23-08-2012, 12:56 PM
HARD DISK BASED RECORDING SYSTEM
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Hard disk based systems are introduced in a big way in AIR studios and it is essential that it is understood properly and put to optimum use. Hard disk based systems are basically computers with special hardware to work to the stringent requirements of AIR. Hard disk based systems are several times superior to the analog magnetic tape based recording employed hitherto as follows:
1. Being in digital domain, it results in unmatched dynamic range, Signal-to-Noise ratio and distortion.
2. It is very easy to edit a recorded cut, remove noise and to introduce dramatic sound effects in the digital domain. In analog domain, editing depends on the experience and capacity of the audio engineer but here it can be executed with precision with little training.
3. The data storage capacity is enormous. For example, an 80 GB hard disk can store almost 252 hours of Mono audio or 126 hrs of stereo audio as against 5” magnetic spool tape storing 30 minutes of mono audio.
4. Cueing to a precise location within an audio cut is a very simple job.
5. Network connection enables access to audio cuts available in other locations without having to physically move a hardware device.
6. Backup can be taken easily.
7. Access can be denied to specific cuts through passwords.
8. It does away with several critical maintenance functions like head alignment, tension adjustment, bias/erase adjustment, level adjustment, etc.
9. It is not vulnerable to speed variation even after prolonged use.
10. It is very easy to schedule a sequence of programmes (Cue sheet or Play list) like signature tune, announcement, commercial spot, etc.
11. Help can be accessed instantaneously without having to go through voluminous documents.
12. A single set of network cable enables two-way file transfer from any location to another location, thus cutting down the requirement of running several audio cables between various studios.
Configuration of Systems
As can be seen in Fig 3, the systems are configured to work in a server and client model. One system (generally, the one at Edit/Dubbing room) is configured as ‘Domain Controller (DC)’ and all the rest as Additional Domain Controllers(ADC). This configuration provides better security for files because of NTFS file system and central authentication. If a user name and password is created in the Domain Controller, this will be replicated to all systems and, thus, eliminates duplication of creation of users in every computer. As all the other systems are configured as Additional Domain Controllers, the setup will function smoothly even if the Domain Controller has not been switched ‘ON’ or is faulty. The Domain Controller will normally take around five minutes to start functioning properly from cold start. As such, it is not expected to be switched off. It is expected that the Domain Controller be switched on first and all other systems should be switched on subsequently for proper operation. Some knowledge about Windows 2003 is essential for proper administration of the computers and the network.
CD Writer:
CD Writer is available in Editing/Dubbing Room and Multipurpose Studio. After the production of the program is complete, it can be copied to a CD and kept in the library for future broadcast. Good quality CD-Rs are available in the market at reasonable prices. This can be used for archival purposes also. For temporary storage of audio programme, CD-RWs can be used. Nero Burning ROM software is used to write the audio and data on CDs.
Creation of Playlist:
Winamp can be used for the creation of Playlist for playback in the Transmission Studio. Playlist is nothing but the arrangement of audio files in the desired sequence according to the cue sheet. Winamp can support up to about 48 audio formats and will be very easy for playback. Open the Create Playlist menu. Then go on adding the audio files from the hard disks. It should be remembered that any file available in the network (even if it exists in another workstation) can be added to the Playlist. Once the addition is over you can save the playlist with a convenient name (say, Monday Third Transmission with date). A separate folder for saving various Playlists can be created in D:drive for easy functionality with subfolders for date and time.
Creative Play Center can also used for creating Playlists and playing audio files including audio CDs. Audio CDs can be extracted and stored as ‘.wav’ files using this software.