DVDemand has created simple and easy tools
to operate the DVDGenerator. The manpower
needed to run the system is very low, and
needs no previous knowledge of computers,
other than operating basic applications in
Windows.
Installation
DVDemand's staff installs the DVDGenerator at the client's site.
The installation includes:
- Physical delivery of the system
- Assembling the system
- Installing the web WebStore on the client's web server/ISP
- Testing all the system components
- Producing several test discs
Setup
Setting up the DVDGenerator is a process that includes the following steps:
- Defining one or more vendors
- Creating video menu template for each vendor (DVD only)
- Creating a graphic template for each vendor
- Uploading each vendors media
The process can be performed by the system administrator or can be done by DVDemand's staff.
Staff training
DVDemand provides its clients with technical training for all
stages of the DVDGenerator operation. The training can either
be on-site at the client's operation or at DVDemand's corporate
center. Training takes three days, and equips the trainee with
all the knowledge needed to administer and run the system.
No prior knowledge is required other than basic PC operation.
Periodically, DVDemand will hold training seminars to update
clients on new features in the system and their operation.
Preparing media for upload
Media is uploaded to the system from any local source i.e. optical
disc, DLT tape or from the local network.
Each media can have one or more web pages (HTML/Flash etc.)
"attached" to it. These pages will appear
when the item is selected on the PC. These pages can serve as
help files, additional information or as links into the media
owners web site. DVD video titles must be pre-compiled in a DVD
authoring software, such as Spruces DVD Maestro.
Uploading new media
Uploading new media is done using the Media manager.
To upload a new media item, the media must first be
prepared, all the media metadata must be decided on
(name, category, cost etc.). The process of uploading
the media is done through a simple wizard. Entering the
data and takes 1-3 minutes per media plus the time to
copy the files from their source to the system.
When uploading a large number of media items with
similar statistics (digital libraries, record back
catalog etc.), templates can be created, reducing the
upload time dramatically. Once an item is added to the
system, it is automatically added to the WebStore.
Updating and deleting media
Updating and deleting media is done using the Media manager.
The Media manager lets you browse the all the media in the
system, view its properties and update it easily. Deleting media
is done in two stages. Once media is deleted, it is sent to the
trash. The WebStore is automatically updated and the media is
removed. Any deleted media can be undeleted with a click of a
button. The second phase in deleting is purging the media.
With the purge command, the files are physically removed from
the system. The items can no longer be undeleted
Adding and managing different vendors on the system
Every DVDGenerator system can serve many vendors (content owners),
each with his media, graphics and WebStore. Managing the
vendors in done through the Vendor Manager. Each vendor
receives his own code, and a separate location on the media
server. After creating a vendor, the administrator must create
at least one video menu template (if the vendor sells DVDs)
and one graphic template.
Updating video menu templates
DVDGenerator uses a special system for creating DVD Video templates.
The templates are video menus that are created by any DVD
authoring software such as Spruce's DVD Maestro.
The system then takes the menu and pre-processes it into
a form that can be quickly encoded per individual DVD.
Updating graphic templates
Creating graphic templates is a quick and simple process.
Each vendor can have one or more graphic template.
The creative department designs the graphic layout of
the disc, cover and booklet. Using the Vendor manager,
the administrator loads the graphic files and defines
the location for the user's personal text.
The administrator then saves all the graphics and settings
as a set. The graphics will automatically become available
on the WebStore.
Production
The DVDGenerator is built to produce discs automatically.
All phases of production are handled by the Control Center.
The system receives the orders from the WebStore and places
them in a queue. The media of each order is then burnt to disc.
The disc is printed with the appropriate on-disc graphics.
The system then prints the cover graphics, booklet and invoice.
All that is then needed is to collect the printed materials and
place them in a box, and then ship them via mail/FedEx.
The status of the order is then set to complete. The orders
can then be tracked through web store.
To avoid possible confusion, each piece of the order has the
order ID printed and bar-coded onto it.
Error handling
The DVDGenerator has an internal error handling system.
Every order received by the Control Center is analyzed to
make sure it is valid. Any error occurring during the entire
production process is automatically displayed on the Control
Center. All errors are added to a log file which can be
printed out, or even read through the Report Wizard from
anywhere on the web. The Control Center allows the
administrator to decide how to handle the faulty order:
reprocess them, or send them to the faulty error queue.
DVDemand's service team handles tough or unexplained errors.
Reports and royalties
Producing reports from the DVDGenerator is done through the
Report Wizard. The reports can be read anywhere on the web
through a secure access. The system automatically keeps track
of every order ever placed in it. The system can
automatically produce royalty reports, according to parameters
entered by the replicator. The media owners can also view
the royalty reports, so they always know what sums of money
are owed to them. The system is set up so every content owner
receives a password and can only view reports regarding the
media he owns.
Managing the WebStore
Managing the WebStore has three parts:
- Adding and removing media items from the WebStore is done by the Media manager. Any media added or removed by the Media manager will also
be updated on the WebStore.
- Updating the metadata for an item is done online, through a special tool built into the WebStore.
- Changing the general texts in the web page is done online, through a special tool built into the WebStore.
- Customization and structural changes in the WebStore can be done by an ASP web programmer, or by the DVDemand team.
Service
The DVDGenerator can be serviced in two ways. First, each system has a built in remote service terminal, allowing DVDemand's service team to repair most errors by remote access over the web. The connection is secured in a manner that only authorized personnel can access the system. Our on-site support team handles problems that cannot be solved remotely.
Upgrades
DVDemand is constantly improving the DVDGenerator. Minor upgrades can be done online, without interrupting the production process. DVDemand's service team does other updates. DVDemand holds periodic seminars to update its clients on the latest improvements and options available for the system.
To contact a DVDemand sales person sales@dvdemand.com
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