360 Systems MAXX-1000SD - Manual (Page 78)

Page 78 MAXX Owner’s Manual
Network Time Protocol
Automatic Date/Time Updates
When using Image Server play-lists in broadcast applications, an accurate record is often needed of
what was played and when. The Image 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 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 Network
To obtain automatic date/time updates from the public time servers on the Internet, you will need
to provide the Image Server with Internet access. Generally, Image 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 28.
Figure 28 - NTP Network Block Diagram