Inside Dvidea Cineasy™

Changes on the Scheduler in 1.16

2012-01-06T14:48:00.002+01:00

There are two new features in the Scheduler on 1.16

A - Schedule duplication over a whole week

Starting version 1.16, when you create or edit a schedule in the auditorium view (in the scheduler menu : , choose the "Auditorium" option on the top right corner) you will be taken to a screen with two new buttons :

In this menu you can see a new line called "Duplicate". This is where you choose to duplicate the schedule you selected for multiple times, or even until the end of the week (according to the end of the week you configured).

B - Missing Content Transfer

In the scheduler, when you select a schedule, another button appeared on the bottom left side of the screen, where you can see the "Playlist" button :

If you click on this button, it will automatically transfer every asset of the playlist you scheduled in the auditorium you scheduled.
It works in all the views, Auditorium and Day.

Deletion of contents on multiple storages

2012-01-06T12:37:00.000+01:00

Starting on version 1.16 you can now delete content from multiple storages at the same time.

To do so, you need to find the content first, either in File Transfer (),
in the KDM menu ()
or in the Library menu ().

When you find it, you will see a small cross at the end of the line of every asset.
If you click on this on the cross in the line of the asset you want to delete, before 1.16 it would ask you to confirm that you want to delete it. Now it gives you this window :

Here, you can choose from which storage you want to delete the asset. You can select 1, some, or even all by clicking on the "All" box.

A few seconds after pressing the OK button, you will have a message that looks like this :

Here, it did not work, so it shows a red cross in the "OK" column, but you will usually get a green tick to say that it was ok. In the description is the description of the error, and you have another option on the last columnt that allows you to force remove the asset.

In this example we see that the problem is that the asset is in playlists and it would compromize these playlists if you removed it, yet if you use the "Force removing" option, the TMS will remove the asset anyway.

Using an IP Camera with the Dvidea Cineasy™ software

2011-12-20T16:07:00.006+01:00

Starting version 1.16, adding an IP camera to Dvidea Cineasy™ is now possible.

To do so, you will need the RTSP feed of your camera (if you don't know where to find it, please check your camera's manual or ask the reseller). Your browser will need a plugin like VLC (VideoLan) to show the camera feeds.

Installation :
To install it, get the rtsp feed, the username and the password of your camera and go to the "Admin" menu. There, you go to the auditorium configuration, select the auditorium where the camera is and you will see this :

In this screen, hit the Add button and put your informations in the different fields.
Here you go, it's all set up.

Monitoring the cameras

Now to get to see the cameras, you have two options.
The first one is :

Viewing them altogether :

To view them altogether, just go to the Monitoring screen, and you will see a new button in this bar :

If you click on the last button, you will be taken to the IP Camera Monitoring screen, where you will be able to see all the cameras you registered.

Viewing them one by one :

In the screen control (= when you click on the number of the auditorium in the monitoring screen), you can now see the camera attached to this screen. The button looks like what I just put above these lines, "Confidence Monitoring".
It will open a new window with just this camera.

Finally, here is the screen you should see at the end :

The video tutorial of Dvidea Cineasy™ is online !

2011-04-26T14:54:00.001+02:00

5 videos presenting the main features of the software Dvidea Cineasy™ are available with 1 click:

http://www.youtube.com/user/Cineasy

What's New in Dvidea Cineasy™ 1.14

2011-03-29T13:30:00.003+02:00

This version improves general performances as well as stability ; we therefore encourage to deploy this version to all sites where the software Dvidea Cineasy™ is currently in operation.

Top features:

- integration with NEC projectors
- warning when a KDM expires in the next 48 hours
- trigger the execution of a macro configured on the D-Cinema server
- restricted access to pre-defined theater operations for some users (more particularly the cashier and controller)

Media management: how to delete contents

2011-03-29T13:15:00.003+02:00

Deletion from the LIBRARY module

all deletions from the LIBRARY only delete from the TMS database. A deletion from the library will never delete the physical content on any mediablock.
the deletion is not possible if the content is used in a playlist. The content should be removed from the playlist first, or the playlist should be deleted.

Deletion of content from the INGEST module

As the INGEST module allows to choose a mediablock, a deletion from the ingest module will trigger a deletion of the physical content on the mediablock.

The following points will be ckecked by the TMS as a security :

if the content belongs to a multi-CPL content, the user will be warned that all the CPL will be deleted.
if the content belongs to a playlist, the deletion will be refused. The user is warned and all the playlists including this content are listed.
if the content to delete contains an Original Version and a Localized version. ( french, chinese, italian … ). The user is warned that he is about to delete both versions.

The OFFLINE status

Content listed as offline are red, and if you look at them in the library module they have no location, which means they are not physically stored in any server. Offline content could be use as a placeholder, to create playlist in advance before the arrival of the content.

Offline content also appears when the user synchronizes old playlists composed with deleted content from a server. Playlists should only be synchronized once, after the first installation. In a normal use of the TMS, playlists are no longer synchonized after the initiali retrieval thru the first synchronization.

The same rules of deletion apply to offline content as to any other content: these offline contents can be listed only in the LIBRARY module, from which you can delete them. You cannot list the offline contents in the INGEST module.

Deletion of Playlists

Playlists stored in a mediablock cannot be deleted from the TMS.

Synchronize contents and playlists with the Mediablock

If a playlist is removed from the TMS ( via the library module ), the playlist is only removed from the database. To avoid getting this playlist back if you need to synchronize contents from the mediablock, always uncheck the « synchronization of playlist » check box. This checkbox should be used only duringthe first installation of the TMS, to get all the current playlists to populate the database.

Deletion of Cues / Macros

Cues cannot be removed physically from the server by using the TMS user interfaces. This should be the responsability of the installators. However, a cue witch is no more stored on any server and then removed from the tms will not appear again.

Execute a macro configured on the D-Cinema server

2011-02-09T15:32:00.000+01:00

From the screen control user interface, you can execute pre-defined macros simply by pushing a button.

Execute macros defined on the D-Cinema server

The user can configure the pre-defined macro through a straightforward and easy to use interface in the administration module.

Moreover, all the macros available for the specified autidtorium are available in the drop-down menu. The user can load a macro by selecting it and trigger its execution by pushing the "EXECUTE" button.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011 !

2011-01-01T00:00:00.004+01:00

The team of Dvidea wishes you the best for the year 2011 to come.

Team Dvidea

What's New in Dvidea Cineasy™ 1.11

2010-12-27T15:03:00.005+01:00

This version improves general performances as well as stability ; we therefore encourage to deploy this version to all sites where the software Dvidea Cineasy™ is currently in operation.

About Cineasy™

Top features:

- a tool to simplify logs and show reports
- full support of GDC SX-2001A Digital Cinema servers
- full support of GDC SX-2000A Digital Cinema servers with Integrated Media Block (IMB)
- full support of Dolby DSS200 Digital Cinema servers with 4.2.x software version for Series II projectors

Manage macros associated with variable values on Dolby D-Cinema servers

2010-12-13T14:00:00.001+01:00

Manage macros with associated variable value for Dolby servers. This feature allows to fine tune the sound levels of the processor without having to declare dozens of macros in the TMS.

Macro configuration

Playlist editor

Display the start time of the credits during the show

2010-12-10T17:04:00.000+01:00

Display the name and execution time of the next macro in the monitoring cart. This feature allows to display in the MONITORING interface the start time of the credits while playing the movie, and the start time of the movie while playing the pre-show.

Monitoring cart

What's New in the TMS Dvidea Cineasy™ 1.10

2010-12-08T15:42:00.002+01:00

This version improves general performances as well as stability ; we therefore encourage to deploy this version to all sites where the TMS Dvidea Cineasy™ is currently in operation.

About Cineasy™

Top features:

- display the name and execution time of the next macro (ex: start time of the credits) in the monitoring cart
- general performance improvements of the application

- better management of the ingest queue allowing for a high number of requests for transfers

- manage macros associated with variable values on Dolby DSS range of servers

Request & manage the licence keys for the full version or the trial version of the TMS

2010-12-02T14:24:00.008+01:00

Dvidea licence management system workflow is based on the following 3 steps:

A. Generating the request for a software licence.

B. Sending the request for the licence.

C. Receiving and installing the licence key file.

A. Generating the request for a software licence :

Go to: Admin → My Profile, Complete the form "Generate licence request":

Request a licence

Once all fields are properly filled in, click on "Generate a licence request":

Request a licence

A window for downloading the licence application opens automatically:

B. Sending the request for the licence :

The request for a licence is a text file. Once this file has been downloaded to your workstation, you must send it as an attachment in an email with the following details:

Subject = request for a licence

Recipients =

1- Your installation / integration company.

2- The Dvidea licence management team at: licence@dvidea.com.

Once sent, Dvidea processes the licence application and returns the licence file to your installation company.

C. Installing the licence key file :

The licence key is a file named tms.key.txt.
Once received from your system integrator or directly from Dvidea:

Go to Admin → My Profile. Under the section "Install Licence", click the button "Install Licence".

A window for loading the Licence file opens, click "Browse" to locate your licence.

Choose your licence file and click open :

Now click the "install licence key" button.

Note:

As indicated in the pop-up window during the installation of the licence, your TMS will

automatically restart after uploading the licence key.

If you encounter any problem, please contact your integration company for support.

Your TMS is now up and running.

You can review the history of the requests for licences by clicking on "Display generated requests":

History of the requests

A pop-up window notifies the operators of system events

2010-11-26T11:38:00.002+01:00

ToDo list

A notification window appears on the user interface warning the operator when the system fails to export a schedule or a playlist to the D-Cinema servers.

Sort your contents by ingest / arrival date

2010-11-26T11:11:00.004+01:00

A column of the LIBRARY displays the date of the ingest of the DCP (Digital Cinema Package) and allows you to sort your content by date of arrival. Clicking on the word "Creation" on top of the column, will allow you to toggle between an ascending or descending sort order.

List of digital contents in the LIBRARY interface

Optimize the ingests of digital content within your theater

2010-11-26T10:35:00.002+01:00

A number of features of the INGEST interface allows you to optimize the transfers of digital content between the D-Cinema servers:

- the system allows for up to 4 simultaneous file transfers from a Library central storage to the D-Cinema servers. The other pending requests of transfers are queued, waiting for one of the 4 current transfers to complete, and will start according to their scheduled start time;

- when managing a DCP (Digital Cinema Package) that associates more than one CPL (Composition Play List), the system allows grouped management of OV (Original Version) and VF (Version File) compositions;

- an advanced search tool is available from within the INGEST user interface, for quickly finding your content when you request the transfers;

Content listed in the source and target storages displayed on the INGEST interface

- the system checks the status of the D-Cinema server (transferring, playing, ...) and its available storage space before starting a transfer.

Schedule your transfers of digital content

2010-11-25T19:00:00.000+01:00

You can schedule a file transfer to start at a precise date and time. From the INGEST / FILE TRANSFER interface, when you trigger a request for transferring a content, a pop-up window appears:

Schedule the transfer of the digital content

In this window, you can precisely define the date and time you want for starting the file transfer. By default, the time indicated is the current time of the facility, which allows you to start transferring immediately by clicking OK.

User authentication: log in Cineasy™ with DCI's (Digital Cinema Initiative) user roles

2010-11-24T12:50:00.003+01:00

You are now able to use logins corresponding to the DCI roles (Digital Cinema Initiative). For day to day operations, use the login "operator":

Login Defaut password

operator operator
superuser superuser
manager manager
admin admin
caisse caisse
controle controle

The Cineasy™ application allows for multi-sessions and multi-users management, giving instant access to the same information to all employees accessing the system in the theater.

The authentication is secured and allows the user to select the language of operation ; his choice is remembered for the next sessions.

What's New in the TMS Dvidea Cineasy™ 1.7

2010-11-05T19:08:00.013+01:00

Dvidea's team proudly announces the delivery of their 1.7.5 release of Dvidea TMS Cineasy^TM software.

This version brings significant improvements of the performances for searches, scheduling, KDM and file transfer management. It is well suited for multiplex equipped with 12 digital screens or more.

About window

Top features:

- to do list displaying system notifications to operators
- allow for up to 4 simultaneous file transfers from a library server

- allow for scheduling of file transfers

- support of Dolby D-Cinema servers for Series II projectors

- operators are warned in case schedules or playlists are not exported on a D-Cinema server

- licensing management for trial and production periods of the TMS

- grouped management of OV (original version) and VF (version file) packages

- support of Christie projectors

- improvement of the creation of schedules on the D-Cinema servers

- system check of status and available storage on the mediablock before starting a transfer

- quick search available from the INGEST user interface

- management of DCI users and roles
- display the date of ingest of a content in the LIbrary

Quickly adjust the schedules of a day

2010-10-29T17:19:00.001+02:00

From the scheduler interface, once programs have been scheduled for a specific date, you can move all the schedules of a day by using: left click >> move schedules.

A pop-up window will appear for entering the direction and the offset of the delay.

Dvidea Ads: export of reconciliation's logs for pre-show management

2010-08-12T17:53:00.058+02:00

This feature is part of the option Dvidea Ads.

Every week, requests for Ad projection reports (logs) are transferred to the theater via the distribution and file transfer platform. After the transfer is completed, these requests are moved onto the central library (either manually or automatically).

At the end of the week, the projectionist exports logs / Ad projection reports directly from within the TMS interface.
To perform this operation, he simply needs to click on the button "Launch the import of log requests" in the Mediavision tab of the Admin Module.

The system hence detects the log requests received from the Advertisement agency and upon the projectionist's decision can ultimately trigger the generation and transmission of relevant reports.

Dvidea Ads: import of pre-show playlists and contents

2010-08-10T12:27:00.000+02:00

This feature is part of the option Dvidea Ads.

Every week, Ad breaks playlists, content (DCP) and requests for projection reports (logs) are transferred from the Ad agency to the theater via the distribution and file transfer platform. All these elements are subsequently moved to the central library (either manually or in an fully automated way).

All pre-show content (DCP and playlists) are then made available into the library after the TMS has been synchronized with the central storage (library server).

Moving on to the next step, the projectionist imports Ad breaks playlists into the TMS.
He can do so before, or after the corresponding content (DCP) has been imported.
He simply needs to click on the button "Launch the import of Medivision playlists" in the Admin Module of the TMS.
Eventually, He can have all imports of Ad breaks playlists automated (such imports will be regularly triggered upon a frequency decided by the administrator).

Upon the projectionist's decision, transfer of pre-show content to the right auditoriums can also be fully automated:

Once content and Ad break playlists have been imported, the projectionist can build a complete show, adding these blocks as sub-playlists using simple drag & drops, like displayed in the picture below:

In this case, the projectionist will have to create one playlist per auditorium and one playlist per movie for each week.
In multiplexes, the number of playlists to manage will increase drastically over time, justifying the purchase of Dvidea Ads Up TMS plug-in.

Search toolbar: manage the search shortcuts

2010-08-09T12:51:00.005+02:00

The search toolbar is used to find and filter your content from the Library.

You can use it as a standard search tool:

and/or as a toolbar allowing you to store pre-defined search shortcuts:

clicking on a search shortcut will trigger the corresponding search for the content in the library. It will give the same results as typing the search criteria using the "Search String" and the drop down menus in the line above.

You can delete search shortcuts by clicking on the cross at the right hand side of the shortcut:

Here are the steps for creating/saving search shortcuts:

Steps to create search shortcuts:

1- type the search criteria you want to save and click on the FIND button to obtain the search results.

2- click on the and type the name of the shortcut in the text input field.

3- type Enter, your new search shortcut is correctly saved for future use. The saved search will be executed everytime you click on the shortcut.

Search toolbar: find your contents

2010-08-05T12:51:00.021+02:00

The library provides access to all content (commercials, trailers, playlists, cardboard, ...) used in the theater.

These contents can be quickly found through the search toolbar.

The user can easily find the element he is looking for by typing key words or parts of words that identify the content.

For example, he can quickly find the movie "Tamara Drewe" by typing "Tamara" in the search box.

Boolean search:

The following logicals are used: AND, OR, +, -.

AND searches for items where the two terms are present, which is the default behavior like any search engine. "Tamara ANd Drewe" will only find items containing both "Tamara" and "Drewe", and gives the same results as "Tamara Drewe".

OR searches for items where either term is present, and items where the two terms are present: "Tamara OR Drewe" finds items containing "Tamara", containing "Drewe", and those containing both terms.

"+" causes the search to take into account the following word. Example: "Tamara +Drewe " retrieves items containing "Tamara" and possibly "Drewe".

"-" will excludea word. Example: "Tamara -Drewe" searches for items containing "Tamara" and which does not contain "Drewe".

Phrases in doube quotes are looking for an exact phrase: "Hot Tub Time Machine" will find items containing the words "Hot Tub Time Machine" together (unlike the AND operator, with which the words do not necessarily appear together or in the right sequence).

You can combine these operators through the parentheses: "(Tamara AND Drewe) OR (Hot Tub AND Time Machine)" for example.

Wildcards:

The wildcard (*) replaces a string of any kind, at the beginning or end of a word. For example, "tam*" finds all words beginning with "tam", and "*ara" ending with "ara".

Fuzzy search:

Adding a tilde (~) at the end of a search word matches words with similar spelling. For example: searching for "Drew~" identifies "Drew", "Drew" and "dreuw" as the three search results.

Filter by content type:

A dropdown menu lets you filter search results by type of asset: features, trailers, commercials, playlists, ..

Filter by storage unit:

Another drop-down menu allows you to filter search results by storage unit: Ymagis core library, SmartJog library, Doremi in Screen 1, Dolby in Screen 2, Qube in Screen 3, ...

Dvidea Ads Up: dynamic management of pre-show breaks

2010-07-20T17:37:00.113+02:00

This feature is part of the option Dvidea Ads Up, which is a complement of the option Dvidea Ads, allowing to import playlists and content from an Ad agency.

In Dvidea Ads, once the playlists and the content are imported into the system, the operator may have to manage 3 or 4 pre-show breaks per week, per auditorium and per feature.
If any change is required on the programming, such as:
- transferring the shows between auditoriums
- duplicating the schedules to the following week
- ...
the projectionist will need to readjust the schedules manually even in case of an emergency.

In order to automate these actions and to limit the number of pre-show breaks to handle and the number of potential mistakes, the projectionist would rather use the generic pre-show blocks which are available in the library.

These generic blocks consist of empty pre-show breaks, which allow the projectionist to mark their locations before scheduling them into a complete show.

The playlist created at this step stays independent from the auditorium, where to be projected. The projectionist can then schedule the shows, transfer the shows between auditoriums or duplicate the programming from one day to another or to another \week. The pre-show breaks will automatically be replaced by the system, which will detect the appropriate playlist and content, initially planned by the Ad agency, for that date and that auditorium.

The system will then re-act to all the decisions taken by the projectionist without the need to re-edit the shows.
It is possible by clicking on the button to check for each schedule that the pre-show block has been correctly replaced by the content provided by the Ad agency.