iNEWS | Command v3.3 ReadMe

9 April 2015
Added changes for v3.3
30 March 2015
Rev B to v3.2.1 ReadMe (Orad qualification info.)
25 January 2015
Added changes for v3.2.1
18 Sept 2014
Rebranded and added information on new feature for v3.2
8 Sept 2014
Added changes for v3.1.8
2 July 2014
Added changes for v3.1.7
24 February 2014
Added changes for v3.1.6
17 January 2014
Added changes for v3.1.5
19 December 2013
Added changes and new feature for v3.1.4
02 October 2013
Added note regarding turning off the Show first of next option in AirSpeed
5000 if it is being controlled by Command.
23 September 2013
Added changes between v3.1.2 and v3.1.3.
5 September 2013
Added changes between v3.1.1 and v3.1.2.
6 June 2013
Added changes between v3.0.4, v3.1 and v3.1.1, including a new
feature, software changes, and limitations.
22 March 2013
Added changes between v3.0.3, v3.0.4, and v3.1
11 December 2012
Added software changes between v3.0.2 and v3.0.3
26 September 2012
Added software changes between v3.0.1 and v3.0.2
29 Aug 2012
Added software changes between v3.0 and v3.0.1
23 April 2012
Added changes for v3.0
Important Information
Avid recommends that you read all the information in this ReadMe file thoroughly before installing or
using any new software release.
Note: Search the Avid Knowledge Base (http://www.avid.com/onlinesupport) for the most up-to-date
ReadMe file, which contains the latest information that might have become available after the
documentation was published.
This document describes compatibility issues with previous releases, hardware and software requirements,
software installation instructions, and summary information on system and memory requirements, when
applicable. This document also lists any hardware and/or software limitations.
Important Information ............................................................................................................................. 2
Compatibility .......................................................................................................................................... 6
Microsoft Windows Operating Systems .......................................................................................... 6
Apple Operating Systems ............................................................................................................... 6
Avid Device Services ..................................................................................................................... 6
Avid License Service ...................................................................................................................... 6
Avid Service Framework ................................................................................................................ 6
Avid Interplay ................................................................................................................................ 6
iNEWS Server ................................................................................................................................ 6
iNEWS Client ................................................................................................................................. 6
AirSpeed ........................................................................................................................................ 7
AirSpeed Multi Stream and AirSpeed 5000 .................................................................................... 7
Avid Motion Graphics .................................................................................................................... 7
Deko ............................................................................................................................................... 7
Deko Select Plugin ......................................................................................................................... 7
Deko MOS Gateway ....................................................................................................................... 7
Deko MOS Macro Server ............................................................................................................... 8
MOS ............................................................................................................................................... 8
ENPS.............................................................................................................................................. 8
X-Keys ........................................................................................................................................... 8
3rd Party Video Devices .................................................................................................................. 8
3rd Party Graphic Devices ............................................................................................................... 9
GPI Control .................................................................................................................................. 10
Serial Control ............................................................................................................................... 10
Qualified Localization Languages ................................................................................................. 10
Installation Notes .................................................................................................................................. 10
Command ..................................................................................................................................... 11
Version 3.1.3 and Newer .............................................................................................................................. 11
Services .......................................................................................................................................................11
Installation Program .....................................................................................................................................11
Deko Integration ........................................................................................................................... 11
DekoSelect ................................................................................................................................... 11
Rover Button................................................................................................................................................11
Upgrade Notes ...................................................................................................................................... 11
Command v3.1.3 .......................................................................................................................... 11
AirSpeed Multi Stream ................................................................................................................. 12
Command v2.7 ............................................................................................................................. 12
Avid Service Framework .............................................................................................................. 12
Hardware and Software Changes ........................................................................................................... 12
Between 3.2.0 and 3.2.1 ................................................................................................................ 12
Between 3.1.7 and 3.1.8 ................................................................................................................ 13
Between 3.1.6 and 3.1.7 ................................................................................................................ 13
Between 3.1.5 and 3.1.6 ................................................................................................................ 13
Between 3.1.4 and 3.1.5 ................................................................................................................ 13
Between 3.1.3 and 3.1.4 ................................................................................................................ 14
Between 3.1.2 and 3.1.3 ................................................................................................................ 14
Between 3.1.1 and 3.1.2 ................................................................................................................ 14
Between 3.1 and 3.1.1................................................................................................................... 15
Between 3.0.4 and 3.1................................................................................................................... 15
Between 3.0.3 and 3.0.4 ................................................................................................................ 16
Grass Valley AMP Video Device Service ....................................................................................................16
Between 3.0.2 and 3.0.3 ................................................................................................................ 16
Between 3.0.1 and 3.0.2 ................................................................................................................ 16
Between 3.0.and 3.0.1................................................................................................................... 17
Between 2.10.1 and 3.0 ................................................................................................................. 17
New Features ........................................................................................................................................ 17
New Features in v3.3 .................................................................................................................... 17
Support for Vizrt Graphics Playout ..............................................................................................................17
Send PLAYED Status to iNEWS .................................................................................................................17
New Feature in v3.2...................................................................................................................... 18
New Form Field Type in iNEWS .................................................................................................................18
New Features in v3.1 .................................................................................................................... 18
Failover Protocol .................................................................................................................................. 19
Redundancy Guidelines ........................................................................................................................ 20
Administration .............................................................................................................................. 20
Failover Process ........................................................................................................................... 20
System Recovery .......................................................................................................................... 21
Known Limitations ............................................................................................................................... 21
Manual Cue and Move .................................................................................................................. 21
Clear Transfer Status .................................................................................................................... 22
AirSpeed Multi Stream Up/Down/Cross-Convert ......................................................................... 22
AirSpeed Multi Stream Auto Switch Output Format ..................................................................... 22
Workstation Option Hide Newsroom ............................................................................................ 22
Tablet Application ........................................................................................................................ 22
Follow-on Playout ........................................................................................................................ 22
Media Viewer ............................................................................................................................... 22
Harris VDS Plug-in ...................................................................................................................... 23
Send to Playback .......................................................................................................................... 23
iNEWS Integration ....................................................................................................................... 23
Recording ..................................................................................................................................... 23
AirSpeed Multi Stream ................................................................................................................. 23
Graphic Integration ....................................................................................................................... 23
Maney Panel ................................................................................................................................. 23
Play While Record ........................................................................................................................ 24
Avid Video Device Service ........................................................................................................... 24
As Run Logs ................................................................................................................................. 24
Hold Last Frame ........................................................................................................................... 24
Licenses........................................................................................................................................ 24
VDCP ........................................................................................................................................... 24
Timecode Graphics ....................................................................................................................... 24
Channel Assignments ................................................................................................................... 24
Deko ............................................................................................................................................. 25
Playout ......................................................................................................................................... 25
Redundancy .................................................................................................................................. 26
GPI ............................................................................................................................................... 26
UMD ............................................................................................................................................ 26
Anti-Virus Protection.................................................................................................................... 32
Upgrades ...................................................................................................................................... 32
ENPS Integration .......................................................................................................................... 32
Looping ........................................................................................................................................ 32
Mirrored Playout .......................................................................................................................... 32
Localization .................................................................................................................................. 33
Newsroom-Controlled Playlist ...................................................................................................... 33
User Interface ............................................................................................................................... 33
Shotbox Viewer Panel .................................................................................................................. 34
Installation .................................................................................................................................... 34
Avid Service Framework with Command Services ....................................................................... 34
Channel Groups ............................................................................................................................ 34
Thunder ........................................................................................................................................ 34
Workflow ..................................................................................................................................... 35
Documentation Notes and Errata ........................................................................................................... 35
New v3.1 Doc Set ........................................................................................................................................35
Technical Support Information .............................................................................................................. 35
Accessing Online Support ............................................................................................................. 35
Compatibility
This Avid iNEWS Command release is compatible with the following:
Note: For the latest specifications regarding minimum system requirements, please visit:
http://www.avid.com/products/iNews-Command/index.asp.
Microsoft Windows Operating Systems
This version of Avid iNEWS Command is qualified for use with:

Windows Vista (32 bit, workstation only)

Windows 7 (64 bit, workstation and server)

Windows 2008 R2 (64 bit)

Windows XP Professional (SP2 or later)

Windows 2003 Server (SP1 or later)
Apple Operating Systems
This version of the Command tablet application is qualified for use with any tablet that supports:

iOS7

iOS8
Avid Device Services
The Device Services (e.g. AMS Device Service, AMG Device service, Video Device Service, etc.) that are
included with Command have their own version number. This version of Command installs with version
4.1.2 of the device services.
NOTE: Command 3.1.5 is compatible with AMG 2.6 and AMG Journalist 1.2. It is not compatible with
Avid Motion Graphics 2.5 and AMG Journalist 1.1.
Avid License Service
This version of Avid iNEWS Command is qualified for use with Avid License service version 3.0.5.
Avid Service Framework
This version of Avid iNEWS Command is qualified for use with Avid Service Framework version 1.7.0.

ASF currently requires all TCP and UDP user ports (1024-65535) to be open. Framework uses about
100 ports total, but they are unpredictable in that range.
Avid Interplay
This version of Avid iNEWS Command is qualified for use with the Avid Interplay 1.1 or later.
iNEWS Server
This version of Avid iNEWS Command is qualified for use with iNEWS Server 2.8.8 or later, but Avid
recommends using the latest released version.
iNEWS Client
This version of Avid iNEWS Command is qualified for use with any iNEWS client software that’s
compatible with iNEWS Server 2.8.8 or later.
AirSpeed
This version of Avid iNEWS Command is qualified for use with AirSpeed versions 2.5.6 and later.
Command supports the Local/Network Play 1 and VDCP Play 2 configuration.
Unrestricted VDCP is not supported.
For thumbnails of video on AirSpeed video servers, Interplay v1.1 is required.
AirSpeed Multi Stream and AirSpeed 5000
This version of Avid iNEWS Command is qualified for use with AirSpeed Multi Stream version 1.7.6 or
later, and AirSpeed 5000 version 2.1.0 or later.
CAUTION: Users who upgrade to the Command 2.9 version (or later) of the AMS device service MUST
ALSO UPGRADE their AirSpeed Multi Stream to version 1.7.6 or later. The 2.9 AMS device service is
incompatible with all earlier versions of AirSpeed Multi Stream. As noted , the AMS Device Service has its
own version number.
With Command controlling the AirSpeed 5000, the Show first of next option must be turned off. To turn off
this option, navigate to the AirSpeed 5000 Web configuration at http://<Airspeedhostname>, log in, select
Playback/Output, and uncheck the Show first of next box for all channels.
Avid Motion Graphics
This version of Avid iNEWS Command is qualified for use with the following Avid Motion Graphics
versions.

Avid Motion Graphics 2.6.0 and later.

Avid Motion Graphics Journalist 1.2.0 and later.
Deko
This version of Avid iNEWS Command is qualified for use with the following Deko models and the listed
software versions for each.

Deko550 – Versions 4.1.2 and later.

Deko1000 – Versions 4.1.2 and later.

Deko3000 – Versions 4.1.2 and later.

FX Deko II – Versions 4.1.2 and later.
Deko Select Plugin
This version of Avid iNEWS Command is qualified for use with Deko Select version 3.04 and later.
Note: The latest version of Deko Select, v.3.1.3, requires Deko version 5.3.4; therefore, an upgrade to
Deko Select v.3.1.3 requires an upgrade of the Deko as well. While the earliest version of Deko supported
with Command remains v.4.1.2, there are no version compatibility problems with Command if you upgrade
Deko to a later version to meet the Deko Select requirements.
Deko MOS Gateway
This version of Avid iNEWS Command is qualified for use with Deko MOS Gateway version 3.0.3 and
later.
Deko MOS Macro Server
This version of Avid iNEWS Command is qualified for use with Deko MOS MacroServer version 3.0.3
and later.
MOS
This version of Avid iNEWS Command is qualified for use with MOS protocol versions 2.6 and 2.8. Avid
recommends using MOS 2.8, which is the default.
ENPS
This version of Avid iNEWS Command is qualified for use with ENPS version 4.05 or later. It has been
tested and qualified with 7.02.1056.
X-Keys
Command now supports the following X-keys devices in native mode. Macro Works is not needed, nor
should it be installed.

X-keys 20 Key, XD-03-USB-R

X-keys XK24 Programmable Keypad, XK-24-USB-R (Command does not support LED
programming.)

X-keys Professional (58 key), XP-05-USB

X-keys Jog and Shuttle Pro (48 key), XPS-08-USB-R
3rd Party Video Devices
This version of Avid iNEWS Command is qualified with the following devices for network-based control
using the Avid Video Device Service third party plug-in and included in the Command installer:

Omneon: Spectrum and Media Deck (6.1 and newer), Omneon Spectrum 7000
Note: Command 3.0.4 uses the omlibplr.dll version 6.1. Command 3.1 uses the 7.0 version of the
omlibplr.dll.

Grass Valley Video Servers (K2) via the AMP protocol.
This version of Avid iNEWS Command is qualified with the following devices for network-based control
using the Avid Video Device Service third party plug-in, which must be purchased from the vendor:

Harris Nexio and Volt, with version 1.1.0.6 of the Harris Video Device Service plug-in.
This version of Avid iNEWS Command is qualified with the following devices for serial control (RS422)
by the Avid Video device service via VDCP:

EVS (10.04 and newer)

DVS Venice (3.0.1.6 and 2.9.2.18)

Grass Valley Group: K2 and Summit

Quantel sQ

360 Systems Image Server
Note: If Command will be used to control a third party video device, via VDCP, ensure that a serial card
(W2003 only) or serial port server (2008 only) is used.
3rd Party Graphic Devices
The following table shows the 3rd party graphic devices qualified with Command. There are 2 methods for
control – via Chyron Intelligent Interface (CII) protocol, or via a Graphic Device Service (GDS) plugin,
which is developed by the vendor. Mirrored graphic playout is only supported for the CII protocol.
Version Notes:

The vendor version is a minimum version. For example, the two versions listed in the Pixel Power
section mean that both 7.2.9.5 and 9.5.7.6 are the minimum numbers for each respective version. If the
version number is not listed in this table, the compatible version must be confirmed directly with the
vendor.

There were significant changes to the Graphic Device Service between Command 2.10 and 3.0.
Because of these changes, GDS plugins are only compatible with a specific Command version, which
is listed in the Compatibility column. This limitation does not apply to CII control

The plugin version specifically means the GDS plugin, which is a separate installer from the GDS
itself, and can be seen as a line item in the Control Panel, Programs and Features (e.g., Vizrt iNEWS
Command plugin). This version is determined by the vendor, and may be different from the Vendor
and Command version numbers
Vendor
Product (Version)
Control
(Plugin Version)
Connection
Compatibility
(Plugin only)
Vizrt

Content Pilot (5.7.4)
Plugin (3.3)
TCP
Command 3.3

MSE (3.1)

Pilot Data Server (6.0)

Preview Server
(3.0.0.1722)

Lyric (8.7)
Plugin (3.0.11)
TCP
Command 3.1.5

Camio/LUCI

Maestro 6.8
TBD
TCP
Command 3.1.8

Maestro
NewsProducer plugin
6.8MSE (1.23)

Clarity (7.2.9.5 or
9.5.7.6)
Plugin (1.4.0)
TCP
Command 3.1.3

Logovision (7.2.9.5 or
9.5.7.6)

Newsroom ActiveX
(6.0.0.5)

eStudio (13.0)
Plugin (4.1)
TCP
Command 3.3

Aston (3D 1.4)

Infinity Set (1.2)
Chyron
Orad
Pixel
Power
Brainstorm
Ross
Xpression (3.60)
Plugin (3.60)
TCP
Command 2.10
Vizrt

Content Pilot (5.7.0)
Plugin (2.0)
TCP
Command 2.10

MSE (1.23)

Pilot Data Server
(1.2.0)

Preview Server
(1.0.0.599)
Orad
Maestro (6.0)
CII
Telnet
N/A
Chyron

Lyric (6.5/7.1)*
CII
Telnet
N/A

Camio/LUCI
Command is qualified with Chyron Lyric v6.5 and newer. Sites who want to use Command with the
iNEWS LUCI ActiveX plugin, should use Lyric v7.1 (or newer), and must have the Autocue feature turned
on.
Note: GDS plugins must be purchased separately from the respective vendor.
GPI Control
This version of Avid iNEWS Command is qualified for use with the Sealevel 8004e (16 in, 16 out, GPIO)
PCIe card (GPI only). To configure, use the Sealevel Systems DIO-32.PCI board type.
This version of Avid iNEWS Command is qualified for use with the Sealevel 8011 (8 in, 8 out, GPIO) PCI
card (GPI and GPO). To configure, use the Sealevel Systems PLC-16.PCI board type.
Serial Control
This version of Avid iNEWS Command is qualified for use with the Perle IOLAN SDS 8 port server.
Although not tested, the 16, 4, and 2 port servers use the same firmware, and are also considered qualified.
Avid recommends version 4.1.5 of the device manager, and version 6.4.4 of the Trueport client.
This version of Avid iNEWS Command is also qualified for use with a Digi Acceleport 422 card.
Note: Command does not support the Digi Acceleport 422 card with Windows 2008 R2. For any Windows
2008 R2 installations, only the Perle IOLAN port server is supported.
Qualified Localization Languages
This version of Command is localized (at the workstation) for the following languages and is also
supported with those languages:

French

Italian

French (Canadian)

Chinese (Traditional)

Spanish

Chinese (Simplified)

Spanish Latin

Japanese

German
Installation Notes
The following sections provide notes pertinent to the installation of Command and products with which it is
integrated.
Command
Version 3.1.3 and Newer
With any upgrade from an older version to Command 3.1.3 or newer, users must uninstall the old version
first. This applies to the Avid Service Framework, Licensing Service, and Command. All configurations
and settings will be maintained when the older version is uninstalled.
Services
Command 2.10 supports the installation of up to 10 Video device services and up to 10 Playlist Controller
services.
Installation Program
For Command 2.9 and later, there have been the following changes to the install program:

Users can choose 3rd Party Graphics Device as an install option.

In the server installation, there are no longer any default devices.
Deko Integration
Beginning with Command 2.9, we have added two files,
and
to the install directory. Users should use these files when there are hard drive
space problems when installing or upgrading Command on a Deko. Here are instructions:
1.
Copy the batch file and the respective install files (i.e.
to a folder on the D: drive of the Deko.
and
2.
Double-click the respective batch file file. This will install to the C: drive, but will use the D: drive for
the temp files that are used during installation. Remember to run the Framework install before running
the Command install.
Note: The batch file will create a temporary directory on the D: drive. This directory will be emptied
automatically when the install completes.
DekoSelect
Rover Button
The DekoSelect client software must be installed on the ENPS workstation before the plug-in will show up
on the Rover button.
Upgrade Notes
Command requires that all machines in the Command workgroup be on the same version of Avid Service
Framework, Licensing Service, and Command. This means that all machines in the workgroup must be upgraded.
The steps to upgrade might vary depending on the version from which you are upgrading.
Command v3.1.3
Command 3.1.3 requires an update to both the Service Framework (1.7.0) and Licensing Service (3.0.5).
Command 3.1.4 uses the same Service Framework and License Service version as 3.1.3.
Note: The Licensing Service should ONLY be installed on machines where it is already running, so unlike
Framework and Command, it is not installed on every machine in the workgroup.
AirSpeed Multi Stream
CAUTION: Users who upgrade to the Command 2.9 version of the AMS device service MUST ALSO
UPGRADE their AirSpeed Multi Stream to version 1.7.5 or later. The 2.9 AMS device service is
incompatible with all earlier versions of AirSpeed Multi Stream. Also note that the AMS Device Service has
its own version number, which is wna common 3.3.0.
Command v2.7
Command v2.7 has some features that were released in conjunction with AirSpeed Multi Stream 1.6. In
order to utilize the following new features, users need to upgrade the Avid Multi Stream device service.
Those features are:

Subclips

UDX and Auto Switch output format
Avid Service Framework
When upgrading from Avid Service Framework, the installation process can mess up the quick icons,
changing them to a default Windows paper icon. The shortcut itself continues to the correct application.
Users can remake any icons in the quick start bar.
Hardware and Software Changes
The following changes or enhancements were made to existing features in iNEWS Command.
Between 3.2.0 and 3.2.1

This version of Command fixes an issue where the channel specific recue failed on a currently playing
item and another item is cued. Now, the recue should occur as expected.

This version of Command fixes and issue with the Send Inventory on Connect setting. Previously,
turning this off would turn off all MOS item traffic, including duration updates. Now, turning this off
only prevents Command from sending its inventory list when the service connects, but otherwise
maintains the MOS item traffic/ This means that duration updates should occur in ENPS, regardless of
whether the Setting is on or off.

This version fixes an issue with autocue. Previously, a playlist change would cause the autocue to
initiate, even with a graphic in a Paused state, which would affect that graphic when using the Pixel
Power Graphic Device Service plugin. With this version, the autocue is not initiated when a playlist
change occurs and there is an item in the Paused state, so Pixel Power graphics will not be affected by
playlist changes any longer.

This version fixes an issue with items that are triggered simultaneously. Previously, Command would
delay the issue of the second play command. With this version, there is no delay - both commands are
sent to the video device simultaneously.

This version fixes an issue with mirrored graphic playout. Previously, playout was affected by a primary
failure, and after recovery. Now, (after a primary failure and recovery) mirror-only and primary-mirror
playout will reflect the correct channel status, and playability will work as expected.

This version of Command fixes a problem with adding or editing device channels or channel groups in
the System Settings. Previously, it would not save all of the changes made. With this version, it does
save all of the changes made to the device channel or channel group.

This version fixes some minor errors with Shotbox triggering commands when the Workstation was in
Spanish. Specifically, the F7 and F8 (play), and Ctrl+F5 (cue), should now work as expected.
Between 3.1.7 and 3.1.8

This version fixes an issue with rippling when there are multiple videos in the story. Now, when the
story is added or unfloated, all items will ripple as expected.

With previous versions, the CTRL+Page Up function (Previous Story) did not function as expected.
This has been fixed.

With previous versions, the slug/thumbnail obtained via an XML file would occasionally fail, and only
display the Video ID (with no thumbnail). This has been fixed - thumbnails should fulfill reliably,
although there may be a small delay when there are a large number of items on the video server.

This version changes the 'Hide story rows with no page numbers' option to 'Hide story rows with no
page numbers, no slugs, and no visible items'.

This version fixes an issue where a Cue command was issued every 5 seconds for a recording item that
was already cued. Now, it will no longer issue the Cue command.

This version fixes an issue with looped items, where they occasionally would go to a red Error state
after being played, which would interrupt the looping process. The error state should no longer be seen.

This version fixes a problem with spaces before or after a video ID in a playlist, which could lead to the
Inventory Manager service getting into a slow state. Now, the UI does not retain a space before or after
a playlist item ID.
Between 3.1.6 and 3.1.7

This build fixes an issue with graphic loading to the mirrored channel. Now, items from an NRCS
playlist will get loaded properly so that they can be played out as expected. For the GDS CII workflow,
items will also get added to inventory as expected.
Between 3.1.5 and 3.1.6

This version fixes an issue with the display of the infinite loop symbol when set from an iNEWS
rundown. It now appears in the Command playlist as expected.

This version fixes an issue with autocue when an item has a mark-in set from iNEWS. Now, the item
will cue and remain cued, rather than recueing intermittently.

In previous versions, when a Cue with Eject command (Ctrl+Cue) was issued with a looped item, it
would not eject properly. This problem has been fixed so now, the item will eject properly when the
Cue with Eject command is issued.

This version has changes associated with MOS configuration for the Chyron LUCI plug-in requiring
alteration to the procedure previously documented in Command ReadMe files. The procedure has been
modified in this ReadMe in the Error! Reference source not found.Error! Reference source not
found. section on page Error! Bookmark not defined..

This version fixes an issue with the cursor, where the cursor would move to the item when the Cue
completed, and the cursor was on the item immediately underneath it. Now, this cursor moves only in
certain use cases (item changes to playable and recue), and in all other cases, such as cue and arrow
down, the cursor remains in place when the Cue completes.
Between 3.1.4 and 3.1.5

In previous versions, there was a problem when pasting or dropping an item with a Mark In or Out point
set with a mirrored channel group. It is fixed. This latest version of Command now maintains both Mark
In and Out on any paste or drop, rather than resetting it to zero.

This version fixes a problem with dragging an item from a playlist to a shotbox that was introduced in
an earlier version of Command. Now, the drag-and-drop completes successfully.

In previous versions, there was a problem when replacing a channel group in a playlist or shotbox. It has
been fixed. Now, after replacing the old channel group name with a new one, the old one gets removed,
and only the new channel group name is seen.

In previous versions, there was a problem with playing a looped item when the previous looped item
hadjust reached zero (0). This issue has been fixed. Now, the incorrect item will not cue, and looping
will not be interrupted.
Between 3.1.3 and 3.1.4

In 3.1.4, we increased the size of JVM heap size of workstation to 512MB to address an out-of-memory
exception that might result in a UI freeze/crash.

This version fixes a memory leak issue with the Inventory Manager service. The memory leak would
lead to the Inventory Manager taking much longer than expected to complete various functions, such as
reporting item status, loading graphic items, and displaying items in the Inventory Panel. Users would
have to restart the service to resolve the issue. This version fixes the leak so that functions complete
promptly without requiring a restart of the Inventory Manager service.

Beginning in this version of Command, the Tools > System Settings > Inventory Manager dialog box
has a new option for turning off Deko graphic thumbnails. For more information, see the ―New
Features‖ section of this ReadMe.
Between 3.1.2 and 3.1.3

This version fixes a crash problem when dragging and dropping stories in a Standalone Playlist. The
crash should no longer occur with this version.
Note: The crash did not affect item-only Standalone Playlists; only those where the item-only Option
was unchecked, and the playlist had multiple stories.

This version fixes a crash problem when replacing a channel group in a shotbox.
There is a limitation with this fix:
After the channel group has been replaced, the text for the previous channel group will remain, along
with the text for the new channel group. To resolve this issue, close and open the shotbox.

This version fixes an issue in item-only playlists where moving a break would cause a problem with
subsequent drag-drop actions. This issue has been fixed, and drag-drop with breaks should no longer
cause problems.
Between 3.1.1 and 3.1.2

This version fixes an issue introduced in 3.1.1 where a story slug would not update after being changed
in the NRCS. With this version, the story slug should update promptly.

This version fixes an issue with cue placement when using infinite looped items, which resulted in the
cue moving up or down one item when a playlist change was made (e.g., drop from inventory). Now,
when a looped item (counted or infinite) is ejected, the next item will cue (rather than the current one),
and that item will remain cued when an item is dropped into the playlist.
Note: After the upgrade, all infinitely looped items in existing playlists must have the infinite loop status
reassigned to them. If they have not, the user interface will show the loop icon, but no infinite symbol
next to it, and the cueing will not behave as expected.

This version fixes an issue with the Deko device service, where items would get stuck in a Playing state,
and prevent further playout control of the Deko (including AMG Deko). With this version, the item
goes from a Playing state to a Done state reliably, and does not interfere with playout control.
Between 3.1 and 3.1.1

This version fixes periodic out of memory errors with the Command Workstation.

This version fixes a crash problem when replacing a channel group in a playlist.
There is a limitation with this fix:
After the channel group has been replaced, the text for the previous channel group will remain, along
with the text for the new channel group. To resolve this issue, close and open the playlist.

This version fixes a crash issue that was triggered by the Xkeys, and would only occur in Windows XP.
With this version, the crash should no longer occur.

This version fixes an issue with the sort not refreshing in the Inventory Panel that was introduced in
3.1.0. Now, when you select a different channel group, or a new item is added to inventory, the sort is
applied immediately.

This version prevents you from moving a playing follow-on item, and presents an alert to indicate that it
cannot be moved.

This version fixes an issue with cursor placement that was introduced in 3.1.0. Now, a change to the
playlist will no longer affect the cursor location or appearance.

This version of Command fixes and issue with Looped playback and the Media Viewer. Now, when
opening an item in the Media Viewer using a separate, browse-only channel group, the looped playback
is no longer interrupted.
Between 3.0.4 and 3.1

Starting with Command 3.0, adding the Remote Communication service to an existing install via the
Modify option, with the iNEWS Communication already installed, would cause the Remote
Communication service to be installed incorrectly, and would interfere with the iNEWS
Communication service. This problem has been fixed, and should no longer occur when installing via
Modify.

This version of Command removes any Mark In/Out points (that were set in Command) when the item
is deleted. Note that this only happens if the item is in an open playlist. If the playlist containing the
item with its Mark In/Out is not open when the item is deleted, the Mark In/Out is kept.

In previous versions, there was a problem when adding multiple items to a Style in the Graphic
Inventory Editor. This has been fixed. The GIE now accurately displays the items that were added to a
Style, without having to close and open the GIE.

In previous versions of Command, deleting a large number of items in a channel group connected to
several AirSpeed servers would cause a deadlock in the Inventory Manager service. This has been fixed.
The deadlock should no longer occur.

The iNEWS Command Installation and Configuration Guide has been updated with the following:
In the ―Configuring the Perle IOLAN Server―chapter, we corrected the Wiring for IOLAN to Video
Server with the correct values. The Rx and Tx values in the Purpose column have been corrected to the
following:

Pin

2
Tx+

4
Tx-

5
Rx+

7
Rx-
Purpose
Between 3.0.3 and 3.0.4

In version 3.0.3, there was an issue with Omneon failover, where Command failed to report playing
status back from the Omneon. This issue has been fixed. Playout functionality works as expected after a
failover.

Previous versions of 3.0.x would fail to report that the transfer status has completed (~30% failure rate).
This has been fixed, and transfer status should be accurately reported for multiple simultaneous
transfers.

The Clear Transfer Status function has been restored.

In previous versions, the GPI Exclusive Playout Control toggle (Ctrl+G) would not release from a
playlist if the channel group was unlocked, but the playlist was left open. This has been fixed. Now,
when a channel group is unlocked, the Exclusive Control toggle is not applied to that playlist.

In previous versions of Command, deleting a large number of items in a channel group connected to
several AirSpeed servers would cause a deadlock in the Inventory Manager service. This has been fixed.
The deadlock should no longer occur.

This version fixes periodic out of memory errors with the Command Workstation.

This version fixes an issue with manually cued items. Now, when an item is manually cued (and no item
has been played on the channel), a playlist change (e.g. new story, drag-dropped item) will no longer
cause the cue to jump to the top of the playlist.

Adding breaks to a standalone playlist should no longer cause problems with the Count Up/Down or
Duration column clocks.

This version fixes issues with the drag-drop location, which were caused by dropping an item or adding
a break to the bottom of the standalone playlist.

This version of Command fixes and issue with the Interplay-acquired item slug when doing a Video ID
rename. Now, when the Video ID is changed, the slug should remain the same.
Grass Valley AMP Video Device Service
This version contains the following fixes to the Grass Valley AMP Video Device Service plugin:

Playing an item that is also next in the same channel no longer causes it to eject immediately after being
played.

When using the AMP plugin, any non-zero time code value would cause the duration to be reported
incorrectly when the item was played. This has been fixed, and the duration should no longer be affect
by a non-zero time code in or out.

This version has implemented a comprehensive handling of the busy bit status on the Grass Valley
video server. Previously, there were cases where the busy bit was not handled, leading to the Command
system getting out of sync with the video device, but this should no longer happen.
Between 3.0.2 and 3.0.3
Command now supports Up/Down/Cross convert (UDX) with Omneon servers. Note that during a ―hot
roll‖ situation involving UDX, where the playing and cued items have differing frame rates, there is an
approximately one second delay between when the Play is issued and when the Omneon executes the Play
command.
Between 3.0.1 and 3.0.2

In version 3.0.1, there was an issue that made the item channel designation case sensitive, so if the case
of the item channel in an iNEWS playlist was not correct, the item would eject immediately. This is
fixed. Now, item channel designation is no longer case sensitive.

In version 3.0.1, a mirrored channel would immediately eject after being played. This is fixed. Now, a
mirrored channel no longer ejects after being played.
Between 3.0.and 3.0.1

In previous versions, when adding breaks to item-only playlists, the breaks didn’t show up as soon as
expected. This is fixed. Now, newly added breaks appear immediately, as expected.

In previous versions, when attempting to the playlist lock on a disconnected NRCS playlist, an
exception was thrown. This is fixed. Now, when taking the playlist lock on a disconnected NRCS
playlist, there is no exception thrown, and the playlist lock is given to the user.
Between 2.10.1 and 3.0

This version of Command now monitors the Transfer Manager and shows the Transfer Status icon
based to the Transfer Manager status, rather than the arrival of metadata from Interplay. After
upgrading, users need to add the Transfer Manager host name to the Video Device Service
configuration, so that it can communicate with the TM about the status of the transfer. The VDS
supports two TM locations, in case an alternate is used for Send to Playback.

For integration with devices using Chyron Intelligent Interface (CII control), only one alias per item is
allowed.

This version of Command supports the ability to edit replacement data in the workstation, but this
ability varies with the device and method of control. Deko and Chyron (using CII control) are
supported. For any other devices (e.g. Vizrt or Ross Xpression with the GDS plug-in, or Orad with CII
control), check with the third-party vendor for confirmation on whether this feature is supported.

In previous versions of Command, page ranges were defined in the Command system settings for
channel groups. Beginning with this version of Command, page ranges are now defined in the Graphic
device service.
New Features
The following section provides new features first made available in the specified release.
New Features in v3.3
Support for Vizrt Graphics Playout
As noted in the Compatibility section of this readme, this version of Command supports integration with
the Vizrt Graphics System. This includes new functionality to refresh the thumbnail of a graphic item to
indicate that it has been rendered in the Viz graphics engine. Items are rendered in the graphics engine
when the channel group is locked.
See the Compatibility section for the minimum Vizrt version numbers that are qualified for use with
Command. Please see the Vizrt documentation for details about the installation and configuration of the
Vizrt graphics system and the Command Graphic Device Service plugin.
Send PLAYED Status to iNEWS
This version of Command supports the ability to send a PLAYED status to the iNEWS client. The status
can be seen in the Item-Status field in the story form, along with the existing statuses of ONLINE,
OFFLINE, CUED, PLAY, DONE, and IDLE. The status is sent after an item has been played in the
Command Workstation.
This feature requires iNEWS version 5.3 or newer. This feature is not available for other newsroom
computer systems, such as ENPS.
To turn this feature on:
1.
2.
Select Tools > System Settings > Playout.
Check the box next to Report PLAYED status to iNEWS.
Once this feature is turned on, an item that is played will have a new PLAYED status sent to
iNEWS.
Note: The PLAYED status can also be seen in the Command Workstation by changing the Tools, Options,
Playlist and Shotbox Viewers, Appearance, Item Played status – the default for this setting is the same as
the Idle status, so the user will need to change it to see a Played status.
Once turned on, the following functionality applies.




Any item that in a MON loaded iNEWS rundown will report the item status as PLAYED after it
has been triggered in the Command Workstation.
When the show is finished (i.e. the channel group is unlocked), the PLAYED status will remain in
the iNEWS rundown, but will be cleared from the Command playlist.
The operator can set and clear the PLAYED status for an individual item in the Command
Workstation by clicking Playlist, Status, and then Set PLAYED (Ctrl+P) or Clear PLAYED
(Ctrl+O). When the PLAYED status is cleared, items will report the ONLINE (or OFFLINE)
status of the item. These functions are dimmed when the channel group is unlocked.
The operator can clear the PLAYED status for all items in the rundown by clicking Playlist,
Status, Clear PLAYED for Playlist (Ctrl+Shift+O). The operator can clear the status for the
playlist at any time, regardless of channel group lock status.
Note: Avid iNEWS will report the last status that Command sends to it, so if an item has a PLAYED status
and is recued, it will show the CUED status.
New Feature in v3.2
New Form Field Type in iNEWS
Field Type
Description
VID-DURATION
This editable field is required to allow duration data from iNEWS Command
to be included in show timing calculations in iNEWS. Video duration is
added to RUNS-TIME by default only if RUNS-TIME is also in the form and
does not contain user-entered information. When VID-DURATION included
in the form, the duration of the primary video event is displayed when
monitor server is loaded. It will appear empty if the monitor server is only
turned on.
If this field is excluded from the form, then the duration time is neither
displayed nor included in show timing calculations. Also, VID-DURATION
does not impact TOTAL-TIME if there is no RUNS-TIME field in the
rundown.
New Features in v3.1
There were a number of new features added to Avid iNEWS Command v3.1, all of which were
documented in detail within the Command Install/Configuration, Administrator, and User Guides. The
following table helps identify these new features and where to locate information:
Support for Slug and
thumbnails for non-
The Installing and Configuring the Command Tablet Server chapter of
the Avid iNEWS Command v3.1 Installation and Configuration Guide.
Interplay systems
Override Strong
Channel Assignment
The System Settings chapter of the Avid iNEWS Command v3.1
Administrator’s Guide.
Ability to Log into
Multiple Workgroups
from a single
Workstation
The iNEWS Command Services chapter of the iNEWS Command v3.1
Administrator’s Guide.
Cue with Eject
command (Ctrl+.)
The Hardware/Software changes section of this ReadMe.
Ability to dock Clock
and Playout panels
above the Playlist
The Panels chapter of the iNEWS Command v3.1 User’s Guide.
X-Keys functionality
improvements
The Playout Control chapter of the iNEWS Command v3.1 User’s Guide,
and the Command System Settings chapter of the iNEWS Command
v3.1 Administrator’s Guide.
Ability to turn OFF the
Countdown clock in
the Duration column.
The Hardware/Software changes section of this ReadMe.
Graphic Handling
Changes
The Hardware/Software changes section of this ReadMe.
Added a new chapter
for installing and
configuring AMG
Journalist Software
The Journalist chapter of the Avid iNEWS Command v3.1 Installation
and Configuration Guide. This information used to appear in the previous
Command v3.0.x ReadMes.
Added a new topic on
Activating the
Software License
The Journalist chapter of the Avid iNEWS Command v3.1 Installation
and Configuration Guide. This information appears in the AMG Setup
Guide and in the previous Command v3.0.x ReadMes.
Added a new topic on
configuring ENPS to
host AMG Journalist
client
The Journalist chapter of the Avid iNEWS Command v3.1 Installation
and Configuration Guide. The topic is called “Configuring ENPS to host
AMG Journalist client”.
Note: For more information on where features and enhancements, formerly documented in ReadMe files
for prior Command releases are located, see “Documentation Notes and Errata” later in this ReadMe.
Failover Protocol
The Avid iNEWS Command Best Practices document, which is available as a free download in PDF format
on Avid’s Knowledge Base, contains the latest information pertaining to failover and hotswap
functionality, including failover scenarios, symptoms, and recommended recovery procedures.
However, some new alterations to the recommended procedure for failover and recovery have been made,
and are, therefore, provided in this ReadMe for your convenience.
After primary server failover has occurred, to recover:
1. Continue with current playlist until the show has been finished.
If there have been changes to the iNEWS rundown after failover occurred, it will be necessary to load
the iNEWS rundown to the backup server. To switch to the newly loaded iNEWS rundown, unlock
the channel group on the disconnected playlist and lock on the connected playlist.
Note: Do not override the lock on any channel group until at least 5 minutes after the failover happened.
2.
After you have reached an opportune time to bring the Command system back to its Primary/Backup
configuration, shut down all services on the backup server—and primary server, if necessary.
3.
all services on the primary server.
4.
Wait for at least one minute, and then re the services on the backup server.
5.
Wait 5 minutes before using the Command system.
6.
Open the Avid Interplay Health Monitor and confirm that the two servers have the expected primary
and backup status.
Note: After the failover completes, an item’s transport statuses and clocks do not update. For example, if
an item was playing while the failover occurred, the playing status will remain, and clocks may continue to
count, even though other items have been subsequently played on the same channel. This is a cosmetic
issue, and users can ignore the stale transport statuses and clocks. This known limitation is on the roadmap
to be fixed in a future version of Command.
Redundancy Guidelines
The following are redundancy guidelines for both administrators and users.
Administration
Command determines primary and backup based on the length of time the service has been running. The
server that has been running longer is the primary. Therefore, to get all primary services on one server, it is
necessary to the primary server first; when all services have started, start the backup servers.
Not all services run in a primary/backup configuration, such as the iNEWS Communication service. This
means that when a server fails, it loses connection to the NRCS (iNEWS, ENPS, etc.). At that point the
playlist becomes disconnected, which is indicated by the flashing red X over the iNEWS or MOS icon.
Users are still able to operate the playlist in this mode, but it does not get any updates to the rundown. See
below for full details.
Services that are primary show a green dot in the Health Monitor tree. Backup services show a yellow dot.
Non-redundant services do not show a dot. All three are shown here.
Failover Process
When a failover happens, here is what the user will see.

The iNEWS or MOS icon will have a flashing red X over it. This indicates that the playlist
has been disconnected from the newsroom system.

Several alerts will appear, stating that the workstation is unable to connect to various services.

The channel lock and transport control icons will show a red X over them, and will be
unresponsive.

Items (both graphic and video) will continue in their existing state, such as a playing item will
continue playing.
Within 15 seconds, the services on the backup Command server should take over as primary, and restore
functionality to the workstation.

Users will see 2 or 3 alerts, the Playlist Store, Playlist Manager, and Playlist Controller
services.

Transport controls will become responsive again, and the red X will be removed.

At this point, users will be working with the disconnected playlist, so they will not see any
updates from the Newsroom system.

In order to restore connection between the newsroom and Command, users will need to reload
the show to the backup server. For iNEWS, this is just a simple MON load to the appropriate
Command server. ENPS users need to do a MOS redirection with the rundown, which
requires some initial configuration to support MOS Redirection. See the Avid iNEWS
Command Install/Config guide for further details.

The reloaded show will appear as a second playlist in Command, and users will need to
switch to the connected playlist and lock channel groups. This should be done at a convenient
time, such as during a commercial break, or weather.
System Recovery
After the primary Command server has been restored to functionality, here are the steps to get the system
back to its proper state. This should only be when Command is not needed for on-air playout.
1.
Stop all services on the primary server.
2.
Stop all services on the backup server.
3.
Start all services on the primary server.
4.
Wait a few minutes, and then start all the services on the backup server.
5.
Confirm system functionality by loading shows from the newsroom and playing items on all
device channels.
Known Limitations
This section provides information on known limitations that were not addressed in this release. Any
available workaround procedures are also documented, when possible.
Note: For limitations related to compatibility of this release with previous versions/other products, see the
section of this document entitled, Compatibility.
Manual Cue and Move
This version of Command reverted to the following behavior, as the fix to the following set of steps
introduced more severe issues.
1. Lock channel group (AB).
2. Manually cue second item on each channel.
3. In iNEWS, reorder the stories that contain the first two items to be immediately underneath the currently
cued items.
4. Cue moves to the ordered two items, rather than staying on the currently cued item.
Workaround: To work around this issue, do one of the following:

Skip Step 2 - the expected items will cue after the items are reordered in Step 3.

Manually cue the items after step 4.
Clear Transfer Status
Clear Transfer Status only works for devices controlled by the Video Device Service (i.e. 3 rd party video
devices). AirSpeed Multi Stream and AirSpeed 5000 also report transfer status, but the Clear Transfer
Status menu option does not function.
AirSpeed Multi Stream Up/Down/Cross-Convert
With the AirSpeed Multi Stream’s Up/Down/Cross-Convert feature, there is a limitation that the channel
needs to be idle when cross-converting (i.e. 720p to 1080i, or vice versa). This limitation manifests in
Command with its Autocue feature. When you play an item, Command automatically precues the next
item. If the playing and cued items are different (e.g. 720p and 1080i), the precue will fail, because the
channel needs to be idle before the item can be cued.
AirSpeed Multi Stream Auto Switch Output Format
With the AirSpeed Multi Stream’s Auto Switch Output Format feature, there is a limitation that the channel
needs to be idle with Up or Down-converting. This limitation manifests in Command with its Autocue
feature. When you play an item, Command automatically precues the next item. If the playing and cued
items are different (e.g. HD and SD), the precue will fail, because the channel needs to be idle before the
item can be cued.
Workstation Option Hide Newsroom
When the Workstation Option called Hide newsroom story rows with no page numbers is on, the items in
the hidden story are still automatically assigned channels when Auto-Assign or Strong Channel assignment
is turned on. This will affect playlist ripple sequence, and may cause the displayed items to be out of order,
because the hidden items are still part of the ripple sequence.
Tablet Application

Having a large number of items in a shotbox can cause the Command tablet application on an iPad
device to lock up.
Workaround: Users should have no more than 30 items in a single shotbox.

Playability status does not update unless the shotbox is open in the Command Workstation. This means
that to see an item change from Unplayable to Playable in the tablet application on an iPad device, the
corresponding shotbox must be open in the Command Workstation.
Follow-on Playout
Follow-on playout will only work with clips of 4 seconds or longer. Also, AirSpeed Multi Stream only
supports clips that are 10 seconds or longer.
Media Viewer
Opening graphics in the media viewer may take a little time.

In the Media Viewer, 1080i scrubbing with AirSpeed Multi Stream is very slow and considered
unusable, especially for Play While Record workflows. Users may be able to use it in a scenario where
a quick turnaround is not an issue.

The Media Viewer can only be used to modify the in and out points of a clip. The use of Media
Viewer requires that a browse channel is set up as part of the channel group that is locked.
Harris VDS Plug-in
Qualification of Command with the Harris Video Device Service plug-in is with the following limitations:

Recue with Goto is a Command feature that, based on testing, does not work with the Harris
VDS plug-in. This feature is where Command sends a Goto zero command to the device
rather than ejecting and recuing. When integrating Command with the Harris VDS plug-in,
users need to make sure the Recue with Goto setting is turned off.

Rename and Protect status changes are not reported back to Command. If the user does a
Rename, Delete Protect, or Remove Protection in the Inventory panel, the functions
successfully complete on the Harris server, but the changed status is not reported back to
Command until the Video Device service is reed.

After setting a Mark In point from the Media Viewer, the clocks in Command do not count
when the item is played; although, the item does play for the correct duration and counting
can be seen in the NXOS user interface.
Note: For compatibility information regarding what version of the Harris VDS plug-in is qualified with
Command, see the “Compatibility” section in this ReadMe.
Send to Playback
With Command 2.10, renaming an item’s slug on a 3rd party device while Send to Playback is completing
will cause the Transfer Status icon to report complete. This known limitation is on the roadmap to be fixed
in a future version of Command.
iNEWS Integration
iNEWS must have the video-ID and item-channel fields in the storyform of the rundown. Excluding either
of these fields can cause serious problems with Command and iNEWS communication.
Recording
If a recording item crosses the midnight boundary, the starting time is not correctly set to 1:00:00;00, which
causes problems with Command’s Count Up/Down clocks. The workaround is to manually set the time to
1:00:00;00 in Newscutter.
AirSpeed Multi Stream
If a recording item crosses the midnight boundary, the starting time is not correctly set to 1:00:00;00, which
causes problems with Command’s Count Up/Down clocks.
Workaround: Manually set the time to 1:00:00;00 in Newscutter.
Any Command users relying on the autocue feature need to make sure that the AirSpeed Multi Stream
Show first of next option is turned off. To do so, go to the AirSpeed Multi Stream application and click File
> Preferences > Channel Configuration, and uncheck the Show first of next box for all channels.
Graphic Integration
For graphic systems that use databases (such and Orad and Pixel Power), leaving the Graphic path blank in
the Graphic Editor will cause Command to not send an Intelligent Interface M command.
Maney Panel
While ControlAir supported Maney Panel with both the Measurement Computing and SeaIO cards,
Command supported the use of a Maney Panel device only with the Measurement Computer card.
Play While Record
When an AirSpeed Multi Stream play while record item finishes playing, it will remain in the playing
status, rather than eject and hold last frame.
Workaround: Eject the item or ignore the status; it does not prevent the next item from being played.
Avid Video Device Service
The Avid Video device service can only be set to one frame rate; therefore, all of the channels controlled
by the VDS (including VDCP, Harris, AMP plugins) will be limited to one frame rate. Note that Omneon is
an exception, as it supports frame rate on a per-item basis.
As Run Logs
Despite the fact that as run logs in Command are saved as .csv files, opening them in Microsoft Excel 2003
required a user import the file via the Tools > Data > Import menu.
Workaround: Upgrading Microsoft Excel to a newer version will allow you to double-click on any as run
log from Command to open it in Excel.
Hold Last Frame
When an item with a short hold last frame—of 2 seconds or less—finishes playing on an AirSpeed Multi
Stream, it ejects as expected, but the next cued item also ejects. This is configuration issue on the AirSpeed
Multi Stream.
Workaround: On the AirSpeed Multi Stream server, select File > Channel Configuration and deselect the
Show first of next checkbox for each channel to resolve this issue.
Licenses
When replacing temporary licenses with a full license, users must delete each TEMP line individually
before adding a full license.
VDCP
Play While Record does not work with VDCP.
Timecode Graphics
Users can edit the in and out times for a loaded playlist by opening the Deko item in the Media Viewer, but
the story slug will not update. The user can see the updates in the and Duration columns, though, and will
have to ignore the out of date story slug. If the playlist is disconnected or standalone, the story slug does
update with the new times.
Channel Assignments
When a channel goes down, Command will adjust the channel assignments automatically to not include the
down channel. However there are two limitations;
Manual ripple (Ctrl+R) ripples with the down channel
Workaround: Unlock and relock. This will ripple assignments in the playlist with only the connected
channels.
Note: If the channel goes down while the channel group is locked, the status of the down channel will
remain, meaning that an item cued on C will remain cued after C goes down and the channel is reassigned
to B. Despite this, users can ignore the remnant status and continue playing.
Deko

If users plan to trigger graphics in an iNEWS playlist by setting the In/Out time in the iNEWS Deko
Select plugin, the Deko Device service should be set to Single Channel mode. Dual channel mode does
not provide for accurate triggering.

The new auto-motions feature of Deko 5.0 does work with Command 2.0 with a couple of exceptions:
First, it does not do the playoff auto-motion when a stopped item is ejected. Secondly, the last item
does not do its playoff auto-motion.
Workaround: In the case of the last item not working, add a blank graphic after the last item. Then
auto-motion will work as expected.

The Deko Device service must be reed after any change to a style directory via the Deko Macro Server
or any addition of a new style via the Deko MOS Gateway.

FX Deko II freezes after installing Avid Interplay Framework and/or Command.
Workaround: Any time you re the computer, do the following:

1.
Disconnect network cable.
2.
Re-start the machine.
3.
Go into Properties of the My Network Places.
4.
Right click the network card and choose disable.
5.
Wait 10 seconds and then enable the network card.
6.
Plug in the network cable. The machine should not freeze at this point.
Ejecting a multi-triggered graphic while it’s at one of its trigger points (Command shows it in a paused
state), the preview buffer of the Deko channel will contain the previous graphic played in the playlist.
Workaround: Manually cue the next desired graphic.
Playout

Follow-on will only work with clips of 2 seconds or greater.

In previous versions, if a user used the lock and override feature, the playlist and playout functionality
would not work properly for one to five minutes after a server failover.
Workaround: Unlock and relock, if necessary.

When an item ID is manually changed, the user must wait 2 to 3 seconds before cueing and playing
that item.

Preview channels in a channel group don’t show the Preview item playing. Preview channels are not
supported for Command 1.1.x

After restoring a Command Server to primary status following a failover, items won’t autocue.
Workaround: Manually cue the items.

The only supported Control Configuration for AirSpeed with Command is Local/Network Record or
Play. Unrestricted VDCP is not supported. When using Command to control playout on AirSpeed
video servers, ensure proper configuration on the actual AirSpeed.
To set Control Configurations on an AirSpeed:
1.
Select Setup > Channels.
2.
Set Control Configurations to Local/Network Record or Play.
When using Command offline with AirSpeed video servers that are also used with a different playout
control system for on-air broadcasting, this setting must be switched according to which system is
controlling the video server.
Redundancy

When the backup server loses network connection, the services need to be shut down before
reconnecting.

A temporary network interruption is likely should the server running the backup Command services be
disconnected from the network and reconnected. This interruption might appear as a possible loss of
follow-on playout or affect the appearance of inventory status.

In a redundant configuration, if the network connection to the server running the Primary Command
services was lost, if the server was shutdown, or if the server lost power, the Command system would
automatically regain functionality after the workstation shows the alert, ―The Playlist Controller is
available,‖ and the alert details state, ―Items can be played again.‖

Reconnecting a network connection to a previously dropped primary Command Server will cause a
second interruption in playback. In a redundant configuration, if a network connection to the server
running the primary Command services is lost, the Command system will automatically regain
functionality after the workstation shows the alert that items can be played again. The limitation comes
in if the network connection is restored without the original primary services being reed after the
disconnection. For example:
Server A is the primary and Server B is the backup. Server A loses and regains its network
connectivity while on-air. In this case, when the Server A regains its network connectivity, there will
be a second interruption in playout control. One interruption for the initial disconnect and a second
interruption will occur when it regains connectivity.
Workaround: In the example given, shut down Server A until the show is over. This will prevent the
second interruption from occurring.
GPI

Avid only supports 1 GPI card per computer.

If you re-start the UMD device service while clips are already cued (or precued), the UMD device
doesn't get status on those clips. It will display clips that are playing out and eventually catch up to the
UMD
current state. Although the UMD device is not critical to playout, re-starting its service (or any service)
in the middle of a show is not recommended.
Anti-Virus Protection

Anti-virus software protection, such as Symantec Endpoint, can cause cueing delays and prevent
proper playout.
Workaround: Turn ―autoprotection‖ off.
Upgrades

When a major upgrade is done, such as v2.0.3 to v2.1, the install location reverts back to the install
default of
. If you installed Command to an
alternate location, such as the D drive on an older Deko, you need to change the install location at the
appropriate time during the upgrade installation process.
ENPS Integration

If there is a communication breakdown between ENPS and Command and the ENPS rundown needs to
be reloaded, the rundown might appear disconnected even though it isn’t.
Workaround: Re the Command application at the workstation before reloading the rundown.

ENPS users might see long IDs even though the Command system is set to use short IDs. This can
occur whenever the MOS Communication service loses communication with the Command Inventory
Manager.

If a story is updated in ENPS and the channel had been changed from the default, when the updated
ENPS story is saved, the channel in Command will be reset to the default. This is a problem with the
MOS 2.6 protocol. Avid recommends using MOS 2.8 for the Command MOS ID to avoid this
problem.
Looping

If the playlist that has been set to loop has been played to the end, it will not loop if selected to play a
second time.
Workaround: Unlock and relock the channel group to eject playlist or item looping. This fixes the
problem.

For playlist looping, the cursor does not go back to the top when the last item is playing, but cue does
and looped playout will continue as expected.

If the number of times to loop a playlist is set while the channel group is locked, the playlist loops one
less than the set time. Other anomalies can also occur.
Workaround: The channel group for the playlist must be unlocked when setting the number of times
to loop a playlist.
Mirrored Playout

For mirrored, single-channel, follow-on playout, when an item is playable on the mirrored channel
only, the next item—assuming it is available on both primary and mirrored channels—behaves
differently. When the item plays on the mirrored channel only, the next item does not cue on the
primary channel, nor does the item’s status appear cued in the playlist. Despite this, the next item does
play as expected after the mirrored only item finishes playing.

After a primary only or mirrored only follow-on playout, the items are slightly out of sync.
Localization

In the German UI, in the Optionen dialog box, the options associated with Shotbox are not contracted
into a tree-like structure, but are provided instead as pathnames.
Newsroom-Controlled Playlist

If you move an item in a nested newsroom (iNEWS) playlist, it uncues an item in the container
playlist.
Workaround: Float the item before moving it.

If a large amount of stories (>20) are copied and pasted to the current on-air playlist, you might see the
stories get added to the bottom of the playlist initially and then get placed in the proper location after
all of the stories have been inserted into the Command playlist.
Workaround: Close and reopen the playlist. When it reopens, the items will be in the correct order
and location.

Setting MOS Active and Ready-to-Air immediately after each other will cause an ENPS or MOSbased playlist to incur up to a five-minute delay in Command receiving and loading the playlist. The
delay is dependent on the number of items in the playlist.
Workaround: Set the MOS Active flag for the running order long before making it Ready-to-Air.

For ENPS sites: If the primary ENPS server is down for a long period of time (for maintenance, for
example), then the Command MOS service should be reed to delete any messages that are waiting to
be sent to the Primary. Otherwise it may take some time for these messages to be sent when the
Primary s running.
User Interface

In Windows server 2008, the Command workstation must be re-started every 24 hours.

Avid recommends closing the Command workstation application once per day.

After creating a new playlist that contains a story (not an item-only playlist), you cannot insert a
placeholder.
Workaround: Insert a second story first. Or set your options so that new playlists are created as itemonly playlists (without stories).

Improvements were made to the cursor and autoscroll behavior in Command v2.0, but one problem
remains. When unfloating or moving items above the currently playing item, it can still cause the
cursor to scroll off screen.

If the Command Workstation is running when Command services are shut down, it might function
improperly after the services are back up.
Workaround: Ensure that all Command Workstation applications are closed before shutting down or
restarting Command services.

After changing the 'Use short ID' setting in Tools > System Settings > Inventory, you must wait
approximately 30 seconds before the change will be propagated back to the Command Workstation.
Workaround: If you want the setting to take affect sooner, close and reopen the Command
Workstation application.

The Apple Quick Time Updater feature causes network flood when it tries to automatically update.
This can prevent the Command system from functioning as expected.
Workaround: Disable this feature.

Playlist tabs in the Playlist Viewer are not well separated.
Workaround: Change the display properties to a Windows XP theme.

If you change the inactive cursor color preference to white and the background is also set to white, the
text will be invisible. Command doesn’t automatically detect these color matches.
Shotbox Viewer Panel
If the Shotbox Viewer panel is docked at the top or bottom of the workspace and its size adjusted,
Command will not retain the size if the panel is closed and reopened.
Workaround: Undock the panel and size it, or dock it to the left or right sides of the workspace.
Installation
Sometimes you might get an Install Shield 1603 error saying, ―A file which needs to be replaced may be
held in use. Close all applications and try again.‖
Workaround: Click OK and disregard the message.
Avid Service Framework with Command Services

If a Command Server running in the backup role is unplugged, users might see availability alerts for
the Playlist Store and with regard to the playability of some items. This is caused by Avid Service
Framework sending service unavailable notices when the backup is rediscovered.

Occasionally a Command service might not get the correct election priority and Avid Health Monitor
will falsely report a critical status for this service.
Workaround: This does not affect proper service functionality, so you may either ignore the status or
re the service in question to correct the problem.
Channel Groups

Changes to system settings associated with the MOS Communication service might not take affect
until the service is reed.
Workaround: The MOS service should be reed after changing anything in the MOS section of the
system settings.

If CG channel groups are longer than eight characters, the CG style lists are not sent or received in
iNEWS.
Workaround: This is intentional because iNEWS only displays the first eight characters. Therefore, if
using a CG channel group longer than eight characters, only enter the first eight characters in
SYSTEM.MAP and SYSTEM.MOS-MAP in iNEWS.

If a channel group gets deleted, then any playlist items depending on channels in that group will get
marked unplayable. But if you recreate a seemingly identical channel group with the same name and
the same channels, the items will not get marked playable. This is because it isn’t really the same
channel group.
Workaround: If someone deletes a channel group that was assigned to pre-existing playlists, the
playlists must be recreated via the Inventory panel and dragging the items back in from the newly
recreated channel group.
Thunder

Thunder follow-on play ignores looped clips.
Workaround: Put a second or third clip in the playlist, and it will play the clip consecutively, as if it
were looped.
Workflow

When you send a package from an editor to your AirSpeed video servers for playout, you must set
those AirSpeed video servers up as a studio and transfer to that studio from the editor. If you send to
each AirSpeed individually, the clip’s metadata is actually different for each AirSpeed and, therefore,
will only show up as available on the first AirSpeed to complete its transfer.
Documentation Notes and Errata
This section contains information, if any, about updates or changes regarding documentation provided with
the Command software, including data about the product that might have been unavailable at the time the
guides were published and therefore not documented in the guides.
New v3.1 Doc Set


The following features or enhancements, previously documented in ReadMe files for prior Command
releases have now been documented in the Command v3.1 Installation and Configuration Guide:

Added the Avid Motion Graphics Setup and Configuration section of the v3.0.2 ReadMe as a
new chapter.

Added the Licensing information to the beginning of the same chapter.
The following features or enhancements, previously documented in ReadMe files for prior Command
releases have now been documented in the Command v3.1 User’s Guide:

Added additional information regarding iNEWS Command Failover in Appendix A.

Added additional information, regarding the Done icon in the ―Working with Shotboxes in
Tablet Application‖ in Chapter 7.

Added additional information, regarding additional color statuses in the ―Working with
Shotboxes in Tablet Application‖ in Chapter 7.
Technical Support Information
Most products feature a number of coverage options. Avid Assurance service offerings are designed to
facilitate your use of Avid solutions. Service options include extended telephone coverage, automatic
software maintenance, extended hardware warranty, and preferred pricing on replacement parts. Offerings
and options may vary by product and are not available for all products.
For more information regarding Avid’s service offerings, visit www.avid.com/support or call Avid Sales at
800-949-AVID (800-949-2843).
Program availability and details might vary depending on geographic location and are subject to change
without notice. Contact your local Avid office or your local Avid Reseller for complete program
information and pricing. However, if you need help locating an Avid office or Avid Reseller near you,
please visit www.avid.com or call in North America 800-949-AVID (800-949-2843). International users
call 978-275-2480.
Accessing Online Support
Avid Online Support is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Search the Knowledge Base to find
answers, to view error messages, to access troubleshooting tips, to download updates, and to read/join
online message-board discussions.
To access Avid Online Support: Go to www.avid.com/Support