March 29, 2006
Avid and Hard Drive Partitions
With the implementation of things like the MediaDoc320 and HUGE arrays, Avid systems have the ability to setup and operate with media storage sizes upwards of 1.7 terabytes and higher. While the computer itself can support that much space, after 250+ gigs of storage has been taken up with media, the Avid begins to lose its way when dealing with Media DataBases. This can lead to the system losing media or incorrectly show media as Offline. Also, very often the Media Databases may not be successfully rebuilding themselves, the msm.MMOB and msm.FMID files located inside each of the OMFI MediaFiles Folder, which is causing speed and stability problems as users begin to fill up the drives with media.
Here is what is going on with your media, as you work within the Avid:
Almost everything you are doing in Avid, from launching the Avid, saving any bins, leaving capture mode, or closing the application, is causing the system to read and write data to your media drives simultaneously.
Each partition will have one OMFI MediaFiles Folder and/or one Avid Media Files Folder for MXF media.
Each media files folder contains two database files msm.MMOB and msm.FMID, which keep track of all of the changes to media files; keeping them constantly linked to the master clips in your bins (pointer files living on another drive in your applications folder).
Every time you launch the Avid, save any bins, leave capture mode, or close the application it is forcing those database files to index all of the files in that media files folder.
By having 2 database files on one very large partition containing 500GB, 1 TB, etc of media , the Avid is indexing the hundreds of thousands of files included on that partition . That, in turn, taxes the database files beyond a reasonable level and they begin to either lose track of media, or fail to complete their updates.
Media Databases no longer update correctly, causing things like OMFI HP Domain INIT Failed errors as well as Media OffLine messages, among others.
By creating more, yet smaller Drive Partitions, the Avid can more efficiently and reliably maintain its Media Database files, giving overall stability and speed back to the system.
So, it is best to partition between 250-300 gigs and this will tremendously help overall performance. Here are some instructions on how to drive strip in windows for better Avid performance. If you are running Mac OS X then check out these instructions out to speed up your Avid.
Posted by MovingPicture at 04:28 PM
January 09, 2006
The 2006 CES Tradeshow Means New Gadgets for Consumers
The 2006 International CES, the largest annual consumer technology show in the world, announced many exciting gadgets.
This year, the Consumer Electronics Show included keynote addresses by CEO's from companies like Microsoft, Intel, Verizon, Yahoo, and Sony. Many other companies where on-hand to showcase their new electronics and portable devices. I'll be providing a wrap-up this week and showcasing some of the exciting developments that came as a result of this year's show.
> Learn more about the 2006 International CES Tradeshow
Posted by MovingPicture at 05:59 PM
December 16, 2005
Walkie talkies ad efficiency and big dollar savings to events
Working with walkie talkies, 2 way repeaters and accessories can result in “big dollar” savings. Event planners have discovered that when you start to add up extra steps during an event that does not have good 2 way radio communication, it can be very costly. “In the event business, walkie talkies are not as common as copying machines and cell phones,” says Patricia Buenis of Event Planners International.
Buenis commented that she would be lost without her 2 way radio and would certainly incur a lot more overtime charges with her event crews. Working without a comprehensive 2 way talk around set up with at least 8 channels is unthinkable.
Buenis ads, “I have no idea how we got our jobs accomplished before cell phones and walkie talkies.”
Posted by MovingPicture at 06:10 PM
Walkies speed promo production
On the set with Tierras de Pascianoes
Juan Zuniga and production company Collaboration know the value of high quality 2 way radios on time critical productions. Assistant Director Juan Zuniga recently helmed the television promos for the new show Tierras de Pascianoes on the Telemundo Network. Shooting over three days, working with 35MM film Zuniga kept the production on schedule using walkie talkies as tools for getting many things done in a short period of time. Zuniga says, "When I am shooting on a large location, not having Motorola walkie talkies can result in extra hours of overtime at the end of the day. With 35 people on the crew poor communication turns into additional costs quickly."
Zuniga's walkie talkie rental company of choice is Moving Picture Electronic Services because of their quality of 2 way radio equipment and their great customer service.
Posted by MovingPicture at 06:06 PM
December 14, 2005
Nextel Launches the Motorola i355; Full Featured Rugged Phone Provides Five Ways to Stay Connected
Nextel Communications Inc. and Motorola Inc.announced the Motorola i355, an affordable rugged phone that delivers five distinctways to stay connected. In addition, the i355 handset meets U.S military specificationsfor resistance to dust, blowing rain and vibration and has a durable rubber overmoldfor protection against extreme conditions.
The i355 is one of the first handsets to offer Nextel’s new Group ConnectSM feature.Group Connect allows users to instantly connect with up to 20 other Nextel usersnationwide - and set it all up quickly and easily from their handset. With GroupConnect, users can instantly communicate with an entire team with the push ofa button.
“The Motorola i355 is designed to meet users’ instant communication needs wherever they may be,” said Peter Aloumanis, director, U.S. Markets Division, Motorola’s iDEN® Subscriber Group. “The off-network walkie-talkie is an ideal back-up communications system for staying connected with confidence.”
In addition to Group Connect, i355 users can communicate through digital cellularphone service, Direct Connect, Direct TalkSM and Multimedia Messaging.2
- Nextel’s Direct Connect service is the nationwide and country-to-country instant walkie-talkie service that connects users in under a second.
- Direct Talk allows users to stay connected even if they are outside of the Nextel network coverage area by allowing them to manually transform the phone into an off-network walkie-talkie with a range of up to six miles depending upon specific conditions, such as terrain.
- Multimedia Messaging service allows users to send text, images and audio together from several locations on the handset, allowing for a high level of expression and personalization on the i355.
“Nextel is pleased to continue our commitment to businesses that requirea rugged and reliable phone with the introduction of the i355,” said BlairKutrow, Nextel’s vice president of Product Management. “Many industries,including public service, construction and transportation services, need theconfidence that comes with multiple ways to keep groups connected. Outdoor enthusiastswho want a rugged phone with various ways to communicate will also appreciatethis new addition to our portfolio.”
Packed with innovative, easy to use options, the i355 also offers GPS technology,a 65K vibrant color display, downloadable Java™ applications, voice recorder,speakerphone, voice-activated dialing and assignable ring tones. The i355 isavailable through all Nextel distribution channels, including retail stores,at a price of $99.99, with a two-year service agreement, new activation and creditapproval. Taxes, fees, early termination fee and other charges apply.
Posted by MovingPicture at 04:40 PM
December 13, 2005
Motorola implements solution in Davie FL
Motorola informs us that the Davie, FL Police Department recently implemented a Premier MDC 2-way solution for over 100 mobile users, allowing officers to share important information, quickly and efficiently.
Lieutenant Gary Killam said "Premier MDC allows for an easier way to review messages, run tag numbers, and get owner's driver's license and warrant information. We chose Premier MDC because its easy to use and dependable. It's the most reliable software product I have used in 21 years of law enforcement."
The department has 145 mobile users using Motorola products for two way communication, Applications Configuration, including Premier MDC for Messaging, FCIC/NCC/NLETS Access, and Report Writing.
Posted by MovingPicture at 06:27 PM