (OS), go to the Finder and choose About This Computer from the Apple menu. The version number appears next to the Mac OS logo in the About This Computer window. The operating system shown in the illustration is Mac OS 8.5.1. Supported RAM Configurations Table 1 lists the dual inline memory modules (DIMM) that Avid supports. Avid always recommends installing the same size and speed RAM from the same manufacturer in paired slots in all Macintosh computers. MediaNet Client Hardware
12 Release 1.0.1 Release Notes Table 1 DIMM Requirements Feature Macintosh 9500 Macintosh 9600 Macintosh G3 Type 168-pin, 5-V, 70-ns or faster DRAM DIMMs 168-pin, 5-V, 70-ns or faster DRAM DIMMs 168-pin, 3.3-V, 10-ns DRAM DIMMs Banks 6 6 3 Modules per bank 2 2 1 Built-in RAM 0 0 0 Standard configuration 56 MB 192 MB 192 MB Largest chip size 32 MB 32 MB 128 MB FPM Yes Yes Yes EDO Yes Yes Yes Mix FPM and EDO No No No Parity Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Interleaving Yes a Yes a No a. To take advantage of interleaving, you must have the same size and speed DIMMs in paired banks. Built-in RAM Built-in RAM refers to the physical random access memory installed in your Macintosh system. Memory requirements vary, depending on what applications you are running. Table 2 shows the RAM requirements for Avid Composer Products software Release 7.2, Release 2.2, Release 8.0, and Release 2.5. MediaNet Client Hardware
Release 1.0.1 Release Notes 13 Table 2 Built-in Memory Requirements Installed Application Avid Composer Products Software Release 7.2 and Release 2.2 Minimum Requirements Avid Composer Products Software Release 8.0 and Release 2.5 Minimum Requirements Required Media Composer or Film Composer 140 MB a 155 MB a Mac OS b 33 MB (Mac OS 8.1) 21 MB (Mac OS 8.5.1) 22 MB (Mac OS 8.6) 21 MB (Mac OS 8.5.1) 22 MB (Mac OS 8.6) Digidesign Audio Engine (DAE ) 20 MB 20 MB (for AudioSuite Plug-Ins) c Recommended 10 MB free 10 MB 10 MB Optional EDL Manager 12 MB 12 MB AvidNet Transfer Tool 10 MB 10 MB Help system 3 MB 3 MB AVX Plug-ins 5 MB 5 MB Total 233 MB 236 MB Recommended Minimum 256 MB 256 MB Recommended Total 384 MB 384 MB a. You can start Media Composer or Film Composer with less than the minimum requirements, but optimal performance might be compromised. b. The memory requirements for Mac OS are for the operating system only and do not include any additional memory requirements for third-party extensions or control panels. MediaNet Client Hardware
14 Release 1.0.1 Release Notes c. Your system is installed with DAE; 20 MB of memory is necessary to accommodate DAE when you start the Avid Composer system. If you do not plan to use AudioSuite Plug-Ins, you can disable DAE and use its memory allotment for another application. New memory kits are available from Avid for updating your existing RAM configurations. For details, contact your Avid Customer Support representative. Changing the Memory Allocated to the Application MediaNet clients require more memory than earlier Avid Composer Product releases. Performance is improved by increasing the amount of memory allocated to the application. n If your system has less than 256 MB of RAM, you must add more memory to the system to reach the recommended minimum of 256 MB of RAM (see Table 2). When you install: Release 7.2, the Preferred default memory setting for the application is 110,000 KB (110 MB) Release 8.0, the Preferred default memory setting for the application is 122,000 KB (122 MB) You need to increase the preferred memory size of the Avid Composer Products software when you are connected to the MediaNet environment or when you are working on large projects. When you increase the amount of memory allocated to the application, leave enough memory to run the Macintosh operating system and other applications, such as EDL Manager, AvidNet, and Help. The operating system s need for memory is dynamic; therefore, the operating system might require more memory when running certain processes. MediaNet Client Hardware
Release 1.0.1 Release Notes 15 To change the amount of memory allocated to the application: 1. Click the Application icon to highlight it. 2. Choose Get Info from the File menu. The Avid Composer Info window opens. 3. Choose Memory from the Show pop-up menu. Show pop-up menu Minimum size Preferred size 4. Click the number in the Preferred Size text box. 5. Type the amount of memory you want to allocate to Media Composer or Film Composer. n Do not set the Preferred Size to less than the Minimum Size. 6. Click the close box in the upper left corner to close the Media Composer Info or Film Composer Info window. MediaNet Client Hardware
16 Release 1.0.1 Release Notes Checking Virtual Memory and Cache Size You must turn off virtual memory and set the cache size to run the Avid Composer Products software. This applies to any MediaNet client running Avid Composer Products software Release 7.2, Release 2.2, Release 8.0, or Release 2.5 on a MediaNet client. If you have not already done so, do the following: 1. Choose Memory from Control Panels in the Apple menu. 2. Set the Cache Size to 128K. 3. Turn off virtual memory and close the window. 4. Restart your MediaNet client. Checking File Sharing The Avid Composer Products software currently does not support Apple File Sharing. Make sure that you turn off file sharing before you mount any MediaNet workspace or start your Avid Composer Products software. To turn off file sharing: 1. Choose File Sharing from Control Panels in the Apple menu. 2. Click the Start/Stop tab in the File Sharing window. 3. Click Stop in the File Sharing on area. n If you leave Apple File Sharing turned on, Avid Composer Products software turns off File Sharing automatically when you start the application and doesn t turn it back on when you are done using the application. MediaNet Client Hardware
Release 1.0.1 Release Notes 17 Troubleshooting Memory Allocation Problems If you have problems starting or running Avid Composer Products software after adjusting the memory allocation, click the desktop and choose About This Computer from the Apple menu. About This Computer shows the total built-in memory installed in your MediaNet client, how much memory the operating system currently is using, how much memory any running application is using, and the largest unused block of memory. Depending on the amount of free memory you have allocated to Avid Composer Products software, one of the following problems might occur when you start Release 7.2, Release 2.2, Release 8.0, or Release 2.5: A screen message warns you to close other applications to make more memory available. For more information on allocating memory to the application, see your Macintosh documentation. The application does not start and you see an error message stating that the system was unable to load one of the required libraries. The error message indicates that not enough free memory is available to run Avid Composer Products software or that the required libraries are not installed in the system. For more information on allocating memory to the application, see your MediaNet Client Hardware
18 Release 1.0.1 Release Notes Macintosh documentation. For information on installing the required libraries, see Required Libraries and Extensions on page 18. Required Libraries and Extensions The libraries and extensions in this section must be installed on your MediaNet client for the Avid Composer Products software to start and to connect to the MediaNet environment. The following libraries are installed automatically in the Libraries folder in the SupportingFiles folder within your application folder during the Easy Install procedure: Table 3 Avid Libraries Releases 7.2 and 2.2 Releases 8.0 and 2.5 AVXLibrary NA a DB Library GT Library HIIP Library NA MT Library NA Universal AVXLibrary corelibrary DB Library GT Library HIIP Library MSL_RuntimePPC++.DLL MT Library QAPSharedLibrary Universal a. NA = Not applicable MediaNet Client Hardware
Release 1.0.1 Release Notes 19 The following files are installed automatically in the Extensions folder during the Easy Install procedure: Pinnacle libraries (You need the Pinnacle libraries even if you do not have the 3D Effects option.) - PGENIE.NDR - SVI.CF PIM3.slib TrilliumUtilities Avid Unity (during the MediaNet client installation) n If a library or extension is missing and you attempt to start the Avid Composer Products software, an error message appears stating that the required item is missing. The following files are installed by Apple Computer with the operating system: Objectsupportlib QuickTime Version 3.0 or later QuickTime PowerPlug n If one of these files is missing and you attempt to start the Avid Composer Products software, an error message appears stating that the required item is missing. DigiSystem_INIT is installed automatically in the Extensions folder during the Easy Install procedure. If the DigiSystem_INIT is missing, a message appears during startup warning you that you cannot use the audio board. MediaNet Client Hardware
20 Release 1.0.1 Release Notes Creating an Administration Station If you want to create an administration station (a MediaNet client that does not run the Avid Composer Product software), you can install the MediaNet client kit (both hardware and software) on any Power Macintosh 9500, Power Macintosh 9600, or Power Macintosh G3. Make sure that you connect this MediaNet client to the MEDIASwitch. MediaNet Server Hardware Install only the MediaNet Server software and Avid-authorized software on the MediaNet Server. The MediaNet Server must be dedicated to run only the Avid Unity MediaNet system. c Do not attempt to shut down the File Manager before it has completely started. Once the File Manager is running, you can then shut it down. Likewise, do not restart the File Manager until it has completely shut down. You should wait at least 1 minute for either process to complete. The following sections provide information about the MediaNet Server, MediaNet Administration Tool, and MediaNet performance. Preconfigured MediaNet Server Avid preconfigures some MediaNet Servers. To determine if your MediaNet Server is preconfigured: 1. Boot the MediaNet Server. 2. Click the Start button, point to Programs, and click Windows NT Explorer. The Exploring window opens. MediaNet Server Hardware
Release 1.0.1 Release Notes 21 3. Click Program Files. The right section of the window displays a list of folders and files in the Program Files folder. 4. If you see an Avid folder, your MediaNet Server is preconfigred and you do not need to load any of the server software. However, you do need to follow all the configuration instructions to make sure that the MediaNet Server is properly configured for your MediaNet environment. Locating the MediaNet Server Avid currently ships either a desktop or minitower MediaNet Server. If you receive the desktop MediaNet Server, mount it in the rack on top of the MEDIASwitch. If you receive the minitower MediaNet Server, set it on the floor or a table next to your rack. PCI Board Locations Avid installs the Fibre Channel adapter board and the modem in the slot locations shown in Table 4. Table 4 PCI Board Locations MediaNet Server Type Fibre Channel Adapter Board Modem Desktop Slot 1 Slot 2 Minitower Slot 4 Slot 1 MediaNet Server Hardware
22 Release 1.0.1 Release Notes MediaNet Server Virtual Memory The MediaNet Server internal drive requires adequate space for storing the swap file (pagefile.sys), for virtual memory, and for the MediaNet Server file location table. Typically, you must have two times the installed memory available on the internal hard drive for these files. The C partition is the default location for the MediaNet software and the swap file. When you configure the virtual memory for the MediaNet Server, the swap file needs to be located on the D partition and not on the C partition. The MediaNet File Manager stores several large log files on the C partition and the C partition might become full if the swap file uses the same partition. n You might need to create the D partition on your MediaNet Server. You can partition the remainder of the internal hard drive (the drive containing the C partition) as the D partition by using the Windows NT Disk Administrator. Adjusting Hardware Profiles After creating both of the Avid-recommended hardware profiles, you need to make the following adjustment to the MediaNet Network Disabled profile to disable the Intel Ethernet adapter. To change the hardware profiles: 1. Double-click My Computer on the desktop. 2. Double-click Control Panel. 3. Double-click Devices. The Devices dialog box appears. 4. Locate IntelEtherExpressPROAdapter and click it. 5. Click HW Profiles. The Device dialog box appears. 6. Click MediaNet Network Disabled. MediaNet Server Hardware
Release 1.0.1 Release Notes 23 7. Click Disable. 8. Click OK to set the IntelEtherExpressPROAdapter driver to not load as part of the MediaNet Network Disabled profile. 9. Close the Devices dialog box and the Control Panel window. Creating the Drive Set for the First Time Use the following procedure to ensure that the creation of the initial drive set is a success. When all the MEDIArray drives in the MEDIArray enclosure are in a raw state, the administration drive firmware must be loaded on one of the raw drives before you can create a drive set. Perform the following steps when creating the drive set for the first time: 1. Set up the MediaNet Server and install the software as described in the Avid Unity MediaNet Setup Guide. 2. After the MediaNet Server is running, click Stop File Manager in the File Manager Status tab of the MediaNet Monitor Tool on the MediaNet Server. 3. Use the MediaNet Administration Tool on a MediaNet client to manually create an administration drive: a. Click the Hardware tab. b. Select a raw drive from the Raw Drive group. c. Choose Create Administration Drive from the Hardware menu. You are informed that the administration firmware will be loaded. d. Click OK. When completed, an active administration drive will appear in the Administration Drives group. 4. Click Start File Manager in the File Manager Status tab of the MediaNet Monitor Tool on the MediaNet Server. MediaNet Server Hardware
24 Release 1.0.1 Release Notes 5. Choose Establish Connection from the File menu of the MediaNet Administration Tool on a MediaNet client. 6. Choose Configuration Assistant from the File menu. A dialog box appears, asking you to confirm that you want to create a new drive set. 7. Click OK. The amount of memory installed in the MediaNet Server has an effect on the maximum number of files and folders that can be created on the MediaNet Server. Table 5 lists the MediaNet Server file limits. Table 5 MediaNet Server File Limits Installed Memory Limit 128 MB 3,000 folders 30,000 files 384 MB 10,000 folders 100,000 files You can view the number of files and folders that you can create on your MediaNet Server from the Hardware tab in the Administration Tool. Updating the MediaNet Server Dongle When you update the dongle attached to the MediaNet Server, you must stop and start the File Manager before you can take advantage of the update. Use the Stop File Manager and Start File Manager buttons in the File Manager Status tab of the MediaNet Monitor Tool. MediaNet Server Hardware
Release 1.0.1 Release Notes 25 Hot Swapping MEDIArray Drives MediaNet does not support hot swapping the MEDIArray drives in the drive set. You cannot remove a MEDIArray drive from a MEDIArray enclosure without stopping the File Manager. To replace a MEDIArray drive: 1. Have all Avid Unity MediaNet clients unmount any mounted workspaces. 2. Repair the drive set with the Administration Tool. n For detailed instructions on repairing the drive set, see the Avid Unity MediaNet Administration Guide. 3. Identify the problem MEDIArray drive with the Administration Tool. 4. Stop the File Manager by using the Avid Unity MediaNet Monitor Tool. 5. Turn off power to the MEDIArray enclosure. 6. Replace the problem MEDIArray drive. n For detailed instructions on replacing the drive, see the Avid Unity MediaNet Setup Guide. 7. Turn on power to the MEDIArray enclosure. 8. Restart the File Manager by using the Avid Unity MediaNet Monitor Tool. The MediaNet clients can then remount the workspaces. MEDIAHub Support The MediaNet environment does not currently support configurations using a MEDIAHub. All supported configurations use the MEDIASwitch. MediaNet Server Hardware
26 Release 1.0.1 Release Notes Downloading MEDIASwitch Updates Avid offers updates for the MEDIASwitch, which can be downloaded to the switch through the MediaNet Server. If you need to download configuration files to the MEDIASwitch, use the Ethernet connection between the two devices. n Avid recommends using only the Ethernet connection to download updates to the MEDIASwitch. Avid does not support using the SLIP connection to download updates to the MEDIASwitch. There is a conflict between Windows NT with Service Pack 4 and the Loop Insite or SAN Insite software that performs the downloads to the MEDIASwitch. MediaNet Administration Tool The MediaNet Administration Tool software can be installed on multiple MediaNet clients. However, you should run the MediaNet Administration Tool on only one MediaNet client at a time. This avoids any conflicts with two administrators trying to make updates to the MediaNet environment at the same time. Administration Drive Replacement The administration drive is used as a communication device between the File Manager and the MediaNet clients and does not store any data. Only one administration drive can be physically connected to the File Manager at a time. The administration drive must be an 18-GB 10-K MEDIArray drive and is created using the Administration Tool. If a catastrophic failure occurs on the administration drive, the drive set is taken offline. A message in the Administration Tool s Hardware tab states that there is no administration drive. MediaNet Server Hardware
Release 1.0.1 Release Notes 27 When a new administration drive is created, the MediaNet environment will continue where it left off. n The administration drive requires administration firmware. If a raw drive does not already exist with administration firmware, the following procedure automatically loads the administration firmware. To re-create an administration drive: 1. Click the Hardware tab in the Administration Tool. n In most cases, the Administration Drives group is empty. However, if an administration drive still appears in the Administration Drives group, select the failed administration drive and choose Move Active to Raw Drive Set from the Advanced submenu in the Hardware menu. 2. Select the raw drive that you want to become the administration drive. If a raw drive already exists with administration firmware (displayed in the Status column), select the raw drive with the administration firmware. 3. Choose Create Administration Drive from the Hardware menu. If administration firmware does not already exist on the drive, you are informed that the administration firmware will be loaded. 4. Click OK or click Cancel to stop the process. When completed, an active administration drive will appear in the Administration Drives group. You can also remove the failed administration drive and replace it with a previously created spare. The following procedure explains how to create a spare administration drive. To create a spare administration drive: 1. Create an administration drive (as previously described). 2. Remove the administration drive from the MEDIArray enclosure and label it Spare Administration Drive. For drive removal procedures, see the instructions in the Avid Unity MediaNet Setup Guide. MediaNet Server Hardware
28 Release 1.0.1 Release Notes 3. Create another administration drive (as previously described). Identifying the Administration Drive To identify the administration drive in the MEDIArray enclosure, look for the drive with the most activity. The activity LED on the drive blinks at a faster rate than the LEDs on all the other drives. c Do not use the Identify Drive button in the MediaNet Administration Tool to located the administration drive. Clicking Identify Drive in the MediaNet Administration Tool on the administration drive disables the function of the drive. Performance Avid provides performance information as MediaNet configurations are qualified and when the MediaNet software and utilities are updated. This information shows the number of active MediaNet clients various MediaNet configurations can support. n The performance information is a guideline for MediaNet environment use but does not provide for all the possible variations of MediaNet environment use. The number of MEDIArray drives in the MediaNet drive set, the use of real-time effects, and digitizing to a protected or unprotected workspace while other users are working are all factors that affect MediaNet environment performance. You might also find that MediaNet environment performance decreases as the individual client s loads increase. The performance information is available on the Avid Web site (www.avid.com). To obtain a copy of the performance information: 1. Start your Internet Browser. 2. Type http://www.avid.com/ and press Return. 3. Click Avid Customer Service Knowledge Center. MediaNet Server Hardware
Release 1.0.1 Release Notes 29 n If you are not already a registered user, click Register to register now. Registered users have access to more information. 4. Click Products. 5. Click Storage + Networking. 6. Click Avid Unity. 7. Click Documentation. The Performance Matrix is available under the Release Notes category. A link to the performance matrix is posted here. MediaNet Server Configuration The MediaNet Server ships in an Avid-specific default configuration. Avid requires a particular basic input/output system (BIOS) revision level and makes changes to the default BIOS and Windows NT configurations. When the manufacturer of the MediaNet Server releases new revisions of the BIOS, do not automatically update the BIOS unless this action is approved by an Avid Customer Support representative. c The MediaNet Server software has been developed and tested with specific BIOS releases. Changing the BIOS to an untested release could alter the performance of the MediaNet environment. BIOS Revision Level and Configuration If you need to update or reload the BIOS in the MediaNet Server, make sure you set the BIOS values to the Avid defaults. Avid uses the following U.S.-specific BIOS revisions: IBM 300PL (desktop system) NVKT44AUS IBM IntelliStation (minitower system) - 400 MHz NVKT34AUS MediaNet Server Hardware
30 Release 1.0.1 Release Notes - 500 MHz NVKT36AUS Table 6 through Table 15 list the Avid default settings. BIOS Group Selections Table 6 shows how the BIOS settings are grouped. Table 6 Group BIOS Groups Description System Summary Product Data Device I/O Ports Start Options Date and Time System Security Advanced Setup ISA Legacy Resources Power Management Save Settings Restore Settings Load Default Settings Exit Setup Basic information about the processor and other integrated system devices Machine type, BIOS revision, and date Integrated device information and setup Boot options and miscellaneous configuration System date and time Remote administration and hardware password protection ROM shadowing and PCI configuration Memory, I/O, and interrupt resource assignments ACPI and APM configuration Commits parameter changes Restores previous values Loads firmware default values Quits the BIOS setup utility MediaNet Server Hardware
Release 1.0.1 Release Notes 31 System Summary Table 7 shows the Avid System Summary default values. Table 7 System Summary Default Values Category Default Value Description Processor CPU Type Displays the processor type Processor Speed CPU Speed Displays the processor speed L2 Cache Size 512KB Cache State Enabled with ECC System Memory 128MB Displays the amount of memory installed Memory Type Memory Type Displays ECC unless types are intentionally mixed Video Controller Displays the vendor-based video device Ethernet Support Enabled Audio Support Disabled Diskette Drives Drive Type Displays the installed diskette drive IDE Hard Drives Drive Type Displays any configured devices CD-ROM Drives Drive Type Displays any configured devices MediaNet Server Hardware
32 Release 1.0.1 Release Notes Product Data Table 8 shows the Avid Product Data default values. Table 8 Product Data Default Values Category Default Value Description Machine/Model Type Desktop system Minitower system Flash EEPROM Revision Level 6862xxx 6889xxx NVKTxxAUS Machine numbers are 6862 and 6889 Model Type xxx (where xxx identifies the model) 512K ROM (all systems use this size flash ROM) Boot Block Rev Level Unique identifier System Board Identifier Unique identifier System Serial Number Unique identifier System UUID Unique identifier BIOS Date Varies MediaNet Server Hardware
Release 1.0.1 Release Notes 33 Device I/O Ports Table 9 shows the Avid Device I/O Ports default values. Table 9 Category Mouse Device I/O Ports Default Values Default Value Installed Diskette Drive A 1.44 MB 3.5" Diskette Drive B Serial Port Setup Serial Port A Address Serial Port A IRQ Serial Port B Address Serial Port A IRQ USB Setup USB Support USB Kybd/Mouse Support Parallel Port Setup Parallel Port Parallel Port Mode Parallel Port Extended Mode Parallel Port Extended Mode DMA Parallel Port IRQ Video Setup Video Controller Video Memory Primary Display Palette Snooping Video Interrupt Not installed 3F8h 4 2F8h 3 Disabled Autodetect 378h Extended Bidirectional No DMA 7 Displays type of video board installed 4096 MB PCI or AGP, depending on board type installed (this field appears beginning with Rev 32) Disabled Enabled MediaNet Server Hardware
34 Release 1.0.1 Release Notes Table 9 Category Device I/O Ports Default Values (Continued) Default Value IDE Drives Setup IDE Hard Disk 0-3 IDE CD-ROM 0-3 Audio Setup Audio Support Ethernet Setup Ethernet Support Network Boot MAC Address SCSI Controller (minitower only) Configuration Dependent High Performance Disabled Enabled Disabled Hardcoded Enabled Start Options Table 10 shows the Avid Start Options default values. Table 10 Start Options Default Values Category Subcategory Default Value Startup Sequence Primary Startup Sequence First Startup Device Diskette Drive 0 Second Startup Device Third Startup Device Fourth Startup Device CD-ROM Hard Disk 0 Disabled MediaNet Server Hardware
Release 1.0.1 Release Notes 35 Table 10 Start Options Default Values (Continued) Category Subcategory Default Value Automatic Power On Startup Sequence Disabled First Startup Device Unimportant Second Startup Device Third Startup Device Fourth Startup Device Unimportant Unimportant Unimportant Error Startup Sequence Disabled Keyboard NumLock State On Keyboard Speed Fast Keyboard Reset Delay Disabled Disketteless Operation Disabled Keyboardless Operation Mode Disabled Power On Self Test Enhanced Power On Logos Enabled Power On F1/Esc Options Enabled Power On Status Disabled Virus Detection Disabled MediaNet Server Hardware
36 Release 1.0.1 Release Notes Date and Time Table 11 shows the Avid Date and Time default values. Table 11 Category Time Date and Time Default Values Recommended Value Current Time Date DD/MM/YYYY Current Date System Security Table 12 shows the Avid System Security default values. Table 12 Category System Security Default Values Default Value Enhanced Security Disabled a Secure IDE Devices and Diskette Drives Remote Administration Adapter ROM Security Asset Care Asset ID No Disabled Disabled a. This value can be changed only when flashing the system BIOS. See IBM user documentation for more information. MediaNet Server Hardware
Release 1.0.1 Release Notes 37 Advanced Setup Table 13 shows the Avid Advanced Setup default values. Table 13 Category Cache Control Cache State L2 Cache Size Advanced Setup Default Values Default Value Enabled with ECC 512KB ROM Shadowing PCI Control PCI Adapter Reset PCI Parity PCI Bus Master Network Adapters Mass Storage Adapters Display Adapters Multimedia Devices Communication Adapters Serial Adapters Plug and Play Control Set Device Node Address Decode Plug and Play Operating System Processor Control Processor 0 ID Processor Updating System Dependent Enabled Enabled Enabled Enabled Enabled Enabled Enabled Enabled Enabled 16-Bit No System Dependent Enabled MediaNet Server Hardware
38 Release 1.0.1 Release Notes ISA Legacy Resources Table 14 shows the Avid ISA Legacy Resources default values. Table 14 ISA Legacy Resources Default Values Category Description Default Value Memory Resources No Changes Required I/O Port Resources No Changes Required DMA Resources No Changes Required Interrupt Resources 0 NMI Not modifiable 1 Keyboard Not modifiable 2 Cascade Not modifiable 3 Serial Port 1 Serial Port 1 4 Serial Port 2 Serial Port 2 5 Available Available 6 Diskette Drive Not modifiable 7 Parallel Port Parallel Port 8 Real Time Clock Not modifiable 9 ACPI Will be reported as available after disabling ACPI 10 Available Available 11 Available Available 12 Mouse Not modifiable MediaNet Server Hardware
Release 1.0.1 Release Notes 39 Table 14 ISA Legacy Resources Default Values (Continued) Category Description Default Value 13 Coprocessor Not modifiable 14 IDE Drives Available 15 IDE Drives Secondary IDE (CD-ROM) Power Management Table 15 shows the Avid Power Management default values. Table 15 Category Power Management Default Values Default Value ACPI BIOS Mode APM Activity Monitor Automatic Power On Wake on LAN Disabled Disabled Unimportant Disabled Windows NT Configuration Changes Avid makes the following changes to the default Windows NT installation after you install Service Pack 4. Drive Partitioning Avid divides the internal hard drive into two partitions: C and D. The C partition has a size of 2 GB (2047 MB) with a FAT file system. This allows adequate space to load the operating system and allows the MediaNet Server Hardware
40 Release 1.0.1 Release Notes MediaNet File Manager space for its log files. The remainder of the hard drive is the D partition and has an NTFS file system. Networking Avid uses only TCP/IP networking. The IP address is set to 192.168.3.10 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. Drivers Avid removes the Sound drivers. Services Avid disables the Computer Browser. Page File The swap file (pagefile.sys) is located on the D partition. It has a default size of the total system memory plus 20 MB. You should increase the size of this file to two times the total system memory. Appearance Avid uses the Windows NT standard scheme with the active desktop disabled. There is no wallpaper or pattern specified for the desktop background. Service Pack Avid uses Windows NT Service Pack 4 with 40-bit encryption. Do not load Windows NT Service Pack 4 with 128-bit encryption. MediaNet Server Hardware
Release 1.0.1 Release Notes 41 MediaNet Client Software and Utilities Avid Unity MediaNet Release 1.0 includes the following releases when you look at the software detail information: MediaNet Administration Tool, Release 1.0.4 (Macintosh) Avid Unity Chooser extension for the MediaNet client, Release 1.0.4 (Macintosh) MediaNet Monitor Tool, Release 1.0.2 (Windows NT) Table 16 shows the following software files and utilities that are included with the Avid Unity MediaNet release. Table 16 Avid-Supplied Utilities Utilities Releases 7.2 and 2.2 Releases 8.0 and 2.5 AvidDriverInit 1.0 1.0 AVIDstartup 2.9.0 2.9.0 AVIDdrive Utility 2 2.3 2.2 StorEx 1.4 1.4 Drive Updater 5.9 5.9 Avid System Test 2.0 1.0.1 (Pro) Avid Fibre Driver 1.2.1 1.2.1 EPCI Updater 1.3.9 1.3.5uf2 Norton Disk Doctor 4.0 N/A Disk Warrior N/A 1.0.2 Disk First Aid 7.2.4 8.5.1 MediaNet Client Software and Utilities
42 Release 1.0.1 Release Notes Table 16 Avid-Supplied Utilities (Continued) Utilities Releases 7.2 and 2.2 Releases 8.0 and 2.5 Display Name Registry 1.0b1 1.0b1 MediaFCflasher 1.2.1 1.2.1 QuickTime 3.0 3.0 c Do not use Norton Disk Doctor, Disk Warrior, or Disk First Aid to repair MediaNet drive set problems. These utilities do not work with the MediaNet drive set. You can use these utilities on the MediaNet client local MediaDrives and its internal hard drive. AVIDstartup for Release 8.0 The Avid Composer Products software Release 8.0 initially shipped with AVIDstartup Release 2.7.0. When using Avid Composer Products software Release 8.0 in the MediaNet environment, you must update the AVIDstartup to Release 2.9.0. AVIDstartup Release 2.9.0 is included on a floppy disk with your Avid Unity MediaNet software. Update to AVIDstartup as follows: 1. Insert the AVIDstartup floppy disk into the MediaNet client s floppy drive. The floppy disk icon will appear on the desktop. 2. Double-click on the floppy disk icon. The AVIDstartup window opens. 3. Open the Startup Items folder in the System folder on the Avid drive. 4. Drag the AVIDstartup icon from the floppy disk window to the Startup Items folder in the System folder. MediaNet Client Software and Utilities
Release 1.0.1 Release Notes 43 5. Click OK when asked if you want to replace the old AVIDstartup with the new release. 6. Close all open windows. 7. Choose Restart from the Special menu. The MediaNet client restarts using the updated AVIDstartup. StorEx The Avid StorEx utility can be used to test the MEDIArray drives. This utility is used to exercise the drives and perform error mapping. Run the Avid StorEx utility from the MediaNet clients. For information on how to use StorEx, see the Avid StorEx Setup and User s Guide. c Use n Run StorEx only on the recommendation of Avid Customer Support. This utility can destroy the MediaNet drive set if it is used incorrectly. StorEx on only one MediaNet client at a time. Do not run StorEx from multiple MediaNet clients. AVIDdrive Utility 2 You should use AVIDdrive Utility 2 only on MediaDrives connected directly to the MediaNet clients. Do not have any MediaNet workspaces mounted on the MediaNet client desktop when running AVIDdrive Utility 2. c Do not use the AVIDdrive Utility or AVIDdrive Utility 2 to partition any of the MediaNet MEDIArray drives. Using these utilities will destroy part or all of the files that you have stored on the MediaNet drives. You must use only the MediaNet Administration Tool to partition MediaNet MEDIArray drives. MediaNet Client Software and Utilities
44 Release 1.0.1 Release Notes MediaNet Client Software New releases of Avid Composer Products software have been developed to support the Avid Unity MediaNet environment. They include: Media Composer Release 7.2 and Release 8.0 Film Composer Release 7.2 Avid Media Station Release 7.2 Avid Xpress Release 2.2 and Release 2.5 c Do not use Avid Composer Products software earlier than the releases listed above. Although earlier releases might appear to work initially, errors will occur. If an error occurs while running the MediaNet client, perform the following steps: 1. Unmount all mounted workspaces (if possible) by clicking in the workspaces and dragging them to the Trash. When all the workspaces are removed from the desktop, the MediaNet Server considers the MediaNet client to be logged out. 2. Quit all applications and choose Restart from the Special menu. After the MediaNet client restarts, mount the necessary workspace and retry the task. If the error continues, contact Avid Customer Support. Opening the Chooser Window at Startup Some users prefer to have their workspaces mounted automatically when the Macintosh system is started. This cannot be done; however, an alias can be added to the Startup Items folder so that the Chooser window automatically opens during startup. The user simply needs to log in to the MediaNet environment and select the workspace to be mounted. MediaNet Client Software and Utilities