63
and TOC equipment is being connected, the Core Network Switch might
physically consist of several medium-sized (24-port) network switches
rather than a single larger 48-port switch.
If a multiple station facility is being planned, Wheatstone/PR&E offers
system configuration and system programming to create system salvos,
scripting for programmable buttons, etc. These services are charged on a
per-studio or per-hour basis. Other services include factory proof of
performance as well as on-site commissioning and training. All of these
services can be arranged through your PR&E dealer.
Wiring Practices
Since the majority of studio wiring is now using straight-thru category
cables (the generic name for four-pair cabling like CAT5, CAT5e, and
CAT6), we recommend taking advantage of the various category cable
jacket colors available to differentiate your system signals. This not only
can simplify your installation, it will also ensure future system
troubleshooting will be a bit easier.
Here are the cable jacket colors we recommend for various system
signals:
Orange — PRE-IP Blade to AoIP switch cables
Green — Automation server to AoIP switch cables
Yellow — KVM IP extender cables
Blue — Facility IT network cables (since they are probably already
in place and are probably blue!)
White — IP phone system cables
Black — Audio and logic wiring (Blade I/O to/from peripherals)
Most users have standardized on an automation server company—most
of whom offer WNIP support for SLIO (Software logic I/O) which a PRE-IP
network also supports. The automation servers are typically located in the
TOC since it’s climate controlled and server noise is not an issue. KVM IP
extenders are available from various vendors, like ADDERLink
https://us.adder.com/en/kvm-solutions/extenders
) that allow a single
category cable to directly connect a server to a monitor, keyboard, and
mouse in a studio using cable runs of up to 160 feet (48 meters).
Signal Connection Control
Most users have several types of codecs which will typically be shared
between studios or even between stations. These codecs might include
older ISDN interfaces and newer Tieline Merlins and Comrex Access units,
but no matter what type is used, one could create Associated Connections
to automatically connect a mix-minus to the codecs when they are taken
on a console to simplify connecting the codecs.
But this can lead to users changing the return feed for a codec that is
still actively being used. To prevent this from occurring, many users opt to
force codec users to physically go to a rack, often wall-mounted in a
hallway outside TOC, where they must identify whether a codec is actively
in use or not, and then dial up and connect the codec for their use. This
“Public Codec Rack” is typically setup with a touch screen monitor running
Screenbuilder (a Wheatstone app which is configured using a GUI
interface) to allow users to switch codec routing without needing to use
the PR&E Navigator’s Crosspoint grid or a system salvo to switch
connections.
The Screenbuilder app is a very powerful tool that can be licensed to run
on multiple PCs. The app uses standardized on-screen elements (faders,
meters, labels, buttons, clocks, timers and other widgets) that are
physically controlling the PRE-IP network devices. Arranging these on a PC
screen allows one to create custom control panels, and quick-access
buttons, for monitoring and controlling codecs, recorders, and internet
streamers.
Summary of Contents for EMX
Page 4: ...4 ...
