Gateway
is driven by a set of Rules that the administrator creates. All rules can be
found in the Scanner screen.
Gateway
is driven by a set of Rules that the administrator creates. All rules can be
found in the Scanner screen.
Select ADD from the Scanners Rules menu to create new rules. Here one can create a Rule Set, unique rules for specific data backups and Mirrored Set rules.
There are seven basic type of rules.
Cut Range Rules - These rules copy Library entries such as audio, command, rotate and playlist cuts.
Playlist Rules - These copy both the playlist and associated audio files.
User Setup Rules - These copy the User setup file along with associated audio files.
Critical Files Rules - There are several sub-type of files within this rule. There is a separate sub-rule type for each critical file needed by DAD.
Miscellaneous File Rules - These rules can copy any miscellaneous file.
Delete Rules - These rules can be configured to remove old audio, playlists and miscellaneous files from a Location.
Mirrored Set Rules - While not really a specific rule, this rule will create a complete set of rules necessary to copy all audio, playlists, user setups and critical files. This is a commonly used to create a complete mirror from one system to another.
A Rule Set can be though of as a header. One can create a Rule Set that will contain a variety of rules. An example might be for a specific workstation. One could create a Rule Set for their OnAir-1 machines, which would contain all the needed Cut Ranges, Playlist and Critical files while also creating a second Rule Set for the OnAir-2 workstation.
Working with the Rules Menu
When one selects the RULES menu several options are available. One can ADD rules, which is discussed below. One can also perform basic functions such as Modify, Delete, Reset , Force and Scan a selected rule.
In addition to the basic functions, one can also Copy and Paste a rule. This allows one to create a single rule, copy it, then paste it. One would then make any minor changes to the newly copied rule.
General Overview of Database Selection
This
overview applies to most rules. The example shown is using the Mirrored
Ruleset.
The PATH at the top of the rule screen directly relates to where Gateway will find the Source and Destination database files. One would select the Source location by selecting it from the menu pull-down. The same is done for Destination.
The LibPath (short for Library Path) is the path for which the database files live. By default, all DAD Library database files are saved in the \DAD\FILES\ directory. The only time a DAD Library database file will be saved to another directory, would be in specific cases a Multi-Library database has been created in another location.
Next one must select the LibName (short for Library Name). The default DAD Library name is CUTS. If one has created Multiple DAD Libraries, then they would select the name of the Library they wish to use.
 |
Note: Only Locations that have been created with the Database or SQL type will be displayed in the menu lists for Database. |
 |
Caution: Gateway will display any DBF file in the LibName menu. Administrators should be careful about saving old copies of Library database files in the \FILES directory. A file called CUTS.dbf.SAVE would be listed in the LibName field as CUTS. In this case, one could have multiple entries for CUTS. The could cause confusion in selecting the proper database. |
Audio Mappings are used for defining where the Source Audio Location and Destination Audio Location. One would select the Source from the SRC pull-down and the Destination via the DST pull-down.
After making the proper selections, one would press Add Mapping.
|
Note: Gateway will only display Locations that have been created with the AUDIO type. User might need to create an Audio Location for the \CUTS directory on the Servers Data share. This is commonly the location for Command Cut files while audio files are typically saved to the AUDIO share on the server. |
Each of the rules are described below.
 |
Most administrators use the Mirrored Set rule. The Mirrored Set rule is designed to automatically create a complete set of rules for allowing for a total backup from a source location to a destination location. Each of the rules used within the Mirrored Set is actually a rule that could be setup independently. Using the Mirrored Set allows the administrator to quickly set all necessary rules at one time. This rule creates the following:
|
Each of these rules is discussed further as an independent rule later within this section.
Once created, each of the rules within the Mirrored Set can be modified for the needs of the facility.
Creating a Mirrored Set rule
From the Scanner
window, click on the RULES dropdown menu and select ADD then Mirrored Set. This opens the Add
Mirrored RuleSet screen.
Path
Here one selects the Source Database and Destination Database. In general, one would select the Server Database (the network DAD Library database) and have it copied to a Backup Database. One would also enter the Library Path and Library Name as described above.
Mappings
Mappings should also be selected for the proper source [Src] and destination [Dst] drives. These mappings will allow Gateway to copy audio files and command cuts. Normally these mappings will be from the Server’s Audio location to the Backup’s Audio location.
To Add a mapping, select the desired Source Location [SRC] and the desired Destination Location [DST] from the pull-down menu. Press ‘Add Mapping’.
To change an existing mapping, select the mapping from the display. Make any changes necessary using the SRC or DST menus then press ‘Update Mapping’. The changes made will be displayed.
Select a mapping and press ‘Delete Mapping’ to remove the mapping.
Rule Desc.
Users may enter a Rule Description. This description will be displayed within the Scanner Window.
Pressing Scan Rate
will display a screen with every day of the week and hour of the day checked.
When checked, the rule will scan during these periods. One can select the days
and hours desired. An additional two options at the bottom of the screen allow
one to select the minute of the hour the rule should scan or the amount of time
in minutes between each scan.
For example, to have a rule scan at 2:15 PM every day one would select the days of the week, the 14 Hr box and check the box for ‘At this minute’ after setting the time to 15. If the user wants a rule to scan every twenty minutes, check the ‘Every’ box and enter the time of 20.
One should only check ONE of the Hourly boxes. One should not have both At this minute and Every 'X' minutes checked at the same time.
Pressing the RESET button will clear all checkboxes.
Once the Scan times have been entered, press the SET box to exit.
The Don’t Scan screen
is very similar to the Scan Rate discussed above. One can select the days and
hours they wish to prevent the rule from scanning. One can also set a range of
minutes at the bottom of the screen.
For example, to prevent a rule from scanning at the bottom of the hour at 5:30 PM every day; one would select the days of the week, the 17 Hr box and enter a minute range of 25 and 35.
Administrators often set the Don't Scan period for times they perform maintenance such as Unique Rebuilds.
Checking the option box for Mirrored Delete will allow this rule to perform Mirrored Deletes. Mirrored Deletes will scan the rule selected and remove any files from the ‘backup’ location that have been deleted from the ‘primary’ location. Mirrored Deletes are performed at the time configured within the Setup > Mirrored Delete Schedule screen.
Many facilities use Mirrored Deletes to prevent older audio files from remaining on the ‘backup’ location after they have purged from the ‘primary’ location.
|
Note: One should use the Perform Mirrored Deletes Now option in the SETUP screen before one removes and clears the CUTSAUX database. If one were to clear the CUTSAUX database before doing a Mirrored Delete, one could have audio files stranded on the Destination server. These would be files that were deleted from the Primary but not from the Backup because a Mirrored Delete was not run before the CUTSAUX was cleared. |
Each rule can have a Priority level set to High, Medium, Low or Disabled. All rules are set to Medium by default. Users can select another level if desired.
Setting a rule to High Priority will allow any files selected for transfer by that rule to move to the top of the Queues window. This ensures that the file will be transferred at the next available moment.
Setting a rule to Low Priority will cause the files selected from the scanned rule to be transferred at an ‘idle’ time. Medium and High files will be transferred before a Low file.
A Disabled rule will be ignored and will not scan.
Priorities are directly related to the configuration of the Gateway Transporters.
Copy Source Cuts DBF
Selecting this check box option will copy the Source locations database to the local drive of the machine running Gateway. This is done to reduce the amount of network bandwidth needed to scan a large database.
|
Note: If one is transferring fewer than 1000 cuts, uncheck the Copy Source Cuts DBF box. In this case, it is usually more efficient for Gateway to process the information for each cut over the network than to copy an entire database to the new location. |
This option is
available with the Cut Range rule allows for the conversion of an audio
file before it is transferred to the destination location.
This feature requires the use of the Audio Convert package from ENCO. When checked, the Audio Convert program will convert the file. All settings are controlled by running the Audio Convert program.
Gateway will convert the cut locally, then send the converted audio file to the remote destination. The cut will remain in the converted format on the destination server.
Administrators can only configure Gateway / AudioCVT for a single format conversion type. In other words, one would configure AudioCVT to convert to MP3 or MPEG but not both.
NOTE: One must have the Audio Conversion option enabled on the Security Key
Modifying Rules
Once a rule has been created, it can be modified. To modify a rule, simply select it from the Scanner screen and either press the ‘Modify’ button or select Modify from the Rules menu.
Adding Other Rules
Users can create individual rules to transfer a variety of files. Some users might only have a need to copy specific files to a workstation whereas the Mirrored Set rule would not apply. Many of the rules discussed here are the same rules within the Mirrored Set.
By creating individual rules, an administrator can customize Gateway for their needs. For example, one could create a set of reverse rules, keeping two separate faculties in sync with each other. One should take note that when creating customized rules, care should be given to Scan cycles in an effort not to cause conflicts with other rules.
From the RULES menu go to Add and select a rule. Users can select from Cut Range, Playlist, User Setups, Critical files, Miscellaneous files or Delete rules. The Critical file rule contains a subset of rules which include: AsPlay, Config, Groups, Playlist, Restore, Script, Security, User Setup, Cut Security and Record List.
Setup and configuration of the following rules is very similar to the process described previously for the Mirrored Set rule.
Selecting
Rule Set from the Add menu will open a dialogue box allowing one to enter a name for a set
of rules. This is not a rule per say but the Title for a set of rules one can
add. This allows one to combine rules into a single organized structure.
Cut Range rules are the most commonly used rule. This rule copies the entire Library or a range of cut within the Library from one location to another. This rule is the simplest form of a backup.
To open the main Cut Range rule, select Rules > Add > Cut Range.
This rule
will copy all Library cuts for the ranges given from the Source location to the
Destination location.
Administrators can enter an initial five-digit cut number into the From CutID field and an ending cut into the To CutID field.
The Target field indicates the starting number of the destination cut range after it has been copied. One can leave the Target field empty if the cut numbers are to be the same at the destination location. If the cuts being transferred are to have numbers of a different range, enter the new starting number into the Target field.
|
Caution: Use of the Compressed check box will automatically override the Target field. Cuts will assume the lowest cut number available. |
The
Cut
Record Mask can be used to further define the rule. This allows the user to
transfer specific cuts within a range provided they match the Mask values.
In addition to the normal Mask fields, one can also specify an INCLUDE or EXCLUDE group list to be used within the Cut Record Mask.
For example: Create a file called c:\gateway\mygroups.txt.
In the CUT RECORD MASK GROUP field use the special entry: {mygroups}
This rule will then process the mygroups.txt file as follows:
The file can contain either the line #EXCLUDE or the line #INCLUDE but not both. Any groups specified below that line (one group per line) will be included or excluded by the SCANNER for rules pointing to this file.
Administrators
must select the Location of the Source Database and the Destination Database
from the lists at the top of the Path area. The Source database location is
commonly the database on the Primary Server. The destination database is the
location of the database on the destination machine.
Next one must enter the path for the Library database. Most commonly this is \DAD\FILES\ The only time this path will be something other than \DAD\FILES\ is when one is using Multi-Libraries within DAD and the Library is saved in a directory other than \DAD\FILES\.
One must also select the Library Name via the LibName box. If users are utilizing a DAD Multiple Library, then they would select the appropriate Library from the LibName box.
After the
Source and Destination databases have been selected, Audio mappings should be
added. Select the source location of the audio from the Src box, then
select the destination for the audio from the Dst box. Press the Add
Mapping button to add the mapping. A graphical representation of the mapping
will appear in the Mappings area.
One should note that an additional mapping for the \CUTS directory on the DATA drive might also be necessary. This would be used for items that are saved on a different drive than the audio such as Command Cuts.
The Archive Only check box can be used by an administrator to archive audio files to a backup Library database.
 |
Caution: Use of the Archive Only check box will automatically DELETE the Source audio file and database record upon completion of the file copy. |
When selected this option will remove the source file from the Source database and Audio mapping and will make a copy of the file on the Destination. This option can be useful as an automatic archive of audio material to an archive database. This option can be used with the Compressed option.
The Compressed check box will compress the Cut Number range. This option is used by default with the Archive option. When one has Compressed checked, Gateway will also Archive the source cut range used. An example of use would be to have Gateway automatically renumber the cuts in the Destination Library using the lowest number available.
One should note that Gateway will use the lowest number available in the Destination Library regardless of the Target CutID field.
If a
description for the rule is desired, enter it within the Rule Desc. field.
Next, specify how often Gateway will scan this rule via the Scan Rate screen. Use the boxes in the scan rate window to select the days and hours the rule should run.
The Don’t Scan display follows the same principle. Select the days and hours the rule should NOT scan.
Mirrored Delete is used to automatically delete files from the destination database in the future when files are deleted from the source database. When the Mirrored Delete box is checked, this will delete files based on the settings defined in the Setup > Mirrored Delete Schedule window.
Transfer Content allows for one to update both the the database records and the audio files. When unchecked, Gateway will only copy the database records and audio files will not be copied.
Select a priority level from the Priority menu. Medium is the default setting and works for most applications.
The Copy Source Cuts DBF box provides a means of controlling network resources during the process of comparing one or more cuts to the corresponding information in the cut database file.
Checking the Convert checkbox will force the audio files for this rule to be converted before being transferred.
|
Note: AudioCvt must be enabled on the key for audio cuts to be converted. |
After you have finished setting the parameters for the new rule, click the Add button. The rule is now displayed in the Scanner window.
Playlist rules will transfer playlists and their associated audio files from the Source to the Destination. The procedure for setting up a playlist rule is similar to that of a cut range rule.
|
Note: The Playlist rule will only copy the Playlist and it's associated audio files. If the main Playlist contains Rotate Cuts, one would need to create a separate rule for the Rotate cuts. The main Playlist rule will not read into the Rotate Cut playlist and transfer it's files with this main rule. |
To set up a playlist rule select Rules > Add > Playlist.
Enter
the name of the playlist(s) into the Playlist Mask field. Administrators can
use the @M, @D, @Y combinations and wild cards such as '*' and '?'.
For example:
ENCO@M@D will transfer a file that matches the current Month and Day.
If one were to use: ENCO@M@D+2, Gateway would take the current day, plus the next two days.
Also, if one entered ENCO????, then all Playlists with four characters following ENCO would be copied.
|
Note: Further information about the playlist wild cards can be found within the C:\DAD\READ.ME\playlist.txt file. |
If the playlist it to be renamed at the destination location, enter the new name of the playlist(s) for the destination into the Target field. If left blank, the name of the playlist will be the same at the destination.
Like the Cut Range rule, select the source database location from the Source Database box and the destination database location from the Destination Database box.
Add Audio Mappings via the Src box and Dst box. Click the Add Mapping button to add this mapping. If command cuts are to be copied, enter the appropriate drive mappings.
To adjust the scan rate, click the Scan Rate button. Enter the appropriate scan rate information. To prevent the rule from scanning as certain times, enter those times in the Don’t Scan screen.
Options for transferring audio content and voice-overs allow one to control what elements are copied to the destination location.
Checking Transfer Content will ensure that all audio cuts within the playlist are copied.
Unchecked, none of the audio cuts will transfer.
Checking Transfer V/O’s will ensure that Tracker style voice-overs are copied to the destination location.
Select a Priority level from the Priority box.
Copy Source Cuts DBF box provides a means of controlling network resources during the process of comparing one or more cuts to the corresponding information in the cut database file.
Checking the Convert checkbox will force the audio files for this rule to be converted before being transferred.
Click the Add button to add this rule to the Scanner.
Like the Playlist Rule, the User Setup rule will transfer a user setup file and all of its associated audio files. The procedure for setting up a User Setup rule is the same to that of the Playlist rule.
From
the Rules menu, select Rules > Add > User Setup Files.
Enter the name of the user setup into the Name Mask field.
One can just enter the direct User name or can use a wildcard for all Setup files.
Select the source database location from the Source Database box and the destination database location from the Destination Database box.
In Audio Mappings, select the location for the source of the audio from the Src box and enter the destination audio location from the Dst box. If command cuts are to be copied, enter the appropriate drive mappings.
To adjust the Scan rate, click the Scan Rate button. Enter the appropriate scan rate information. To prevent the rule from scanning as certain times, enter those times in the Don’t Scan screen.
Select a Priority level from the Priority box.
Copy Source Cuts DBF box provides a means of controlling network resources during the process of comparing one or more cuts to the corresponding information in the cut database file.
Checking the Convert checkbox will force the audio files for this rule to be converted before being transferred.
Click the Add button to add this rule to the Scanner.
Critical files contain workstation specific configurations, shared network databases and other important file settings such as security, user setup and Timed Recording files.
Rules can be created to copy critical files at the time intervals specified. Critical files include the following:
To set up a critical files rule:
From the Rules menu, select Rules -> Add -> Critical Files -> [file type]. When the Add Critical Files Rule window opens, the File Type field will already be completed. Users may keep the default File Mask provided or enter a specific file name to copy a unique file.
Select
the source location from the Source Database box and the destination location
from the Destination Database box.
Like all other rules, one can adjust the Scan Rate and Don’t Scan periods along with the Priority level.
Click the Add button to add this rule to the Scanner.
The new critical files rule will now be displayed in the Scanner window.
|
Note: All Critical File rules are created and configured in the same manor. The only difference between them are the TYPES and information that they copy. |
There are some important notes about specific Critical File rules. These are as follows.
| Rule Type | Comments |
| Asplay |
Asplay logs are active databases and cannot be copied while they are in use. Support for copying a previous day Asplay is provided via wildcards. For example: using a @- before the file mask will copy the previous day’s log. |
| Config | Administrators should be cautious of copying the CONFIG files when DAD has been set for AutoFailOver mode. Copying the CFI files to a Backup with the AutoFailOver lines set, can cause DAD to get into a 'loop'. One should manually copy the files and remove the FailOver lines from the Backup location. |
| Groups | If one is copying the Groups database to a location that is actively running DAD, the Groups database will not be backed up as it is open on the remote location. A message: 'Can't open remote file' will be entered into the Scanner Log. |
| Time Record Lists | If one is copying a Timed Record list to a location that is actively running DAD with that same Timed Record List loaded, that specific list will not be backed up as it is open on the remote location. A message: 'Can't open remote file' will be entered into the Scanner Log. |
Gateway
can also be configured to copy a miscellaneous file. A miscellaneous file could
be any file at all even a
non-ENCO related file.
To set up a miscellaneous files rule select Rules -> Add -> Misc. Files.
Enter the name of the file to copy into the File Mask field. The File Mask can include the wild cards "?" and "*".
In general the Target field will contain the path for the file to be copied.
In an example, one could use Gateway to copy the DAD executable from the DAD directory on the Source to the BackupApps on the Destination. The File Mask would be entered as such: \DAD\DAD.exe
The Target would be entered as: \BackupApps\
Two options are available for use with the Miscellaneous Rules. Specifying /SS on the source File Mask will include subdirectories and will keep all files in sync. One should note that this could be a high performance cost on a large numbers of files. Adding /SN on the source File Mask will include subdirectories but will NOT keep the files in sync. In other words, it will copy all files each time the rule scans.
For example: \DAD\SchedWiz\*.SWZ/SN or \DAD\SchedWiz\*.SWZ/SS
Select the source location from the Source Database box and the destination location from the Destination Database box.
|
NOTE: When using the Miscellaneous File Mask and Target fields, one must enter the path. Gateway will use the Source Drive and Destination Drive as a means to 'access' the file. One must enter the directory path and file name for the File Mask. The Target must be completed with the directory path the file will be copied to. |
The Scan Rate, Don’t Scan periods and Priority level can all be adjusted as needed.
Checking the Must Have Exclusive Access option performs a check on the file being copied to ensure that it is not open. If the file is being used or is being held open, the file will be skipped.
Click the Add button to add this rule to the Scanner.
Delete Rules tell Gateway to delete a specified range of cuts, miscellaneous files, or playlists at a specified time. To set up a delete rule select Rules -> Add -> Delete -> [file type]. The Delete [File Type] Rule window opens.
Delete Cut Range Rule
The
Delete Cut Range Rule
requires one to enter a starting cut number in the From CutID field and an ending cut number
in the To filed that will
identify the range of cuts to delete.
A Cut Record Mask can be used to target specific cuts that match the mask used. Cuts can also be targeted by an Expiration date (more details are below).
Select the location of the files to be deleted via the Destination Database box.
Enter the Library Path for where the DAD Library is in the LibPath. This is most commonly \DAD\FILES unless.
Select the name of the DAD Library from LibName. This will always be CUTS unless one is using a specific DAD Multiple Library name.
Add the location of the Audio Mapping from the Location menu.
Scan Rate, Don’t Scan period and Priority can all be adjusted.
Administrators
can delete a range of cuts based on their Expiration dates. Options available
are; Based on Record Date, Based on Kill Date and Based on Last Played
Date.
Select the desired option by checking the option box and entering a number for ‘days old’ into the days field.
Gateway will then remove any cuts in both the Library database and audio folder.
Delete Misc File Rule
To use
the Delete Misc Files, enter the mask that will identify which files to delete
in the File Mask field. One should enter the entire path with file
name.
Select the location of where the files to be deleted are with the Destination Drive box.
Scan Rate, Don’t Scan period and Priority can be adjusted accordingly.
Files
will be deleted based on the number of days old entered into the File
Expiration window.
Delete Playlist Rule
Gateway
can be configured to remove Playlists based on their date. Enter a Playlist
Mask to identify
which playlists should be deleted. The Playlist Mask can also support
wildcards. For example: ENCO????
Enter the location of the files to be deleted in the Destination Database box.
As with other rules Scan Rate, Don’t Scan period and Priority can be adjusted accordingly.
Using the
Expiration button, enter the amount of days expired the rule will follow.