AMS Neve StarNet

Editorial

StarNet™

StarNet is part of AMS Neve'sWorkflow initiative

WORKFLOWTM

AUDIO CONTROL PROJECT� �

StarNet™StarNet™

Production

Solutions

for a

Connected

World

Broadcast

Music

EditorialEditorial

StarNet™

StarNet is part of AMS Neve'sWorkflow initiative

Broadcast

Music

Editorial

Film & Video Post

WORKFLOWTM

AUDIO CONTROL PROJECT� �

StarNet™StarNet™

Production

Solutions

for a

Connected

World

StarNet™ - Production Solutions for a Connected World

AMS Neve plc is dedicated to the design and manufacture of professional

audio equipment for world class audio facilities. The company provides a

range of integrated and scalable equipment solutions, focussed on three key

applications:

� Post Production for Film & Video

� Broadcast/Live Production

� Music Recording

AMS Neve products offer high performance solutions for today's connected

world.

StarNet™

AMS Neve's StarNet™ system will revolutionise project flow in your audio post

production operation. The most significant development in audio post since

the introduction of hard disk editing, StarNet™ is a dedicated networking

solution for AMS Neve's AudioFile SC editors and digital consoles.

StarNet™ provides a complete solution for storing and transferring audio

projects in a multi-room facility. The system has been developed in close

liaison with the world's leading multi-studio facilities, who are the pioneers of

efficient project workflow. The result is a network that enhances project flow

without compromising performance in individual studios or requiring

excessive management.

StarNet™ is an open system, using industry-standard Fast Ethernet

connections, linking the world's most powerful proprietary editor - AudioFile

SC. Large numbers of projects can be stored on a central Windows NT server,

which is accessible from all studios. Other major benefits of StarNet™ include

shared online effects libraries and centralised file exchange and archiving.

StarNet™enables you to:

� Work on any project in any studio

� Choose from thousands of effects available online

� Simplify project management by keeping audio, edit lists and mixautomation together on a single server

� Save time in the studio with centralised off-line archiving

� Interface directly to picture editor networks

StarNet™ is part of AMS Neve's WorkFlow™ Initiative, setting new

standards for facility efficiency and flexibility. WorkFlow™ systems

integrate AMS Neve's proven production consoles and post systems to

form seamless environments for rapid project transfer and maximum

studio flexibility. Other examples of WorkFlow™ systems include AMS

Neve's Encore universal console automation system and facility-wide

audio sharing via MADI.

Issue 6 1


Networking for:

AudioFile SC high speed editing system

Logic post production systems

Libra Post digital mixing console

DFC2 Digital Film Console

Connectivity to Libra Live and Libra Music consoles

Connectivity

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WorkgroupController

Cue Pool&

Raid Storage

Foley x 5SC16 x 5

Fast EthernetSwitcher

Mixing x 5SC16 x 4SC 32 x 1

MediaToolBox

EthernetSwitcher

VideoNLE

Workstation

100T Ethernet

1000T Ethernet

100T Ethernet

100T Ethernet

A

M

S

N

E

V

E

x5 x5

StarNet Workflow�OMF

OMF

StarNet architecture avoids bandwidth issues and unnecessary cue duplication. The Workgroup controller manages the central Raid storage

of projects and audio. The Media ToolBox forms a gateway to external networks as well as providing an "off line" route into and out ofStarNet for compatibility with facilities not equipped with StarNet .

�

� �

Local Storage Local Storage

StarNet™ in Operation

StarNet™ is a dedicated networking solution for audio post, connecting

AMS Neve's advanced audio editors and consoles with industry standard

100BaseT or 1000BaseT technology.

Key features of StarNet™ include:

� Access to any project in any studio.

� Central Windows NT project server for audio, edits and mixautomation.

� RAID storage options.

� Off-line archiving and file translation.

� Industry standard Ethernet connections.

� Open connectivity to other networks via Windows.

� No unnecessary cue duplication:StarNet’s™ unique intelligent UID management ensures that there isonly ever one copy of each cue on each networked system.

� Built in intelligence:Proprietary project and server-based storage management softwarecommunicates across the network to oversee all StarNet™ projectmanipulation.

� Scheduled project archiving is managed by application specificsoftware resident on the StarNet™ server. This allows automatedarchiving of any project which is new or has been changed.

� Centralised sound effects library facilities:StarNet™ is compatible with leading sound effects library systems,allowing the libraries to be browsed, auditioned and used seamlessly.

� No project access restrictions:StarNet™architecture avoids bandwidth issues and unnecessary cueduplication. Whilst other systems adopt complex bandwidthmanagement requiring user housekeeping, StarNet™ imposes no suchrestrictions. Users can work on the same project in parallel. The “localproject” concept removes production bottlenecks caused by projectaccess restrictions.

Simple Project Management

During the session, all recordings, event (edit) lists and automated mixes

are stored on the local editor and console hard disks in the usual way. At

the end of the session, the project is uploaded to the central server: the

Workgroup Controller, which stores all project data from both the editor

and the console. Thousands of projects can be stored online, ready to be

downloaded into any studio for the next session.

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Projects can be downloaded from the server using a simpledrag-and-drop display on the AudioFile SC

Typical Project WorkFlow™

1. Import rough audio edit from picture editor

� The OMF or AAF file from the picture editor is translated by the MediaToolBox.

� The project is stored on the central Workgroup Controller server and isavailable to all studios.

or:

� The OMF or AAF file is imported directly via the Media ToolBox FastEthernet into the AudioFile SC which is connected to StarNet™.

2. Tracklay session in Edit 1

� Download the project to a studio and finesse the edits on an AudioFileSC.

� Add sound effects from a massive online database.

� Upload the updated project to the Workgroup Controller - intelligenttransfer minimises the update time by only transferring audio that is notcurrently on the server.

3. Final mix session in Mix 1

� Fully automated mixing on a Libra Post, DFC or Logic console.

� At the end of the session, the whole project can be uploaded to theWorkgroup Controller, including audio, edits and automation.

4. Remix in another studio

Mix 1 is now busy with another project, so:

� Download the project to Mix 2 for making final changes to the mix orfor creating international/DVD versions.

Compatibility between AMS Neve digital consoles enables, for example, a

mix originally created on a Libra Post console to be remixed on a DFC.

� Completed mix can be exported as an OMF file over the network ifrequired.

StarNet™ allows OMF files to be imported directly from any format and

size of Media (including Mac, PC, Jaz, CD) or imported directly over a

network from an Ethernet connection to another system (via the Media

ToolBox). The import arrives directly on the target AudoFile SC editor at

very high import speed. The imported file can be stored as a project on the

StarNet™ server for use later. The edited file can be exported in exactly the

same way, allowing seamless transfer between StarNet™ editors and other

OMF compatible platforms.

The OMF system supports both the OMF1 and OMF2 protocols.

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Interfacevia

Windows NT

AudioPost

Production

2. Edit 1

AudioFile SC

AudioFile SC

AudioFile SC

3. Mix 1

Libra Post

4. Mix 2

DFCAMS NeveMedia ToolBox

PictureEditing

Picture Edit

PictureEditor

Network

Sound EffectsLibrary

OMF audio frompicture editor

network Interfacevia

Windows NTOther audioimport and

export

RemovableMedia

AMS NeveWorkgroupController

Project Storage

Shared Cue Pool

RAID Storage(customer supplied)

1.

Schematic view of Project WorkFlow

Intelligent Transfer

When transferring a project to an AudioFile SC or the server, StarNet™

automatically saves time and disk space by not transferring recordings that

are already present on the system. This is possible because each recording

made on AudioFile is stamped with a unique identifier number (UID),

which enables it to be identified even if the name has changed. This

applies to recordings made on all generations of AudioFile since its

introduction in 1984. The Virtual Folder system enables each workstation

user to create folders of frequently used recordings and effects without

storing multiple copies on the server.

Proven Technology

StarNet™ features industry-standard 1000BaseT Fast Ethernet connections

and Windows 2003 server technology. Maximum performance and security

of operation are guaranteed by keeping all project elements locally during

sessions. The central project storage can use customer-supplied RAID disk

arrays for maximum resiliency. RAID arrays enable project data to be

recovered even if a disk within the array fails.

Unlike some designs, it has not been necessary to modify the Ethernet

connections because standard Windows NT protocols are used. This

ensures that the system can be readily updated to use new

communications technologies in the future.

An Open Networking Solution

AMS Neve is a key supporter of project interchange between editor

platforms. Audio tracks from picture and audio editors can be imported

into AudioFile SC directly from a variety of formats, including OMF and

Lightworks. Alternatively, projects may be translated centrally using the

Media ToolBox, then placed on the server ready for access in any studio.

The Media ToolBox forms the media gateway for StarNet™, enabling direct

exchange of material in a variety of formats with video editor networks and

other shared storage systems.

Issue 6 5


AudioFile SC

A key element of the StarNet™ network is the AudioFile SC,AMS Neve's high speed 32 track editor. AudioFile SC featuresa performance accelerator that boosts operational speed upto 50 times faster than previous generation editors.

Key features of AudioFile SC include:

� Up to 32 tracks

� High speed operation

� Proven AudioFile edit controller

� Additional high resolution project display

� Fast Ethernet connectivity

� DSP processes

The system includes the new AMS Neve Studio Controller, agraphics and project management system with directconnectivity to the StarNet™ network. AudioFile SC mayoptionally be combined with AMS Neve's digital consoles toprovide totally integrated post production systems. SCupgrade packages are available to facilities already equippedwith AudioFile editors.

The latest AudioFile SC software features the ability to importProTools session files into the AudioFile SC. This softwareallows the user to browse to a folder and import a ProTools5.0 session file. ProTools can be rendered during import orconverted to AudioFile real time fades. After the import theuser is presented with an AudioFile events list which can beplayed and edited as desired.

StarNet™ Workgroup Controller

For any facility using a networked audio post production environment, one

of the key considerations has to be system reliability and security.

Unlike other designs, network failure will not bring the facility to a

standstill. Users can carry on working and the project can be transferred to

the network as soon as the network is up and running again.

The StarNet™ Server itself is a high specification server with built in

redundancy.

StarNet™ Server Specification

� Dedicated Server dual processor capable Motherboard

� 256MB PC133 ECC SDRAM (expandable up to 4GB)

� Dual Peer PCI for Improved data throughput

� 2 * 66Mhz, 64 bit PCI slots included

� Accidental Power Off Prevention Capable

� System Fault Paging Services Capable

� Audio Visual Power Failure Indication

� Dual hot swap power supplies

� Built-in "burn proof" DVD re-writer

� SCSI160 LVD capable

� Built-in Ethernet port with extensive diagnostics

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WORKGROUP

CONTROLLER

MON NET

SCSI/

RAID S1 S2 S3 S4

AMS NEVE WORKGROUP CONTROLLER

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1

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1

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does StarNet™ improve my studio

workflow?

A: StarNet™ provides very fast project storage

and transfer between studios. Project

management is extremely simple. Its intelligent

file management ensures project transfer

occurs at the fastest possible speed.

Q: My facility has many edit and mix

rooms. Will audio bandwidth be effected

by networking many rooms together?

A: No. Individual workstation bandwidth is

retained regardless of the number of systems

accessing a project.

Q: Can multiple editors work on the same

project at the same time?

A: Yes. StarNet™ enables each editor to work

on identical local copies of the centrally stored

network project. This gives each editor

complete freedom to edit, play and record into

the project. The dedicated StarNet™ server

management software ensures that cues are

never duplicated within the StarNet™ domain.

Q: What archive medium can I use?

A: StarNet™ projects can be archived onto any

medium which can be recognized by Windows

NT. This includes DVD RAM, Mammoth, DLT.

Q: How do I backup the StarNet™

projects?

A: Project archiving is performed from the

Server, not the workstation. This removes the

need to use the studio to archive onto Exabyte.

Archiving becomes a "background" task which

can be performed whilst the editing rooms are

still in use.

Q: Can I store my console data within a

project?

A: Yes. Console data such as Mix set-ups and

automation can be stored alongside events lists

and audio within a project.

Q: Can I transfer projects from StarNet™

to non-StarNet™ facilities

A: Yes. The Media ToolBox is part of the

StarNet™ network. StarNet™ projects can

be backed up to Exabyte in the conventional

AMS Neve format giving compatibility. The

Media ToolBox also allows StarNet™ projects

to be created from Exabyte jobs. The gives

compatibility in both directions. As this function

is performed by the Media ToolBox, the

AudioFile rooms are free to be used for paying

sessions rather than archiving.

Q: My client wants the final mix available

as a wav file. Is this possible?

A: Yes. The final mix (or any other component)

can be exported as a wav file over the network

and transferred via FTP etc.

Q: Can I connect StarNet™ to a video

editor network and exchange files?

A: Yes. The Media ToolBox provides a secure

"gateway" to other network system including

networked video editing workstations. Files can

be exchanged in both directions over Ethernet

using the industry standard OMF protocols.

Issue 6 7


AMS Neve StarNet

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