360 Systems 1200HD-EX - Manual (Page 88)

MAXX-1200 Owner’s Manual Page 87
Network Time Protocol
Automatic Date/Time Updates
When using server play-lists in broadcast applications, an accurate record is often needed of
what was played and when. The server’s As-Run logging feature creates such a record, time
stamping each played clip using the machine’s internal date/time clock. Very accurate time
stamping can be achieved by synchronizing the server’s clock to an external time base that is
referenced to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
This is accomplished using the Network Time Protocol (NTP) to interrogate time servers
through a network connection. A time server could be an in-house computer or dedicated time
server that is equipped with a GPS receiver, or a radio receiver locked to signals from the NIST
radio station WWV. Alternatively, public time servers may be used which are accessible
through an Internet connection.
Connecting to the Internet
To obtain automatic date/time updates from the public time servers on the Internet, you will
need to provide the server with Internet access. Generally, servers would be connected on a
secure high-speed local area network, with any Internet connection going through a router with
an integrated firewall. The Network Time Protocol uses TCP/IP port number 123, so be sure
the firewall is configured to allow access to this port per Figure 31.
Figure 31 - NTP Network Block Diagram