Contents of a Virtual Tape
A Virtual Tape consists of four main elements: VTP file (.vtp), a project directory having the same name
as the VTP file, a timeline file and media asset files.
Virtual Tape File
– The virtual tape file (.vtp) contains the settings or clip properties (image format,
SNR, audio form, etc.) of the virtual tape and the list of edits (inpoints and outpoints) and their media file
assets (stored in the project directory) that have been made to the Timeline.
Project Directory
– The VTP project directory is used to store all video and audio media file that are
created each time an edit is performed.
Timeline File
– The VTP timeline file (auto.tl), stored in the project directory, is a compiled system file
that is automatically generated or updated each time the virtual tape is edited or played. The timeline file
is similar to the virtual tape file but has been compiled and optimized to provide the system with a low-
level view of the virtual tape timeline required for fast access and edit execution.
Note:
The auto.tl file is only used by the local video server and may not moved or copied to another directory
location. If the auto.tl timeline file does not exist within the VTP project directory, the system will automatically
generate a new one.
Media Asset Files
– Each time an insert or assemble edit (video and/or audio) is performed on a Virtual
Tape a media asset file or clip is created and stored within the VTP project directory. The virtual tape
keeps track of the placement of these files on the project timeline.
Virtual tape clips are always of the QMF2/expanded variety, meaning that each clip is stored as a set of
related assets
. For example, if you create a VTP name Project and record a clip with four tracks of
clustered audio, the directory structure would look like the afterward (sample names only):
Clips
(dir)
Project.vtp
Project
(dir)
Auto.tl
Edit_112304_123047.v
Edit_112304_123047.a
Parent directory
Virtual tape file
Virtual tape project directory
System binary timeline file
First video clip asset
Audio cluster file
Clips
(dir)
Project.vtp
Project
(dir)
Auto.tl
Edit_112304_123047.v
Edit_112304_123047.a01
Edit_112304_123047.a02
Edit_112304_123047.a03
Edit_112304_123047.a04
Parent directory
Virtual tape file
Virtual tape project directory
System binary timeline file
First video clip asset
Recorded audio track(s)
Recorded audio track(s)
Recorded audio track(s)
Recorded audio track(s)
QuVIS Encore
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QSR Version 3.1