Station FAQ
Equipment Installation (Updated 03/07/07)
Q: What equipment did my station receive?
A: The standard ContentDepot equipment complement included two storage receivers for pre-recorded programming and two streaming decoders (four stereo outputs) for live programming. More information about ContentDepot equipment is available. Stations that were eligible for basic automation received systems in 2006 from ENCO Systems, Inc.
If your station has identified a need for additional equipment, it should be ordered from NPR Distribution at your earliest convenience.
Q: What installation documentation was shipped?
A: A Station Installation Guide was shipped with your equipment. It is also available online. You also received a training DVD that will give you an overview of ContentDepot installation and operations. Chapters from the DVD are available online as well. Please note that you must have a DVD reader in your computer or a DVD player to watch the training DVD. Quick Start Guides for the storage receivers and streaming decoders are also available. Go to our installation documentation page for a list of the available documentation.
Q: Should I install my equipment immediately?
A: We recommend that your station can install the ContentDepot equipment upon receipt.
Q: How much time do I have to get the ContentDepot up and running at my station?
A: Once the ContentDepot dual operations commence in November, the existing SOSS/Comstream and ContentDepot systems will run in parallel until stations make the full transition. We strongly encourage you to make that transition sooner rather than later. All stations MUST convert to the new system by the end of dual operations, as the old SOSS/Comstream system will be deactivated. At that time, you will no longer be able to receive programming using today's PRSS equipment.
Q: How much time will it take to set up the ContentDepot at my station?
A: Many stations report that it takes approximately one-half hour to one hour to install the equipment. Networking and integrating with your automation system is variable depending on the complexity of your networking requirements. Allow two or three days to set up user accounts and subscriptions in the portal. It is strongly recommended that you map out your live programming decoder assignments in advance of setting up the subscriptions. This will save you time. A sample spreadsheet is available that can assist you in planning your subscriptions.
Q: How do I get automation support?
A: Stations that were eligible for basic automation systems received their systems from ENCO Systems, Inc., in 2006. If you received a basic automation system, please contact ENCO for assistance. If you will be using an existing automation system, please make sure that you confirm your system's ContentDepot compliance with your automation vendor.
Q: Will the ContentDepot work with my Logitek equipment?
A: We have just finished successful testing of a firmware update to the ContentDepot streaming decoders (SRPro2000) that should help with most devices that are having digital interface problems - including Logitek products. This means that the ContentDepot decoders will connect to the digital inputs of the Logitek Audio Engine without any adapters, format changers or baluns. We are also very interested in testing to see if this update clears problems reported around any other device having problems connecting to the ContentDepot equipment. We intend to find solutions to those as well.
After the firmware is compiled, we will begin to run the update in the background through the satellite network. As long as your decoders are locked to the signal, they should receive the upgrade and automatically re-boot. After re-booting, the decoders will be updated, resetting the validity bit to "0". Although the firmware upgrade will be sent continuously, your decoder will update and reboot only once. This change will then become embedded in any further decoder updates we may provide.
Even if you are not using the digital outputs on the decoders, it is important to keep current with the upgrades as we move toward dual operations. These upgrades will continue to be provided through dual operations to enable all stations to receive the upgrades.
Q: Will NPR Distribution provide me with the appropriate connectors for the ContentDepot streaming decoders?
A: We have heard from stations reporting problems locating, purchasing, and assembling the mini-XLR connectors for their ContentDepot streaming audio decoders. In retrospect, including a set with each decoder would have helped on the procurement front, but that did not occur. We expected and early reports seem to confirm that stations using the analog outputs are using the "D" connector on the decoder. We specified the pinout of the "D" connector to match the ABR700, so that the same cabling currently in place at stations for analog audio can be simply transferred over to the stream decoder.
To assist stations planning to use the digital audio output on the third mini-XLR, we have located a source for TA3F (mini-XLR) to standard XLR "pigtail" cables. We have ordered samples and assuming they are acceptable, we will make them available at no charge for stations that request them. I hope to have them in stock later this month. When we have received the cables, we will post instructions on DACS and the lists on how to request some for your station.
If you have already purchased TA3F connectors and desire reimbursement for the costs of the connectors, you will be able to submit a reimbursement request via the same mechanism.
We hope this helps those stations experiencing problems.
Q: What cable should I use for the ContentDepot receivers?
A: NPR Distribution recommends that you use RG6 coax cable from the L-band splitter to the storage receivers.
Q: Will NPR Distribution provide me with the appropriate cables?
A: No, jumpers may be purchased from any number of sources which stock cables for Audio and Video systems. RF cables can be RG6 and ethernet cables should be configured as straight through.
Q: Is there anything special that I must do to my existing system when installing the ContentDepot equipment?
A: When installing your ContentDepot equipment, you must power down (either unplug or switch off) your existing downconverter(s) before disconnecting any coaxial cables from the four-way splitter. During beta testing, we got reports of folks blowing fuses in their downconverters because they weren't turned off.
Q: Should both storage receivers be installed and active?
Yes, at least through through the dual operations period. As we exercise the system, we're constructing minor tweaks to the software in the receivers. To make sure that both your storage receivers have the latest code versions, they must be connected to your satellite downlink and powered up. It's not necessary to have your backup receiver on any network; all software updates are delivered on the satellite channel.
Q: Can I run my backup storage receiver at the same time as my primary? I want recovery time to be as little as possible.
You can, and if you're careful to set up the IP addresses of your backup receiver so that they're different from your primary, there will be no problems—just be aware that there is no automated switchover function in the receivers, so you would have to manually direct your automation system to the backup receiver in case of a failure. Having said that, some automation vendors provide the ability to scan multiple receivers so that could be an additional level of backup for your file traffic. The ContentDepot headend sends files addressed to both your receivers at all times, so there's no need to tell the ContentDepot portal which receiver you're using.
Q: When installing my storage receivers, how should I set up my Ethernet ports?
A: Make sure you do not set your two Ethernet ports in the same range. Doing that will at the very least cause slow and unpredictable performance. There's only one IP stack in the receivers that serves both ports so any outbound packets create a contention between the two ports. Set one of the ports to an unused network address (even in the 192.168.x.x or 172.x.x.x. Ranges) and restart the receiver.
Q: What are acceptable levels for my ContentDepot receivers and decoders?
A: Both the decoders (SRPro 2000) and the receivers (SFX) are specified to operate in the -35dBm to -65 dBm range. In our tests, they generally exceed this range. You do not need to measure the electrical signal if you use the information below with the RF signal strength meter and the Eb/No measurement tools found in the receivers.
The receivers are calibrated at the factory for a wide range of symbol rates and carrier frequencies. The signal level display calibration in each receiver is a compromise across the range resulting in variances at particular carrier frequencies. Best operation will be achieved when your receivers' signal strength reading is not be too close to either edge of the acceptable range, by doing so you will minimize any effects from a change in signal strength or bandwidth changes.
Operational signal levels for the SRPro decoder and the SFX receiver.
As measured by the receivers signal strength meter.
The acceptable average signal level for the SRPro is between 77.% and 26%
The acceptable average signal level for the SFX is between 54% and 19%
You may find that you have acceptable performance outside of this range but it is
best to maintain these ranges to allow for signal variations and fades.
Eb / No
The recommended minimum value for Eb/No on both receivers is 7. Eb/No is based on bandwidth and symbol rate. Do to the vastly different parameters for the Comstream channels, there is no relationship of the Eb/No readings on the Comstream single channel receivers and the steaming and file receivers.
Signal splitters
There are two basic types of signal splitters; active and passive. The ContentDepot splitter that was packaged with your equipment is a passive 8 port splitter, with a signal loss from each port of about 13 dB. Based on our system loss calculations this loss is acceptable when replacing the 4 port splitters previously installed at most locations. If your receivers signal strength meter readings fall into the acceptable range listed above they will work fine. If the signal level is below the minimum threshold the depot can provide you with a 20 dB line amp. By placing the line amp before the splitter you will restore the lost gain to the receiver.
Other reasons for signal level loss
The L band signal created at the LNB is attenuated by the type and the length of coaxial cable between the LNB and the receivers. For your convenience we have listed some common cables and the signal losses per 100 feet.
| 1) | LDF4-50a 2.9 dB / 100 ft @ 1.5 GHz |
1/2" hardline |
| 2) | Times Microwave LMR400 5.1 dB / 100 ft @ 1.5 GHz |
Flexible, low-loss |
| 3) | RG213 (Belden 8267) 8.0 dB / 100 ft @ 1.0 GHz; 21.5 dB / 100 ft @ 4.0 GHz |
flexible coax |
| 4) | RG213 9.3 dB / 100 ft @ 1.5 GHz |
flexible coax |
| 5) | RG11 (Belden 9292) 4.3 dB / 100 ft @ 1.0 GHz |
flexible coax |
| 6) | RG11 (Belden 8213) 5.2 dB / 100 ft @ 1.0 GHz |
flexible coax |
| 7) | RG11 (Belden 8238) 7.1 dB / 100 ft @ 1.0 GHz |
flexible coax |
| 8) | RG6 (Belden 9248) 6.5 dB / 100 ft @ 1.0 GHz; 8.3dB / 100 ft @ 1.5 GHz |
flexible coax |
| 9) | RG6 (Belden 8215) 9.8 dB / 100 ft @ 1.0 GHz |
flexible coax |
| 10) | RG6 11.8dB / 100 ft @ 1.5 GHz |
flexible coax |
Please use this along with the installation materials provided with your ContentDepot equipment as a guideline for the installation and operation of the storage receivers and decoders.
Q: Should I install monitors and keyboards to each of our storage receivers for direct access?
A: In the normal course of daily operations, there is no reason to need a keyboard/monitor attached to the storage receiver. Almost everything you could need is available through a web browser interface, so if you have a computer on the LAN which can point a web browser to the storage receiver, you are covered. For initial setup or serious troubleshooting, your engineer will find having a direct keyboard/monitor helpful, but those occasions will be rare enough that tying up equipment and rack space for this may not be justifiable.
If you have a KVM system with additional inputs, by all means connect those inputs to the storage receivers so they will be there if needed. If you want to install a dedicated system, use a small KVM to share one monitor/keyboard between the receivers. The number of pieces of equipment coming into your facility which are really computers masquerading as appliances will only grow over time. Perhaps you might want to consider a 4 or 8 port KVM to allow for one maintenance console to cover many devices. This is definitely a maintenance and setup tool, not a daily operational tool. Making direct access to the storage receivers too widely available is generally not recommended. The need is not really there and a well-intended but less than knowledgeable person can get into trouble.
Q: What should I do with my existing SOSS/Comstream equipment when I finish installing the ContentDepot equipment?
A: When you make the full transition to ContentDepot, a minimal complement of your existing SOSS/Comstream equipment should be kept in place through the end of dual operations as an emergency backup. Stations using NPR's Squawk services will want to keep a downconverter and ABR700 until that service is moved into the ContentDepot—anticipated to be after the first year of ContentDepot operations.
Q: Should my receiver and decoders be hooked up to the Internet?
A: An Internet connection to your receivers is not required and is not recommended. There are no regular communications with either type of receiver initiated via the Internet from the ContentDepot—all communications are initiated from the receiver in response to commands from the satellite carrier.
At one time early in the design phase, we did anticipate that receivers would have a "phone home" capability that would have required an Internet backchannel. However, the reliability of the file delivery system and the fact that files are sent multiple times has eliminated the need for (and the risks of) that backchannel.
Nevertheless, firewalls are essential to protect your receivers from 'hackers' when you integrate these receivers with your local network.
Q:How do I navigate to the file sharing menu on the storage receivers?
A: The file sharing menu is now located under Configuration:Samba. The menu structure changed after the Station Installation Guide went to press.
Q: Who do I call for installation assistance?
A: For installation questions or assistance when you receive your equipment, please contact PRSS technical support at 800.971.7677.