PROFILE PDR 200 Key Features
The Profile PDR200 is a fully featured, network ready video file server. The PDR200 family replaces the industry leading PDR100 and offers expanded capability, better upgradability, and more bandwidth to support future growth while retaining full software compatibility with PDR100 applications. It can be used in a broad range of applications - from editing to on-air replay - that require the recording, storage, manipulation, transfer, or playback of video. Profile disk recorder technology is transforming the broadcast industry through increased productivity, lower costs, greater reliability, and a better on-air look than VTR-based systems. The Profile PDR200 networked video file server builds on the capabilities of the Tektronix PDR100. The PDR200 features larger 9 GB Ultra-SCSI disk drives, AES/EBU digital audio, 30 MB/s internal bandwidth, increased external storage, and the ability to share digitally compressed data over a Fibre Channel network. The PDR200 not only fits smoothly into existing PDR100 applications, but unlocks the benefits of tomorrow's digitally networked facilities. ApplicationsSince Profile disk recorders allow up to four channels of simultaneous access to the disk array, one or more channels of video information can be written to the array while other channels are reading. This multi-tasking capability allows one PDR disk recorder to do the work of up to four VTRs. Profile PDR disk recorders make editing, program delay, store and forward, Near Video on Demand, and on-air spot playout simpler, faster, and far more reliable. The PDR200's ability to share digital video files with other Profile disk recorders over an integrated network expands its possibilities. Sharing video over a Fibre Channel network stream-lines everyday operation and allows last second changes in commercial schedules, sports and news programs. The PDR200 is able to work with - and increase - the productivity of existing equipment, even while it is delivering on the promise of a digitally networked studio. Fibre Channel Video NetworkIn a typical broadcast environment, from field production to air time, a single video clip undergoes numerous reviews and changes during the production process. It will be edited, often several times, and moved on tape from the field, to the edit room, and to storage before being dubbed into a cart for on-air playback. Fibre Channel is the general name of an integrated set of standards developed by ANSI. It describes the physical interface, a means to connect devices, provides for high speed transfer of large amounts of data, and separates the transported logical protocol from the physical interface. When used between networked Profile devices, Fibre Channel connections allow the user to move compressed digitized video between Profile PDRs in different editing suites, or from one editing suite PDR to the play-to-air PDR in a control room, at faster than real-time speeds. For instance, a 15 minute clip could be moved in 3 to 4 minutes, and because it is a data transfer, there is no need to QA the clip at its destination. Fibre Channel networking lets users create a virtual server where clips can be accessed by any PDR on the network without tying up Profile video and audio channels or the plant router. The Fibre Channel option is a single card in which data transfers from the network to the disk drive over a high speed PCI bus. This transfer is independent of the video CODECs, which ensures that the on-air channels will never be impacted by network activity. Digital Audio StandardDigital audio editing and digital audio effects are becoming more important as facilities make the transition to digital and as the processes of production and on-air play move closer together. In some applications, such as post-production, digital audio is already a primary requirement. With five high speed floating point DSP processors, the PDR200 is a powerful platform for audio production. New applications supporting these features will soon be available from Profile software developers. Sixteen channels of digital audio are standard inside the PDR200. High quality analog audio is also available with an optional PAC208/PAC216 Analog/Digital Interface chassis. The PDR200 can be configured to operate with analog, AES/EBU digital, or embedded audio. A unique feature of the PDR200 is its ability to support all three audio formats without external conversion equipment. Users can choose the required audio format per video channel, enabling analog audio on one channel, embedded on another, and AES/EBU on the rest. New Analog I/O CapabilityAlthough most facilities are moving to serial digital I/O throughout the facility, there is still a tremendous amount of analog equipment that must be interfaced to a digital video server. New in the PDR200 is a two channel Analog Composite I/O card which enables up to four Analog Composite I/O channels (PDR 204A). In addition, the PDR200 can have up to two Analog Component inputs, or four Serial Digital I/O channels (combinations limited by available slots - see configuration guide). Another new option is a four channel analog monitor card for in-studio monitoring of the four P rofile channels. This card has the option of timecode display, or it can be programmed with a character display to indicate what is being monitored (on-air channel, satellite east, preview, etc.). With these I/O options, the PDR200 is the most versatile video server on the market today to support the transition from analog to digital for both video and audio. Profile User InterfacesThe PDR200 standard VDR Panel software interface allows users to operate the disk recorder as if it were four interconnected VTRs. PDR disk recorders can be controlled by Profile protocol (an open API interface available to developers) as well as standard remote operation protocols (such as Louth, Odetics, or BVW emulation) that allow them to be used with third party application software. Profile Tool BoxOptional Profile Tool Box software enhances the easy integration of Profile Disk Recorders by solving many of the labor intensive operational problems that broadcasters face each day. The Profile Tool Box consists of a set of integrated applications. The Tool Box Editor provides basic, cuts-only editing and assembly edits. The Tool Box List Manager provides simple automation functions by allowing program events to be scheduled on a time line. Users can record, store, and forward programs and commercials for automated play. PDX208 Expansion StorageThe PDR200 Disk Recorder mainframe array of 9 GB Ultra-SCSI disk drives can be configured to provide over 6 hours of broadcast quality media storage, and expanded by adding one or two optional PDX208 external 8-drive expansion units. With two PDX208s, the PDR200 system can provide 18 hours of storage at Betacam SP quality, or 9 hours at Digital Betacam quality. PRS200A RAID StorageThe optional Profile PRS 200A RAID Storage system provides both increased storage - up to 96 hours - and data protection. The PRS200A uses RAID-3 technology and is capable of rebuilding video information on-the-fly if an individual drive fails. The faulty drive can be replaced and the missing information reconstructed all without taking the Profile PDR offline. The data protection created by the PRS200A can be crucial to on-air and other mission critical applications. PLS200 Data Tape LibraryThe optional Profile PLS200 Library System increases storage up to 1.6 terabytes. The PLS200 is a robotic data tape library that stores information on inexpensive digital cassettes. This small (12 RU), low cost system can provide storage for almost 5000 spots, which when combined with a Profile makes a cost-effective spot insertion system. Product SupportTektronix is dedicated to making the Profile PDR200 exceptionally reliable and easy to maintain. The PDR200 Disk Recorder features an open platform design and uses off-the-shelf components whenever possible. Its TekCare support begins with a one year hardware and software warranty that includes Technical Hotline Support 12 hours a day/5 days a week, Advanced Module Exchange, Return-to-Depot Repair, and Product Support Training. Tektronix Service offers Profile PDR200 users a full set of options to expand their basic support. Technical Hotline Support, for example, can be upgraded to 24 hour coverage, 7 days a week. Other options cover on-site service, upgrades, troubleshooting and repair, software updates, and extended warranty coverage. Each user can decide what level of service is most cost-effective for their operation. Comparison of PDR200 to PDR100
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