LiveEdit Production Server Installation Guide

Thank you for choosing LiveEdit Production Server

We appreciate your choice of the LiveEdit Production Server for your show. Our solution is meticulously developed, focusing on high-quality hardware components and software to ensure robustness, reliability, precision, and advanced features.

Regardless of your choice between the Max or Lite model, the installation prerequisites remain identical. The Max unit provides enhanced connectivity and features, yet both models operate on the same operating system and software, sharing a unified installation base.

Rack Installation

The Production Server is designed for rack installation within a mobile video production unit or a technical equipment room. The Lite server requires 1U of rack space, whereas the Max server needs 3U. To ensure optimal operation and prevent overheating, the system includes forced ventilation that should not be obstructed. Fresh air is drawn in from the front and expelled from the back on the right side when facing the equipment. Stacking the equipment presents no issue.


Power Supply

For production safety, it is strongly recommended to connect both power supplies of your Production Server. The Max unit has a maximum power consumption of 850 watts, and the Lite unit consumes up to 160 watts. Should one power supply disconnect, an alarm will sound, which can be silenced by pressing the push button next to the power supply.


Network

The Production Server supports up to four completely independent Ethernet networks—two on the Lite and four on the Max.

  • Connect your Production Server to the dedicated LiveEdit local network using the LAN port. This network should be isolated for LiveEdit with a gateway to the Internet (WAN). Ensure that the computer hosting the LiveEdit application and all tablets are also connected to this network.
  • If your video mixer is IP-controlled, use the Switcher network port on the Production Server for connection.
  • For controlling equipment over OSC, Art-Net, GPO over Network, PTZ, or any other network-controlled devices, utilize the IP Devices 1 & 2 ports on your Production Server.


Timecode Input and Output

The Lite and Max units are equipped with a timecode input, which is essential for synchronizing the unit with the show's timecode, ensuring that the Production Server operates in complete harmony with the timing of the live production. This synchronization allows for precise cueing, effects, and playback in alignment with the overall production timeline. The Max unit additionally features a timecode output, enabling it to send timecode information to other devices, further integrating the production workflow. These timecode connections are LTC compliant and use XLR-3 connectors, guaranteeing compatibility with professional audio and video equipment and maintaining the highest standards of synchronization accuracy and reliability.


Serial Port

The Production Server includes two RS-422 serial ports on the Lite unit and up to six on the Max.

  • One serial port is dedicated to the video mixer. If connecting your video mixer via RS-422, use the Switcher serial port.
  • For controlling RS-422 type equipment such as VTR, EVS, or external Media Servers, connect them to one of the available Devices serial ports.


Reference Input

The Production Server offers frame-accurate execution precision. For perfect synchronization with your Video Production Unit, use the Video Reference input to genlock your Production Server. It accepts Black Burst (BB) or Tri-Level signals in PAL or NTSC. Note that this is an analog genlock synchronisation input; digital signals are not supported.


Review

The Production Server enables direct rehearsal recording onto the device, negating the need for costly external servers. The Lite unit records one stream, while the Max records up to four streams in real-time.

  • Connect the video mixer's output, ideally the M/E (Mix/Effect) you are controlling, with embedded stereo sound (tracks 1 & 2 / Left and Right) to the Review Input (Review Input 1 on the Max). The Max unit can also record three additional streams, such as camera Multiviews and a wide shot for stage reference, totaling four recordings per take.
  • The Review Fill & Key video outputs have a dual purpose. They display the "bug" through a mixer keyer, showing timecode information, live camera feed, countdown to the next camera, and current scene status and information. The Review Fill output is also used for replaying rehearsals in Review mode, including embedded audio on tracks 1 & 2 / Left and Right.


Monitoring Outputs

The Max Production Server provides up to four customizable scene track visualizations through Monitoring Outputs 1 - 4.


MediaPlayer Outputs

The Max Production Server features a two-channel MediaPlayer, each with Fill and Key signals, ideal for playing pre-recorded media, stingers, overlays, etc. Connect each MediaPlayer's Fill & Key video outputs to the video mixer to integrate them as sources.


Warning: All the video signals are HD-SDI in the video production format


GPO

For added flexibility, each Production Server includes four GPOs. Each GPO is an independent mechanical relay with its own ground. Utilize the supplied SUB-D to XLR whip or connect an EVS XT-type whip, as the pinout is identical.


Startup

Once your equipment is fully connected, press the power button on the front of the unit to power it on. The LiveEdit Production Server will take approximately one minute to become fully operational. After initialization, connect to the equipment using a web browser with its IP address or hostname, such as "http://producer-######.local".

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