The enclosed CD-ROM is a complete image of a ready-to-go configured system. Follow the instructions below. The read the version 2 notes handout which explains the major areas of the system. The SETUP32 administrators handout will explain how to make configuration changes to the system and/or create additional user names. Please note we have already setup users called News1 through News20, and Onair1 through On-air10. Onair users are set to local-cache audio to the local-hard-drive during on-air playback for use on LANs for added performance.

After installing the software, please hand out our documentation to your users. We have included training tutorials which walk new users through the most common functions. User guides for both the program and cooledit are included. The latest version of the NewsReady32 manual is available on line when a user clicks on HELP in the program. Your purchase includes a copy of PC/ANYWHERE32. We will gladly dial into your system, and configure the package while you watch. Some interactive training has also be included for your staff. If on-site training was not ordered, please call to setup convenient training times when you are ready, please give us a few days notice for training.

1) Map the workstations so that they see the volume you plan to use on your Server as W: drive. If you cannot use W: for a drive, please call WireReady for special instructions.

2) If you are setting up the system for multiple user access on a LAN, you only use the CD-ROM on ONE WORKSTATION as all other workstations read from the server! Once installed to the server from the workstation, you may store the CD-ROM

3) TO INSTALL OFF CD. Run the INSTALL.BAT file on CD-ROM.

INSTALL [CD letter] [Network drive]

For example if your CD-ROM drive is D: and your network drive is W: type:

INSTALL D W and hit ENTER

4) PC/anywhere32 CD-ROM(s) have been included. Install on wire capture computer, audio capture computer (if applicable) and one computer in newsroom suitable for lan/wan based training or troubleshooting if the newsroom needs to call WireReady for help. WireReady can remote in and assist as needed over dial up modem or IP connection.

5) Please call WireReady at your convenience for setting up the CAPTURE station (the computer where the wire services are connected) and the AUDIO CAPTURE station (if applicable). Specific instructions can be found in the NewsReady32 installation handout.

6) Client Install

All newsroom and studio PCs must run a couple of single file install shield installers over the network. This takes a minute or two per workstation. On each workstation, run: WIRE and WIRESETUP.

When running the client setup program, the install path is W:. This program checks to make sure you have current MFC dlls (only an issue with Win95), and if you do, it will notify you that it will not need to copy those files. It also makes some shortcuts, however please note, you may have to edit the short cut paths for them to run correctly.

When running C96SETUP, say OKAY to all questions. When you run CoolEdit after it installs, you register it with WIREREADY NSI and AUWRCUVL

 

 

 

7) Recommended Settings for CoolEdit

On each workstation, when running CoolEdit for the first time, there are two very important settings to verify for optimum operation.

1) Under Options/Settings/General. Make sure Live Update during Record is checked.

2) Right Click on VU meter. Click on Show on Play/Record so that it is checked. You do not install the C96SETUP or NewsReady32 client installers on the wire capture or audio capture computers. Please call for instructions on setting up your capture or audio capture computer software and startup shortcuts.

8) Wire Capture computer.

If you receive wire services, a computer must be designated to be the wire capture computer. The capture station captures all incoming data on the COM port(s) and writes the news to a database file stored on the file/server/shared drive that runs your LAN, or the local hard-drive if you are setting up a stand-alone (single computer system). On LANs we recommend you dedicate a workstation (for added reliability) to run the capture client software. If computers are not available, or you are setting up a stand-alone computer, the wire capture client may be run as a minimized task on the same computer someone uses as a workstation. We do NOT recommend you run the wire capture program on the file server/shared drive if running on a LAN.

You have two options. We have both DOS and WIN32 based capture clients. Both are compatible with NewsReady32. If you have a DOS computer on the LAN you can run the DOS client. If you have a Win95/98 computer you can run either the DOS or WIN32 client. If you have a Win NT/2000 computer you must run the WIN32 client. If you are running a standalone computer and will be running the capture client on the same computer used as the workstation, we recommend the WIN32 client as it exerts less overhead on the processor.

In some cases, you may be running both clients. While the WIN32 program captures data on the COM ports, the DOS based capture client has extended features such as automatic search and printing on specifc stories, tripping the optional alarm box, or sending screen alerts to users on the LAN. When the WIN32 program is used in concert with the DOS client, the DOS client should NOT be configured to capture, rather it will run in a read-only fashion processing news after the WIN32 program has written them to the network/drive. In this circumstance, both programs can run on any OS including Win2000. Please run WIREand make sure the DOS program is NOT configured to capture any wire services, they should all be set to NONE.

DOS-Based (16bit) Capture Client Information

The Wire Capture computer runs W:.bat, which calls

W:s=W:. A shortcut for this program should be placed in startup folder on wire capture computer.

IMPORTANT PROPERTIES SETTINGS ****

MAKE SURE SUSPEND IN BACKGROUND and ALLOW SCREEN SAVER are NOT CHECKED in properties MISC tab.

The DOS based capture program is configured with the WIREprogram. Wire services are configured using the SELECT WIRE SERVICE TYPE AND SPEED CHOICE

Please note: the DOS-Based capture is compatible ONLY with COM1/COM2, and ISA based

COM cards. WireReady sells a 4 port ISA card if needed for adding more wire services.

Wincap.exe is a low-overhead 32 bit capture program that works with all PCI based COM ports. We recommend and resell COMTROL brand RocketPort PCI based 4 and 8 port com cards, although all brands will work. The Wincap.exe program will be configured with an INI file under WIRE

INI FILE SETTINGS

When you install using the CD Rom, there will be a file wcapture.ini in the w:directory. It may look like this:

[WinCap32]

Log=on

WireFile=w:$capture.cap

StoryCount=4096

Service1=0,1,1200,e,7,1

The Log maintains a file under wcapture showing time and date of headlines captured. We recommend you shut this off.

The WireFile line specifies the database file we are updating with incoming news from all configured ports. The system can only maintain one database. The system has been pre-configured with a database of 6MB which should go back 2-3 days for most users. All users have been preset to look at this same file. If you need to enlarge the wirefile, this can be done with our WIREutility. Please note, all users must be out of system should you decide to enlarge file. Doing so will wipe out any wire service stories already captured. Maximum size is 15MB. Maximum story count is 7196. We recommend you stay with the defaults for the first few weeks.

Each COM port you have can be connected to an RS-232 compatible wire service such as AP, ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, NOAA/WX, LEARFIELD, many state nets, and over 50 other services. If we do not have a driver written for the service you have, we can add the necessary driver upon request.

Each service line begins with Service1, Service2, Service3 etc.

The first value of the line is the wire service driver number. For example 0 is AP. 29 is ABC. Please call for your driver numbers.

The second value of the line is the windows COM port number. For example COM1 is 1, COM2 is 2. etc.

The next value is the baud rate.

The latter values are the protocol, for example E71, N81 etc.

The above example is configured to receive AP on com1, at 1200 baud, even parity, 7 data bits, 1 stop bit.

You might need to change this file. If you installed to a drive letter other than w:, you will need to change the WireFile line to use the proper drive letter. If you use a different com port, you will need to change the Service line. For example, if you will use com3, the Service line would be:

Service1=0,3,1200,e,7,1

Similarly, if you receive at a rate other than 1200 baud, even parity, 7 data bits and 1 stop bit, you will need to adjust the Service line.

If you receive a wire service other than AP, call Wireready NSI for assistance. Wincap can be configured to monitor and capture up to 16 channels of information using intelligent mutli-port serial cards such as RocketPort cards from COMTROL.

Every wire service we support uses a specific driver number. A configuration program/listing of these values is not available at the time of this writing. The settings must be hand-typed using any text editor according to our directions.

INSTALLING ACTIVE X COMPONENT

In order for a computer running Wincap to communicate with the serial ports, you must "register" the file commx.ocx. On the wire capture computer, copy the file COMMX.OCX from the w:directory to the c:or c:directory. Open a MS-DOS box or command prompt, change directory to the directory you copied commx.ocx to, and type REGSVR32 COMMX.OCX.

Reboot after registering this file.

Make a short cut to WIRE.EXE and put it in the windows startup folder so that capturing begins anytime the computer boots.

 

9) TWEAKUI

We have included Microsoft's TWEAK utility Under WIREyou may install this utility on your wire capture and audio capture computers. TWEAK lets you setup the workstation to automatically login to your network. We have included versions for both Win95 and Win98.

10) Configuring NewsReady32 startup icons and user logins.

Each workstation should have a NewsReady32 icon on the desktop or start menu.The target of each shortcut is W:_WIN.EXE you must add /u machine name. For example W:_WIN.EXE /u NEWS1 will configure that computer to always run with the NEWS1 configuration. Since workstations individual hardware connections may vary, it is important to configure each workstation with its own machine/user name.

We have preset users NEWS1 through NEWS10 and ONAIR1 through ONAIR3 already. If you need to create more machine/user names, please call WireReady for assistance or refer to the NewsReady32 handout on creating users.

11) Configuring personal Login names/instant messaging

NewsReady32 supports a SECURE login mode into the newsroom system so that news staff can all have their own login names/passwords within the application. This provides them personal areas for personal file storage, personal wire searches, and allows for instant messaging between workstations.

WIREallows you or the news director to create personal login names.

Setup32 also lets you configure the system for open or secure mode.

You can also modify an INI file directly to control this setting.

If you set WIRE.INI's startup line to =SECURE instead of =OPEN, the system will prompt a user for their login and password to run in this mode. Everyone must be out of system when you edit WIRE.INI. Users may be added deleted or reset at any time.

At anytime during your setup, do not hesitate to call WireReady technical support for assistance.

12) SETUP32 Administrators Program

A comprehensive administrators program (SETUP32) has been included. Every configurable option in the system is available for customizing through this program.

We recommend that you DO NOT delete any of the custom folders we have started you with before calling us. Clear Channel stations may not delete these custom folders at anytime. You may add other folders you wish to make available to the system at anytime.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call us.

13) Recommended Workstation Specifications Settings

NewsReady32 is a standard Microsoft C++ MFC compiled 32 bit program. In general no special settings are required. And you can run any other windows program at the same time such as Internet Explorer, Outlook, Word etc. But for the best performance we recommend the following:

That power management be disabled.

That the task scheduler be disabled unless you have specific need to use it.

That you run an anti-virus program such as Norton if your machines are connected to the internet.

If you plan to use the audio features of the system, please follow the manufacturer instructions for your respective sound cards and make sure all drivers are loaded.

MAKE SURE YOU DISABLE SOUNDS IN CONTROL PANEL

System sounds will interfere with playback/recording, and can crash some cards like the Card-D Deluxe with our application.

IMPORTANT: If running Norton Antivirus auto-protect, special configuration changes are required to prevent auto-protect from interfering with audio recording and playback. See our wireready.com web site under techsupport, FAQS, under 3^{rd party, and look for the Norton Performance procedures. You can also search for Performance under Symantec’s Norton Antivirus support section.}

General Hardware/OS Requirements

These are general requirements. Your specifications may be different if you have special needs or have discussed a specific application with a WireReady sales or technical support representative.

NewsReady32 works with Win95/Win98/NT4 and Win2000 operating systems.

NewsReady32 includes Cooledit96. If you plan to use NT4 or Win2000 you must use Cooledit2000, please contact WireReady for more information. For Win95/98, we recommend and provide Cooledit96.

In general we recommend 200Mhz and faster processors with a minimum 32MB of RAM. NT/2000 requires 64MB of RAM. Ideal machines are 300Mhz and faster with 128MB of RAM, especially if you plan to run other 32 bit applications (Explorer/Outlook) at the same time. In the Win9x operating systems, Win98 SE is the best version. Always make sure you are using the latest Microsoft Service packs for your operating system (available from Microsoft.com). Both IDE and SCSI hard-drives work fine. For LANs, we recommend dedicated Novell or NT/2000 based servers to host the system files. The application is client based, with the server acting strictly as a file/print server. In the case of small LANs, a workstation may be dedicated (Win95/Win98/NT etc) to be the shared hard-drive using basic microsoft client networking and sharing the network drive.

Note when using a dedicated server, the server does not have to be dedicated strictly for the WireReady software. Existing office servers/department servers may be used for this purpose if they have the necessary drive space and horsepower to handle the extra users.

If running a single non-networked user/stand-alone computer, all clients may run on the same workstation that the user uses to read and compose their news with the main application.

NewsReady32 requires Plug and Play windows compatible sound cards. PCI based sound cards work best. Our recommended studio professional card is the LYNX ONE from Lynxstudio.com Card D Deluxe is also recommended from Digital Audio Labs. These cards offer signal to noise in the 90s and better. These sell in the $500 range and support balanced professional analog and digital i/o and simultaneous play/record, multiple card capabilities. NewsReady32 supports up to 3 audio cards in the same computer for multi-play/record capability. High end cards such as AudioScience, Digigram, and Antex are also compatible with the system.

You do not need to use the same audio cards in every computer. All audio cards play and record WAV files, so you may record an audio file on one card, and then edit the file on another computer, even with a lesser quality sound card without hurting the audio quality. The file will playback from any card as well. The software and WAV files are also compatible with laptop devices.

Consumer sound cards, and on-board sound cards are also compatible with the system, but sound quality varies and depends on the specific hardware used. Most inexpensive sound cards will not support simultaneous play/record or multiple card configurations.

The SoundBlaster64 AWE GOLD is an ISA based card, but is also compatible with the system.

Drive Space:

The system records in linear 16 bit PCM WAV formats using standard Microsoft RIFF/WAV headers. Sampling rate is up to the user and ranges from 2MB/minute for 16Khz, to 2.6MB/minute for 22Khz, 3.6MB/minute for 32Khz, and 5MB/minute for 44Khz. Double these numbers for stereo.

We currently do not support ACM (audio compression managers) such as MPG and MP3 for real-time storage playback, however a future version may support this feature.

 

14) Automatic Audio Recording (Network Installations only)

WireReady includes the ability to automatically record satellite news feeds using an extra workstation. Currently only 16 bit software is available that runs from any DOS, or Win95/Win98 workstation. This software requires a SoundBlaster64 AWE GOLD card, and provides a scheduler that can automatically record based on time, and/or closure (if using an AT1616L relay controller) and will export all recordings to WAV files on the network for NewsReady32 users to access, edit, and use in their newscasts. Please call WireReady and schedule a time if you would like to set this up. All necessary files are on the CD-ROM.

In November/2000, Version 3 will be available and support integrated 32 bit autorecording as part of NewsReady32. Automatic recording will be available to any user from any machine, and will work with all PCI based sound cards.

15) Optional Hardware/Services

An Alarm Box (HW-ALARM) from WireReady is available and sold separately. The device connects to COM 1 on the capture station using the DOS client, and can automatically trip an internal buzzer when certain types of stories arrive, as programmed on the capture station by the user. The alarm also has a contact closure which latches to trip externally wired devices, and an input for remote reset support. $279

Rocket Port PCI COM cards are available if you want to connect more than 2 wire services and need extra COM ports. ($349 - 4ports, $449 - 8ports)

SB64 Gold audio cards are available for automatic audio recording/capture $299 each.

(up to 2 may be installed, requires ISA slots)

Lynx Audio cards are available for professional balanced audio recording/playback - $549 each.

Wire Service Splitters are available. If you have an older newsroom system and do not want to shut it down right away, these pre-wired boxes Y split your wire services so that you can feed both your old and new newsroom system during your transition to NewsReady32. - $89 each.

AT1616L relay controllers are available. These devices allow you to wire a professional studio console that offers remote start/stops, directly to the workstation used for the live broadcasts in the studio. The relay controller provides an interface between dry closures and open collector style devices and the COM port of the studio computer. Up to 3 START and STOPS may be wired to support triple playback capability, and the device also drives the tally/LED status lights on your console. - $548 each. Includes rack panel

The AT1616L relay controllers can also be used for audio recording automation where you need us to record based on closures and/or clock set to a closure.

Custom Keypads are available. These keypads provide large PLAY and STOP buttons for up to 3 playback channels so that stations who desire a small, separate control surface next to their air console may have the same benefit of remote start/stops without the need to have a studio console that supports remote start/stops and the added expense of the AT1616L. Over two dozen keys are available that can be user programmed to perform macro functions up to 60 characters each-- $279 each.

16) Training Options:

We have provide ample documentation and training tutorials as part of your purchase. In addition, your purchase includes 24/7 800 support for one year for basic questions, or help with troubleshooting problems related to your software purchase. For purchase training options are available, and ALL purchases include a set number of FREE over-the-phone training sessions you may schedule after your system is operational.1

 

On-Site Training:

On-Site training is available. We have professional full-time trainers ready to assist you. Cost is $995/day plus airfare/hotel/car rental. Travel time is inclusive. Please book on-site training well in advance. We recommend 2-3 weeks advanced notice to get best available airfares. Subject to availability.

Over the Phone Training:

If you didn’t purchase on-site training and integration and will not have the benefit of live face to face training, phone-based interactive training with PC/ANYWHERE is recommended and available at no extra charge. Your purchase includes a set number of hours of free phone training, generally 2 hours, plus 1 hour per additional user license purchased. For example a 10 user system includes 12 hours of training, in addition to 24 hour 7day 800 tech support for problems. We require 72 hours advance notice for phone training, and phone training is only available M-F 9-6PM EDT. Additional hours of phone based training may be purchased for $75/hour. Subject to availability.