D-Series™ offers a proven upgrade path that enables customers to transition seamlessly to the latest software version while maintaining existing operations. Since its introduction at NAB 2004, D-Series™ Version 4 has become the standard for all new D-Series™ A7500, A7800 Ingest Automation, A7400 Radio Automation and A8100 Master Automation systems. Many existing Version 3 installations have upgraded to Version 4, as well.

Version 4 introduced the Linux operating system for the core software while maintaining existing functionality, including device and user GUIs. Linux is vital for real-time, frame-accurate device control. Employing Linux as the underlying OS allows D-Series™ to maintain complete control over multi-channel broadcast environments, while simultaneously fostering the development of an industry-specific toolset using an accepted standard kernel. The DALinux OS enables us to guarantee exceptional levels of reliability while taking full advantage of Linux's reputation as the platform of choice for advanced technologies.

Linux also brings the performance advantage of better networking and faster memory management, task processing and multi-threading. Looking ahead, it lays the foundation for modular device control and other architectural advancements that will keep D-Series™ on the forefront of automated device control for many years to come.

Hardware and Upgrade Considerations
All Version 3 customers should upgrade to Version 4 to take advantage of D-Series' newest device support features. The minimum hardware requirement for Version 4 is a 1 GHz Pentium III processor with 512 MB RAM and 12 serial cards. To enable a system upgrade from Version 3 without interrupting playout, the standby Device Controller is first upgraded and tested, followed by the production unit. Other applications, such as D-AIS and DALstation, do not need to be upgraded at the same time as the Device Controllers; however, new functionality specific to these applications will not be fully supported until they are running Version 4. Customers with multiple A7500/7800 systems can have V3 and V4 systems co-existing and sharing the same DAIS Information Server as part of a phased upgrade program.

Customers running the MRC-5 or an earlier Device Controller at the minimum specification should consider a Device Controller hardware upgrade to Version 4. Benefits will include improved performance, reliability and expansion capacity. The new Device Controller is fully RoHS compliant. Although the MRC-5 (which is now at end-of-life status) can run either Version 3 or 4, new Device Controllers will only run Version 4.

Version 4 Highlights
In addition to the performance and reliability benefits already described, D-Series™ Version 4 software features:

• Support for 16 DSK layers in new graphics devices
• Intraplex ® NetXpress™ virtual audio routing over IP
• Integration with H-Class™ Intelligent Media Mover™ for file-based ingest, transcoding and workflow process automation
• Audio track tagging with Omneon servers
• XML event status interface
• H-Class Enterprise Manager™ interface for live traffic
• Device support for the following:
• Omneon MediaGrid™ server
• Thomson GVG K2 server
• Miranda Imagestore 750
• Miranda Intuition
• Evertz 9725
• Evertz Quartz QMG
• Harris ® IconMaster™ channel branding system
• Harris ® IconStation™ channel branding system
• Harris ® Inscriber G-Series™ graphics systems

If you are not running D-Series™ automation, Version 4, you should contact your account representative to discuss upgrading. To learn more, visit the D-Series™ Automation Web page.