FastTracker Asset Tracking, Tagging and Access Software for Facilis TerraBlock Shared Storage Systems
Version 2.5.0 Quick Start Guide
1
Overview
The Facilis FastTracker is a server and client application for cataloging, searching and viewing any media type within the Facilis TerraBlock Shared Storage System. This easy-to-use system includes custom metadata tags, per-catalog user permissions, real “Boolean” search capability, Preview Clip transcoding, and incremental indexing functionality. Facilis FastTracker includes a desktop player that supports most popular image formats, including file sequences like DPX and Targa. Even when the edit room is busy, users can browse content, play finished mix-downs for approval, and log shot comments into custom metadata fields.
Licensing
You will need to request a license from Facilis to install Facilis FastTracker 2.5. You will be asked to provide the TBLicenseData file from your TerraBlock server, located in C:\Program Files\Facilis\TerraBlock. The FastTracker software includes a 5-seat license. Each seat is tied to a current FastTracker client connection. Licenses from previous FastTracker 2.x versions will work with FastTracker 2.5.
Installation
System Requirements Server: TerraBlock Version 7.x Windows Client: Windows 7/8/10 64bit Server 2008/2012/2016 64bit OSX: 10.9.x - 10.13.x
FastTracker 2.5 fully supports TerraBlock Version 7 software. FastTracker 1.x users should continue using TerraBlock Manager if they have upgraded to TerraBlock Version 7. FastTracker 1.x does not include Web Console support.
Please see Backing up a FastTracker Database on page 4 before installing new versions of FastTracker.
The FastTracker Installer includes Server and Client components. In order to access the FastTracker database from a client workstation, you must have Ethernet access to the server through a static or assigned IP address. TerraBlock clients that do not have Ethernet access to the server will need to be connected to the same network as the TerraBlock server before launching the client-side application.
2
Server installation: The first step is to run the FastTracker server installer on the TerraBlock server. This will not require a reboot, and can be done while the TerraBlock server is active.
Launch FastTrackerInstaller.exe and the Facilis FastTracker Setup dialog will open. It is recommended to close all other applications first. Click Next. You will be prompted to select “Client only” or “Server and client”. Select the “Server and client” option and click Next. Setup is ready - click Install. Click Finish to exit Setup.
The service starts automatically, and is listening for connections on port 3000 over any IP address active on the server.
Windows Client Installation: The FastTracker client installer can be run at any time on client workstations. It does not require a reboot.
Launch FastTrackerInstaller.exe and the Facilis FastTracker Setup dialog will open. It is recommended to close all other applications first. Click Next. You will be prompted to select “Client only” - click Next. Setup is ready - click Install. Click Finish to exit Setup. Launch FastTracker from the Windows Start menu. In the File menu, select Network Configuration. Input the IP address or DNS name of the TerraBlock server. Use the username “Admin” and a blank password for initial setup. macOS Client Installation
Extract the contents of FastTrackerClient.zip to /Applications. Add an alias / shortcut to the Desktop or Dock. Launch FastTracker from the alias / shortcut or application. In the File menu, select Network Configuration. Add the IP address or DNS name of the TerraBlock server. Use the username “Admin” and a blank password for initial setup.
The “File Types” folder contains empty files with popular extensions. These are used to set file types to open in MPV, the dedicated FastTracker player. This is important, as not all file types supported in FastTracker will be playable in QuickTime.
Only change file types that you cannot open in QuickTime. Changing file types that are normally associated with QuickTime may change the behavior of some applications.
To change default application for file types:
Select the file you want to change association for (“changeme.mts” for example). Right-click, Get Info (or Command-I). In the Info window, choose Open With and select MPV (if MPV is not listed, choose other, browse to the Applications folder, and choose MPV). Once MPV is selected, select Change All to apply to all of the files of that type.
3
Adobe CC Panel Installation
Close all Adobe CC applications. Install ZXPInstaller from the FastTracker 2.5.0 package or from http://zxpinstaller.com/.
On macOS Sierra / High Sierra clients, ZXPInstaller must be manually approved in Mac System Preferences > Security after first launch.
Launch ZXPInstaller and drag-and-drop Facilis FastTracker Adobe Panel 2.5.0.zxp into the application. Launch Adobe Premier / AE CC, open a project, and enable FastTracker Panel in Windows > Extensions > FastTracker Panel.
The Adobe CC FastTracker Panel can be installed on clients independent of the traditional FastTracker desktop client software.
Backing up a FastTracker Database
The database and thumbnails folders should be backed-up regularly, as this information is not recoverable without re-indexing the catalogs.
On the FastTracker server, navigate to C: and copy the PGData folder to the desired backup location. A best practice is to add a date to the name of the PGData backup. On the FastTracker server, navigate to C:\Program Files\Facilis\FastTracker\ and copy the thumbnails folder to the desired backup location. A best practice is to add a date to the name of the thumbnails backup.
Restoring a FastTracker database NOTE: This process will disconnect any users logged-in to FastTracker.
On the FastTracker server, launch the FastTracker installer for the current version and click “Yes” when prompted to uninstall the existing FastTracker installation. Move on to the next step before continuing the FastTracker installation (do not click “Next” or “Cancel” when prompted to select components). If applicable, rename the existing PGData folder in C: Copy the PGData backup to C: and make sure it is named PGData. If applicable, rename the existing thumbnails folder in C:\Program Files\Facilis\FastTracker\ Copy the thumbnails backup to C:\Program Files\Facilis\FastTracker\ and make sure it is named thumbnails. Continue the FastTracker installation, selecting “Server and client” when prompted to select components. Once installation completes the restored FastTracker database will be available in the FastTracker application.
4
Client Software Operation
FastTracker is set up with tabs to access different functions in the software. The tabs included in the admin view are:
Search Catalogs (admin view) Browse Administration Index Delete Auto Index
The tabs included in the non-admin view are:
Search Auto Index Browse Catalogs (non-admin view) Index
Search Tab
Search Area: Type in a search term to find records. You can use a * after a portion of the search term for wildcard searches. Boolean search is also supported (AND, OR, NOT). This will search most metadata tags as well as clip name and clip path. Date/time indexed can also be used as a filter. The catalog to be searched can be set, or left at
5
Record Display Area: Records found in search are displayed with a head frame, clip title and file name. The top half of the bar notifies the user whether the clip is available for playback on the local workstation (green for available, red for unavailable). The bottom half of the bar indicates if a Preview Clip has been generated (yellow for yes, red for no). In order for the clip to be played, displayed in its location, or dragged out of the search window, the source volume must be mounted to the local workstation and the source file bar (top half) must be green.
Thumbnail Display / Preview Clip Player: The thumbnail(s) for a clip will be displayed here. If the clip is less than 10 seconds long, only the lead thumbnail is displayed. If longer, thumbnails are displayed at variable points in the clip. If available, users can also click the green arrow to playback transcoded Preview Clips.
Metadata Display and Function Buttons: Here metadata is displayed that was extracted from the clip on index, and any custom metadata added during or after indexing. Functions for records in the display include:
Set catalogs – Add or remove the record’s catalog location. A record can live in multiple catalogs, and each catalog can be permissioned separately. Add new tag – Choose a new tag from the list of available tags, and immediately enter custom metadata to the record. Play – If the clip location is available (volume is mounted and directory location has not changed), the clip will open in the compatible player (MPV). See the OSX client installation for more information about configuring MPV. Show preview in folder – If the Preview Clip location is available (volume is mounted and directory location has not changed), the Preview Clip directory will open. Show in folder – If the clip location is available (volume is mounted and directory location has not changed), the source directory will open. Rename – The user can rename clips here to maintain the database link. It is not recommended to rename clips unless the name was changed outside of FastTracker. Delete – Select one or more records to mark as inactive and remove from existing catalogs. Deleted records will be moved to the Delete tab where they can be marked active and restored or permanently deleted.
Files cannot be re-indexed until they are permanently deleted from the Delete tab.
6
Browse Tab
Browse Area: In this window you can navigate paths to indexed files. The green arrow “..” goes up one level, and “.” selects the root level. If the root level is selected, and “List files recursively” is selected below, all records below the root level will be displayed.
Record Display Area: Records found in search are displayed with clip title, file name and path. In order for the clip to be played, displayed in its location, or dragged out of the browse window, the source volume must be mounted to the local workstation.
Thumbnail Display: The thumbnail(s) for a clip will be displayed here. If the clip is less than 10 seconds long, only the lead thumbnail is displayed. If longer, thumbnails are displayed at variable points in the clip.
Metadata Display and Function Buttons: Here metadata is displayed that was extracted from the clip on index, and any custom metadata added during or after indexing. Functions for records in the display include:
Set catalogs – Add or remove the record’s catalog location. A record can live in multiple catalogs, and each catalog can be permissioned separately. Add new tag – Choose a new tag from the list of available tags, and immediately enter custom metadata to the record. Play – If the clip location is available (volume is mounted and directory location has not changed), the clip will open in the compatible player (MPV). See the OSX client installation for more information about configuring MPV. 7
Show preview in folder – If the Preview Clip location is available (volume is mounted and directory location has not changed), the Preview Clip directory will open. Show in folder – If the clip location is available (volume is mounted and directory location has not changed), the source directory will open. Rename – The user can rename clips here to maintain the database link. It is not recommended to rename clips unless the name was changed outside of FastTracker. Delete – Select one or more records to mark as inactive and remove from existing catalogs. Deleted records will be moved to the Delete tab where they can be marked active and restored or permanently deleted.
Files cannot be re-indexed until they are permanently deleted from the Delete tab.
Index Tab
Index Selector: There are two ways to locally index files, direct file or file directory. All filters are in place when “Index Directory” is used. “Index Files” overrides filters.
Sequence Handling: Determine which file types will be seen as single files if a number of frames are named sequentially (DPX or Targa, for example).
None – No sequential files will be combined into single files for cataloging
8
Extensions – Only sequential files of the type in Sequence Extensions will be combined as single files for cataloging. All – Every sequential file type allowed in either extension list will be combined as single files for cataloging
Insert Mode: Choose whether the files being index will be displayed prior to cataloging (Edit) or immediately cataloged (Immediate).
Skip Files: A filter that skips over files that are under a certain file size threshold.
The catalog selection area determines where selected files will be cataloged.
File Display Area: Files found after navigating to the directory or file set to be indexed are displayed with clip title, file name, path, and date. Select files here or select all (control/command-a) to activate the function buttons. Play individual clips here in the player (MPV or VLC).
Metadata Display and Function Buttons: Here metadata is displayed that was extracted from the clip when indexed, and any custom metadata added. Functions for records in the display include:
Add new tag – Choose a new tag from the list of available tags, and immediately enter custom metadata to the record. Remove Selected – This removes any selected clips from the display area. Add Selected to Catalog – Any selected clip will be added to the catalog selected above the file display area. Show Raw Metadata – This displays the raw metadata for the clip, including information that will not be captured during the index process.
9
Auto Index Tab
Auto Index Selector: After selecting the directory to be indexed and cataloged, the process will start immediately on the server if the system time meets the Index Window setting.
Sequence Handling: Determine which file types will be seen as single files if a number of frames are named sequentially.
None – No sequential files will be combined into single files for cataloging Extensions – Only sequential files of the type in Sequence Extensions will be combined as single files for cataloging. All – Every sequential file type allowed in either extension list will be combined as single files for cataloging
Skip Files: A filter that skips over files that are under a certain file size threshold.
Repeat: The interval to repeat the indexing and cataloging pass on the directory.
Index Window: This can be used to avoid indexing during heavy production time. When indexing a directory, the filters for file types are used, only cataloging files that match the Index Extensions.
The catalog selection area determines where selected files will be cataloged. In order to Auto Index, a catalog must be selected first.
10
Large Auto Index profiles may increase load on the TerraBlock server. The best practice is to run large Auto Index profiles during periods of minimal TerraBlock client activity.
Auto Index Display Area: Any directories selected for Auto Index will appear here with the selected Volume, Path, Catalog, Sequence Handling, Extensions, Sequence Extensions, Status, Repeat Interval, Last Run, Last Try, Min File Size, and Access.
Refresh – Updates the view with new information. Run Now – Allows the user to start the index outside of the interval schedule. Stop Selected – Allows the user to stop a profile while indexing. Update Selected – Adds changed information in the Skip, Interval, and Extensions areas. Delete – Removes the Auto Index profile from the list. The records already cataloged are not removed.
Catalogs Tab (Admin User Only)
Non-admin users have a simplified view of this tab, which only lists catalogs they have read / write access for along which the specific permissions for each of those catalogs. The following overview is for the admin user view.
Catalog List: Catalogs are displayed here, with the current user’s Access, Status (Active or Disabled), and Comment. 11
Catalog Function Buttons:
Add Catalog – Admin users can create catalogs and give them a description. The user that creates the catalog has Write permission by default. Rename Catalog – Change the catalog name and description. Toggle Active – This allows the Admin to disable a catalog so it can no longer be used, but still exists. No records are removed by disabling a catalog, but records cannot be viewed in Search or Browse. Set Write Permission – Select a catalog and add users that can index to it, change metadata, and delete records. Set Read Permission – Select a catalog and add users that can only search and view records. Remove Permissions – Select users and remove their permissions to a catalog. Refresh – Updates the view with new information. Delete Inactive Catalog – After deactivating a catalog, remove it from the list. The records in the catalog are active, but can only be viewed in the Delete tab if no other Catalogs contain those records.
Files cannot be re-indexed until they are permanently deleted from the Delete tab.
Catalog Permissions List: When selecting a catalog, the user list populates and shows the permissions of each user for the catalog.
12
Administration Tab (Admin User Only)
User List: Users are displayed here, with their current Status (Active or Disabled), Admin level (Yes or No), description, and date/time created.
User Function Buttons:
Add User – Admin users can create users, and give them a password and description. Set Password – This allows the Admin to set the user password after creation. This can also be changed by the user after logging-in via the File menu. Rename User – Change username and description. Toggle Active – Select a user and set to Disabled or Active. If disabled, that user is unable to log-in. Toggle Admin – Select a user and set to Admin or Normal. Disconnect User – Remotely disconnect a logged-in user from FastTracker. Refresh – Updates the view with new information. Delete Inactive User – After disabling a user, remove them from the list.
Tag List: This is the list of tags that can be applied to a record. Many of these tags are populated automatically when indexing a file. The remaining File Tags are available when selecting “Add New Tag” in the Index, Browse, or Search tabs. Tag function buttons include:
13
Add File Tag – Add a new tag that can be manually added to a record. Add Stream Tag – Add a new tag that will be related to the audio or video streams of the file. These tags are only added to a record during indexing. Modify Tag – Edit parameters of selected metadata tag. Delete Tag – Remove a tag from the list. Refresh – Updates the view with new information.
There are several options that need to be set when creating a new file or stream tag.
Data Type – This value should be set as “Text”.
Options - Pre-defined parameters for adding a tag to a record, created by entering the desired values with an “@” separator. These values will appear in a dropdown menu when a user adds a tag to a record, although custom values can still be used.
Ex. baseball@football@basketball
Name – The desired name for the tag, which will be displayed in FastTracker when the tag is added to a record.
Raw Attribute – Should match the previous name, using all lowercase letters and underscores (_) instead of spaces.
Sort Order – The order in which tags are displayed (top to bottom) when added to a record. Lower numbers will appear higher in the list, and vice versa.
Always Show – Determines if a tag will always be displayed on all records, regardless if it holds a value. Leaving this box unchecked will only display a tag if it is manually added to a record with a value.
14
Delete Tab (Admin User Only)
Orphaned Records List: Records are displayed here that have been deleted from active catalogs or were in a catalog that was deleted. Records must be changed to inactive before they can be permanently deleted.
Files cannot be re-indexed until they are permanently deleted from the Delete tab.
Delete Function Buttons:
Set Active – Return a disabled record to Active status. Set Disabled – Change a record to inactive status so it can be deleted. Delete Disabled – Delete any selected records that have a status of inactive. Assign to Catalog – Assign an active record to an active catalog. Refresh – Updates the view with new information. Select All – Select all records in the list.
15
File > Server Preview Clip Configuration
Preview clips can now be automatically transcoded as files are indexed, and are available for playback in FastTracker.
File > Server Preview Clip Configuration allows the user to specify a destination volume and folder for transcoded Preview Clips.
Preview Clip generation occurs in the background on the FastTracker server, and users will see Preview Clips become available for playback on the Search and Browse tabs as transcodes complete.
Transcoding large amounts of Preview Clips may increase load on the TerraBlock server. The best practice is to transcode large batches of Preview Clips during periods of minimal TerraBlock client activity.
Avoid indexing Preview Clip locations, as this will unnecessarily increase the size of the FastTracker database and Preview Clip directory.
File > Server Global Index Configuration
The user now has the ability to automatically index all volumes mounted in C:\Volumes on the FastTracker server.
Once configured this feature will batch create Auto Index jobs for each volume in C:\Volumes on the FastTracker server. Global Index will also create new Auto Index jobs for newly created volumes as they appear in C:\Volumes on the FastTracker server.
For questions or comments on the product, please contact [email protected].
16
Adobe CC Panel (Premiere & After Effects)
Once the FastTracker Adobe CC Panel has been installed, it can be added to any Premiere project via Window > Extensions > FastTracker Panel. The panel can be dragged-and-dropped to any available workspace within Premiere.
Use of the Facilis Web Console is required for proper FastTracker Panel functionality. Not all features will work if volumes are mounted through TerraBlock Manager.
You can then log-in using your existing FastTracker credentials, connecting to the FastTracker server either by IP or DNS name.
Once logged-in you will have access to searching existing FastTracker records, filtering by search, tag, catalog, or index time, as well as Preview Clip playback, thumbnail scrubbing, and viewing of metadata.
17
Records can have three color-coded statuses. Availability is based on the client’s visibility of the TerraBlock server and mounted TerraBlock volumes.
RED: Unavailable – The source media’s volume is not available for mounting on the client at this time.
BLUE: Mountable – The source media’s volume is available for mounting on the client, but is currently unmounted. You can then click the menu to the right of the records to mount the volume from within FastTracker Panel, which also mounts the volume in Web Console.
GREEN: Online – The source media’s volume is mounted on the client and available for drag-and-drop into the current Premiere project or timeline.
Other functions are available as buttons in the upper-right corner of FastTracker Panel. From left-to-right:
Reset Zoom – Reset’s the zoom level of the FastTracker Panel to default.
Zoom Out – Zoom out of the FastTracker Panel, allowing more records and metadata to be viewed without scrolling.
Zoom In – Zooms in on the FastTracker Panel, allowing records to be more legible on higher resolution displays.
Refresh View – Updates the current FastTracker Panel view with any changes to records, source media availability, metadata, etc.
Log Out – Logs the FastTracker user out and returns to the FastTracker Panel log-in screen.
For questions or comments on the product, please contact [email protected].
18