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08011 - X2 VDR and S-VDR System Operation Guide Iss01 Rev03
Final recording medium
The items of hardware on which the data is recorded such that access to any one of them would
enable the data to be recovered and played back by use of suitable equipment. The combination of a
fixed recording medium, float-free recording medium and long-term recording medium, together, is
recognised as the final recording medium.
Fixed recording medium / Fixed Capsule
Part of the Final Recording Medium which is protected against fire, shock, penetration and a
prolonged period on the ocean floor. It remains fixed to the vessel in the event of an incident and has
an acoustic beacon indicating location for recovery by the authorities.
Float-free recording medium / Float Free Capsule
Part of the Final Recording Medium which is designed to float free from the vessel once submerged.
It has an EPRIB indicating location for recovery by the authorities.
Long-term recording medium (LTRM)
Permanently installed part of the Final Recording Medium. It provides the longest record duration and
has a readily accessible interface for downloading the stored data.
Playback equipment
Any data medium with the playback software, the operational instructions and any special parts
required for connecting a commercial-off-the-shelf laptop computer to the VDR.
Playback software
Copy of the software program to provide the capability to download the stored data and play back the
information. The software should be compatible with an operating system available with commercial-
off-the-shelf laptop computers and where non-standard or proprietary formats are used for storing the
data in the VDR, the software should convert the stored data into open industry standard formats
Playback system
System including the playback equipment that is capable of downloading and playing back the
recorded data
Recorder
Complete system, including any items required to interface with the sources of input signals, their
processing and encoding, the final recording medium, the playback equipment, the power supply and
dedicated reserve power source.
Resolution
Smallest detectable increment between two values
Signal source
Any sensor or device external to the VDR, to which the VDR is connected and from which it obtains
signals and data to be recorded
