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Ross softGear User Manual

Broadcast audio processor
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Broadcast Audio Processor User Guide

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  • Page 1 Broadcast Audio Processor User Guide...
  • Page 2 Ross has become well known for the Ross Video Code of Ethics. It guides our interactions and empowers our employees. I hope you enjoy reading it below. If anything at all with your Ross experience does not live up to your expectations be sure to reach out to us at solutions@rossvideo.com.
  • Page 3 Ross Video. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, Ross Video assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
  • Page 4 Notice — Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by Ross Video Ltd. could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment. Canada This Class “A”...
  • Page 5 If you need more information on the collection, reuse, and recycling systems, please contact your local or regional waste administration. You can also contact Ross Video for more information on the environmental performances of our products. Company Address Ross Video Limited...
  • Page 7 User Entered Text ..........................12 Referenced Guides ..........................12 Menu Sequences ........................... 12 Important Instructions .......................... 12 Contacting Ross Video Technical Support ..................... 12 Contacting the Nielsen Encoder Support Group .................. 12 Before You Begin Overview ..............................13 Features ..............................13 Channel Mapping Overview ........................
  • Page 8 Using DashBoard Overview ..............................27 Launching DashBoard ..........................28 Accessing the BAP Interfaces in DashBoard ..................28 Updating the Network Settings Network Connections to the BAP ......................33 Updating the Gb1 Port Settings ......................33 Specifying the Video Format Frame Rate Compatibility ........................35 Specifying a Video Format ........................
  • Page 9 Channel Mapper Tab ..........................56 Device Info Tab ............................57 Dolby RTLL Interface ..........................57 Config Tab ............................... 57 Device Info Tab ............................58 Nielsen Watermarker Encoder Interface ....................58 Watermarker Table Tab ........................59 Status Tab ............................... 60 Device Setup Tab ........................... 60 DD DDP Encoder interface ........................
  • Page 10 iv • Contents BAP User Guide (v1.0)
  • Page 11 • “Service Information” provides information on the warranty and repair policy for your BAP. • “Glossary” provides a list of terms used throughout this guide. Related Publications It is recommended to consult the following Ross documentation before installing and configuring your BAP: • DashBoard User Manual, Ross Part Number: 8351DR-004 •...
  • Page 12 Gateway for your device. Contacting Ross Video Technical Support At Ross Video, we take pride in the quality of our products, but if problems occur, help is as close as the nearest telephone. Our 24-hour Hot Line service ensures you have access to technical expertise around the clock.
  • Page 13 Before You Begin If you have questions pertaining to the operation of BAP, contact us at the numbers listed in the section “Contacting Ross Video Technical Support”. Our technical staff is always available for consultation, training, or service. Overview The BAP combines Nielsen® Watermarking, Dolby® Loudness Leveling and Dolby Digital®/Dolby Digital Plus®...
  • Page 14 • BS-1770 real time loudness leveler for automatic and intelligent loudness processing, and true peak limiting • Intuitive control and monitoring via DashBoard • Hardware relay bypass (automatic on loss of power) for all processing Channel Mapping Overview The BAP organizes the audio channels into paths. (Figure 2) Each SDI has four output paths with the following default channel mapping: •...
  • Page 15 always a two-channel pair even if the source for that Output path includes multiple channels. (Figure 3) SLOT 1 DOLBY DIGITAL / OUTPUT DOLBY DIGITAL PLUS PATH 1 ENCODER DOLBY DIGITAL / OUTPUT DOLBY DIGITAL PLUS PATH 2 ENCODER Channel 1 1 CHANNEL MAPPER OUT 1 IN 1...
  • Page 16 DashBoard Interfaces The BAP requires an Ethernet network connection between it and a computer that will run the DashBoard client. The DashBoard client software enables you to monitor and control DashBoard Connect compatible devices from a computer. The BAP includes DashBoard interfaces for configuration and operation. The interfaces are accessed by expanding the BAP node in the DashBoard Tree View and selecting the appropriate sub-node.
  • Page 17 Integration Example The Broadcast Audio Processor (BAP) is your versatile play-out application based on softGear™ micro-service architecture running on commercial-off-the-shelf hardware. softGear’s flexible architecture is designed to accommodate your current and future audio needs by allowing additional processing blocks as required. The BAP offers a robust, standalone solution with transmission path protection that allows you to integrate with any playout system.
  • Page 18 An overview of accessing the BAP in DashBoard is provided in the chapter “Using DashBoard”. For information on the tabs, menus, and parameters available in Dashboard, refer to “DashBoard Interface Overview”. Connect to an NTP Server Once the user can successfully access the BAP in DashBoard, the next step is to establish a connection to an NTP Server.
  • Page 19 Hardware Overview This chapter presents information on the BAP hardware. Front Panel Overview This section provides a general overview of the features of the BAP front panel. Figure 7 BAP — Front Panel (Door Removed) 1. POWER Button This is the main power button for the BAP. Rear Panel Overview This section provides an overview of the connections and cabling designations for the BAP rear panel.
  • Page 20 5. REF IN BNC This BNC provides an analog reference input connection. 6. SDI OUT BNCs There are two SDI OUT BNCs (OUT 1, OUT 2). 7. SDI IN BNCs There are two SDI IN BNCs (IN 1, IN 2). 8,9 Power Supplies The BAP comes standard with two power supplies.
  • Page 21 Physical Installation This chapter provides additional information for installing the BAP. Installing the BAP in a Rack Frame Refer to the BAP Quick Start Guide that accompanied your device and its mounting kit for installation information. Connecting to a Network The BAP is connected to your network via the Gb1 port on the rear panel.
  • Page 22 Connecting the Power Supplies For redundancy, each power cord should be connected to a separate power source for protection against failure of the A/C power circuit. In the event of one power supply failure, the frame load is transferred to the other redundant power supply. Warning —...
  • Page 23 Cabling If you have questions pertaining to the installation of BAP, contact us at the numbers listed in the section “Contacting Ross Video Technical Support”. Our technical staff is always available for consultation, training, or service. Connecting a Reference Source to the BAP The BAP rear panel also includes a REF IN HD-BNC that can connect to a blackburst reference source.
  • Page 24 SDI OUT 1 SDI OUT 2 Gb 1 Gb 2 Figure 10 BAP Cabling — SDI Outputs 24 • Cabling BAP User Guide (v1.0)
  • Page 25  If you have questions pertaining to the operation of BAP, contact us at the numbers listed in the section “Contacting Ross Video Technical Support”. Our technical staff is always available for consultation, training, or service. Physical Connections to the BAP Before configuring the initial network settings of the BAP, you must: •...
  • Page 26 26 • Initial Connection BAP User Guide (v1.0)
  • Page 27 Using DashBoard This chapter provides instructions for launching DashBoard, and accessing the BAP interfaces in DashBoard. Overview The BAP interfaces are accessed by expanding the main BAP node in the Tree View and selecting a series of sub-nodes. (Figure 11) The BAP nodes are organized in a logical order for ease of configuration: •...
  • Page 28 Launching DashBoard DashBoard must run on a computer that has a physical wired Ethernet connection. Wireless connections do not allow device discovery. To launch DashBoard 1. Ensure that you are running DashBoard software version 9.0 or higher. 2. Launch DashBoard by double-clicking its icon on your computer desktop. Accessing the BAP Interfaces in DashBoard Each node represents an interface, or configuration step, for a specified SDI path.
  • Page 29 7. Expand an SDI node to display the sub-nodes for configuring the specified SDI. 8. Double-click the Channel Mapper sub-node. The Channel Mapper interface enables you to assign the input audio channels to the encoded channels of a specific output path. 9.
  • Page 30 10. Double-click the Dolby RTLL sub-node. The Dolby RTLL interface enables you to adjust the target loudness settings for the BAP output. 11. Double-click the Nielsen Watermark sub-node. The Nielsen Watermark interface enables you to configure the Watermark Encoder channels. 30 •...
  • Page 31 12. Double-click the DD DDP Encoder sub-node. The DD DDP (Dolby Digital/Dolby Digital Plus) provides options for configuring the Dolby encoder channels for an SDI output. BAP User Guide (v1.0) Using DashBoard • 31...
  • Page 32 32 • Using DashBoard BAP User Guide (v1.0)
  • Page 33 Updating the Network Settings Once the BAP is communicating via DashBoard, it is recommended to assign a different static IP address from the factory default values. These default values were used to initially establish a connection point to the BAP, as outlined in your BAP Quick Start Guide. This chapter provides instructions for configuring the RJ45 ports of the BAP for communication with your facility network and streaming devices.
  • Page 34 34 • Updating the Network Settings BAP User Guide (v1.0)
  • Page 35 Specifying the Video Format This chapter provides information on the reference formats, and how to specify the video format for your inputs and outputs. Frame Rate Compatibility It is important to remember that when using the reference source connected to the rear panel, the BAP input video frame rate must match the reference frame rate.
  • Page 36 36 • Specifying the Video Format BAP User Guide (v1.0)
  • Page 37 Channel Mapping The BAP provides a single interface that enables you to map each input audio channel to an audio channel in one of the four output paths. You can choose to apply the default audio channel map or assign the channels as required by your system. Both methods are described in this chapter. Before You Begin In DashBoard, the Tree View displays the configuration options as sub-nodes organized under numbered slot nodes (SDI 1, SDI 2).
  • Page 38 Using the Default Channel Mapping Each SDI has four output paths with the following default channel mapping: • Output path 1 includes channels 1-6 • Output path 2 includes channels 7-8 • Output path 3 includes channels 9-14 • Output path 4 includes channels 15-16 You can choose to use the default channel mapping, or customize the map based on your facility requirements.
  • Page 39 6. Repeat step 3 to 5 for each output path and channel you wish to customize. BAP User Guide (v1.0) Channel Mapping • 39...
  • Page 40 40 • Channel Mapping BAP User Guide (v1.0)
  • Page 41 Real-Time Loudness Leveling This chapter summarizes the steps to configure the Dolby® Real-Time Loudness Leveling (RTLL) feature. Configuring the RTLL Settings for an SDI Output The RTLL interface offers parametric controls for loudness leveling. Basic setup is setting RTLL to Enabled, and choosing a Manual IRL level (typically same as the desired loudness level).
  • Page 42 To set the Fallback dialnorm value on the BAP 1. Display the DD DDP Encoder interface as outlined in “To display the BAP interfaces in DashBoard”. 2. Select the Loudness sub-tab located in the far-right pane of the DashBoard window. 3.
  • Page 43 Watermark Encoders Setup This chapter outlines the steps required to configure and enable the Watermark Encoder channels for the BAP. Overview A Watermark Encoder provides transport stream processing to add Nielsen Watermarking to AES67 audio streams. DashBoard provides options for specifying the watermarking parameters, including the Source Identification (SID) obtained from Nielsen Encoder Support.
  • Page 44  It is recommended to leave the Watermark Type set to the default value. 3. Set the audio code scheme for your BAP by selecting an option in the Code Type area. This affects NAES 2 code production only. Choose from the following: •...
  • Page 45 Configuring the Dolby Encoders This chapter outlines the steps required to configure the Dolby® encoder channel for an SDI output. Enabling a Dolby Encoder Channel for an SDI Output The first step in setting up an encoder is selecting the Encoder Format. To enable an encoder channel for an SDI Output 1.
  • Page 46 To configure the preprocessing engine for the Dolby encoder channel 1. Select the Preprocessing tab. 2. Use the Line Mode Profile menu if your downstream equipment requires a specific type of speaker-level output. This is set to Film Standard by default. 3.
  • Page 47 Outputting PCM Data This chapter outlines the steps to configure the BAP to embed PCM data for an output path. When outputting PCM data for an audio channel, you will need to: 1. Bypass the Dolby encoder for the required output path. 2.
  • Page 48 48 • Outputting PCM Data BAP User Guide (v1.0)
  • Page 49 The BAP can be upgraded in the field via DashBoard. To upgrade the software on the BAP 1. Contact Ross Technical Support for the latest software version file. 2. Ensure the Ethernet cable is connected to the Gb1 port on the BAP.
  • Page 50 50 • Upgrading the Software BAP User Guide (v1.0)
  • Page 51 DashBoard Interface Overview This chapter summarizes the interfaces, tabs, and menus available from DashBoard for the BAP. Global Interface The Global interface displays three tabs: Ethernet, Timing, and About. Figure 15 Example of the Global Interface Ethernet Tab Table 2 summarizes the read-only information displayed in the Ethernet > Gb1 tab. Table 2 Ethernet —...
  • Page 52 Table 2 Ethernet — Gb1 Tab Item Parameters Description Specifies the IP address of the DNS server that the BAP will communicate with. The default is 192.168.0.1. Method Auto The settings will be assigned by a DHCP server in your facility Manual The user manually supplies the Ethernet settings...
  • Page 53 Table 3 Timing Tab Items Item Parameters Description NTP Status Cannot Resolve Server At least one of the NTP Server host-names Name (Red) could not be resolved. It is recommended to specify the IP address instead of a host-name for the server. No Time Server Available At least one NTP Server IP Address does not At Address (Red)
  • Page 54 Figure 16 Example of the SDI IO Interface in DashBoard SDI Input Tab Table 5 outlines the options and read-only fields displayed in the SDI Input tab. Table 5 SDI IO — SDI Input Item Parameters Description Video Format and Reference Video Format Specifies the input and output video format Reference Frame...
  • Page 55 Table 5 SDI IO — SDI Input Item Parameters Description Input Status Reference Mismatch The frame rate from the Reference does (Red) not match the frame rate for the SDI input Format Mismatch (Red) The format of the specified SDI input does not match the Video Format menu setting SDI Output Tab Table 6 outlines the fields displayed in the SDI Output tab starting from the left-most area of the...
  • Page 56 Table 6 SDI IO — SDI Output Item Parameters Description Channel Specifies the output channel that the Channel Source value will be assigned to Channel Source Empty No input channel signal is assigned SDI_#_Path_# Assigns the specific SDI input and channel to the output channel Reports the number of fields transmitted when using interlaced SDI formats.
  • Page 57 Table 8 Channel Mapper Tab Item Parameters Description Channel Specifies the channel of the output path you are configuring Source Channel SDI_x, CHy Assigns an SDI group and channel to the specified output path where: • x represents the input (source) •...
  • Page 58 Table 10 Dolby RTLL — Config Item Parameters Description Bypass Selected Ignores the Real-Time Loudness Leveling settings Cleared Applies the Real-Time Loudness Leveling settings Dialog Intelligence Selected Select this box when using ATSC A/85 Cleared Clear this box when using EBU R128 Target Loudness Adjusts the Loudness K-weighted Relative (LKFS)
  • Page 59 Figure 20 Example of the Nielsen Watermarker Encoder Interface in DashBoard Watermarker Table Tab Table 12 summarizes the information displayed in the Watermarker Table tab. Table 12 Watermarker Table Tab Item Parameters Description Name <text> Specifies a unique name for the watermark output stream Enable Selected...
  • Page 60 Table 12 Watermarker Table Tab Item Parameters Description CBET Level Overflow Refrain Select this option to not encode the BAP CBET CSID data when incoming data is present, and only transmit the incoming data. This should only be selected under the guidance of Nielsen.
  • Page 61 Table 14 Device Setup Tab Item Parameters Description Watermark Type NAES/CBET The BAP uses both NAES and CBET for watermark encoding. This is the default. NAES The BAP applies the NAES values for watermark encoding. Entries made to the CBET fields on the Watermark Table tab will be ignored.
  • Page 62 Config Tab Table 15 summarizes the options displayed in the Config tab. Table 15 DD DDP Encoder — Config Item Parameters Description Selected Does not apply the Dolby® encoding and Bypass instead outputs the PCM data Cleared Applies the Dolby Encoder > Config settings Dolby Digital The audio data is encoded using the Encoder Mode...
  • Page 63 Table 15 DD DDP Encoder — Config Item Parameters Description Line Mode Profile None The audio data will not be encoded for use by line mode downstream equipment Film Standard This is the default. Film Light Music Standard Music Light Speech RF Mode Profile None...
  • Page 64 Table 15 DD DDP Encoder — Config Item Parameters Description Preferred Stereo Lo/Ro Adds the Left and Right Surround channels discretely to the Left and Right speaker Downmix Mode channels, respectively. This preserves the stereo separation for stereo-only monitoring and produces a mono-compatible signal.
  • Page 65 Technical Specifications This chapter provides technical information for the BAP.  Specifications are subject to change without notice. Reference Input Specifications Table 17 Technical Specifications — Reference Input Item Specifications Connector Type HD-BNC SDI Specifications Table 18 Technical Specifications — SDI Item Specifications Number of Inputs...
  • Page 66 USB Port Specifications Table 20 Technical Specifications — USB Port Item Specifications Connector Type USB3.0 Environment Table 21 Technical Specifications — Environment Item Specifications Maximum ambient 40°C (104°F) temperature Power Table 22 Technical Specifications — Power Item Specifications Power supply 350W per power supply Maximum Power 700W...
  • Page 67 This User Manual provides all pertinent information for the safe installation and operation of your BAP. Ross Video policy dictates that all repairs to the BAP are to be conducted only by an authorized Ross Video Limited factory representative. Therefore, any unauthorized attempt to repair this product, by anyone other than an authorized Ross Video Limited factory representative, will automatically void the warranty.
  • Page 68 The Ross Video Technical Support Department will continue to provide advice on any product manufactured by Ross Video Limited, beyond the warranty period without charge, for the life of the equipment. 68 • Service Information BAP User Guide (v1.0)
  • Page 69 Glossary The following terms are used throughout this guide: 5.1 — refers to 5.1 surround sound. Basic Tree View — refers to the area located to the far left of the DashBoard window. This area displays devices in a tree structure. CBET —...
  • Page 70 70 • Glossary BAP User Guide (v1.0)