Media Server Issues

Media Server

The media server uses a combination of XML text files and other files to drive the functions and schedule of the server. The files used include:

• playlist.xml - Describes which shows are played and when;
  • 'show'.xml - Describes a show;
    • 'showpic'.jpg - A picture or background image used to promote show;
    • 'show'.mpg - MPEG-2 video file;
    • 'show'.cut - Describes which part of the mpg file to play.
• ebb.xml - Describes all the slides used by the Electronic Bulletin Board;
  • 'image'.jpg - Each slide can refer to a full screen image or background;
• playlist.m3u - Standard music play list used to play music during the EBB;
  • 'audio'.mp3 - Standard MP3 music files used in the music play list;
• mediaserver.log - Log file that is generated to track progress of the media server;

• Prepare a schedule on the Open Office Spreadsheet schedule template.
• Save as ODS and export as CSV
• Run 'MediaClean'

• ensures that all show files are present;
• checks that each show has a xml, mpg and a cut file;
• checks that the cut file makes sense; and
• checks that shows are not overlapping.

When the MediaClean tool is successful, the following files are created:

• a playlist.xml file contains scheduled show programming for the next month;
• a playreport.txt file contains details of free time that will be used to play the electronic bulletin board.
• a playlistGotWiki.txt file that contains GotWiki source code used used to update MCTV 15's website.

1. The Audio & Video file ( MPG )
   A MPG file is the actual file the contains the audio and video for the program. We use MPEG-2 PS encoded at 5mbs video files.
2. The playback trim file ( CUT )
   A CUT file is a small text file used to describe which part of the MPG file is to be played. Typically there is a few seconds at the beginning and the end of a video that should not be played.
3. The program description file ( XML )
   The XML file is another small text file that describes the show. It is used by the Media Server in the scheduling of playback and to pre-announce the show on the electronic bulletin board.

• a two digit year code;
• a dash;
• a three digit serial number;
• a space;
• a show title;
• a space, dash, space;
• a episode title;
• a peroid; and
• a file extension.

Preparing Show for Media Server

• Assign a number in MCTV 15's DabbleDB Show Database.
• Rip DVD directly to Media Server Media hard drive.
• Rename ripped file to 'show base name'.mpg.
• Create XML and CUT that describe ripped show.

How to assign a show number.

• Open 'mctv15.daddledb.com' in a browser
• Log in using your account
• Select the 'mctv15' application
• Click on the 'Shows' category to bring up the 'Show Numbers' view. You may have to click on revert if filers are enabled.
• Take note of the highest 'Show #'
• Click 'New entry'
• Start by entering a new show number that is one higher than the previous number.
• Fill in the rest of the form
• Write the show number on to the DVD.
• Save and close.
• Log out of Dabble DB

How to rip the DVD

• Put the DVD to be ripped in to DVD drive on the computer.
• Run 'DVDDecrypter'
• From the drop down menus' select MODE > ISO
• DVDDecrypter pre-selects the source drive and the largest input video file. Ensure that is the one you want to rip.
• Set the destination for the rip to 'Z:\video\'.
• Click on the large DVD > HD capture button.
• Rename .VOB to 'Base Name'.MPG
• Close DVD Decrypter?.

How to create the 'cut' file

• Use Windows explorer to access 'Z:\video\'
• Double click 'show base'.mpg to launch video into Zoomplayer.
• Open 'Cut Scene Editor' by pressing 'Shift+T'
• Play and than pause video just before it begins.
• Set:
  • 'Type:' to Jump;
  • 'Jump To:" to click on 'Get Current Position';
  • 'Jump From:' should remain blank or be set to 0:0:0:0
• Click on Add
• Play the video until 1 second after it ends.
• Set:
  • 'Type:' to End;
  • 'End playback at:' to click on 'Get Current Position'
• Click on Add
• Click on 'Save/Erase File & Apply'
• Click on 'OK'
• Close Zoom Player.

How to create the show 'xml' file

• Open a text edit
• Type the following with italicized items replace with show details:

 <?xml version="1.0"?><item>
 <title>Show Title</title>
 <message>Show Episode and Description</message>
 <slide>video\next.jpg</slide>
 <program>video\show base name.mpg</program>
 </item>

• Save text as 'show base name.xml' to 'Z:\video\'
• Close text editor.

How to prepare a new schedule

• Run Open Office Spreadsheet application.
• Locate and open last weeks schedule.
• Remove old shows and add new ones. Reference MCTV15's DabbleDB database for show numbers and availability.
• Save the spread sheet to .csv

Incomplete

More details and additional procedures need to be provided. - John Cumming

Video production process

Capture - Recording of audio and video to video tape.
Log - Transfer or encoding of the audio and video on to the computer harddrive.
Edit - Remove, rearrange, add title, music and make pretty.
Render - Creates all the broadcast resolution images and sound
Master - Records the final edited program to tape.
Ingest - Encodes audio and video into MPEG 2? that is used in our Media Server.