RECORDING Q: Does Instant Replay come pre-loaded with sound effects? A: Fifty free sound effects are included with Instant Replay. Most of the hard drive space is reserved for your own custom recordings. Q: How do I record? A: Either analog or digital inputs may be used for making new recordings. A variable threshold level allows you to set the input level so recording is automatically activated when audio is presented to the inputs. This guarantees an immediate start whenever you press PLAY or any Hot-Key preset. Once a recording is completed, the imbedded keyboard is activated to allow naming. Q: What are the recordings stored on? A: Instant Replay stores recordings on an internal hard disk. The hard disk will store up to 24 hours of Dolby AC-2 audio. Recordings can also be stored on an optional external paralleI disk drive. Q: What kind of audio quality does Instant Replay have? A: Analog recordings are stored as 48K samples with 20kHz bandwidth. The user may choose either 16-bit linear recording, or Dolby AC-2 data compression for extended recording time. A sample rate converter allows direct digital recording from sources with sample rates ranging from 24kHz to 50kHz, and stores them as 44.1k or 48k samples. Q: How long can a recording be? A: Recordings can range from a few milliseconds, up to the maximum amount of time available on the disk drive. Q: How many recordings can I store? A: Up to 1,000 individual recordings, numbered 000-999. Q: How do I find the recording I need? A: Any recording an be instantly located with the FIND command, followed by entry of a name, partial name, or index number. Q: How do I organize my recordings? A: Instant Replay will sort recordings by index number or name. It has a MOVE function that allows recordings to be re-assigned to different index numbers in a single operation. However, mapping cuts to Banks and Hot-Keys is the easiest way to gain immediate access. HOT-KEYSTM Q: What are banks? A: Think of banks as different "pages" or "maps" of 50 Hot-Keys. Q: What are Hot-Keys? A: Hot-Keys are simply buttons with audio recordings "preset" to play when pressed. Instant Replay has 50 buttons with cuts assigned to them for instant access. Since there are 10 banks of 50 buttons, a total of 500 Hot-Keys can be quickly accessed. Q: How do I assign cuts to Hot-Keys? A: It's easy. First, locate the cut you want to assign. Press (ASSIGN HOT-KEY), then press the Hot-Key to which you want that cut mapped. BACKUPS &TRANSFERS Q: How do I backup the hard disk? A: Instant Replay has a Backup/Restore feature that allows the contents of its hard disk to be transferred to any Dat Recorder having an AES input. Backups include audio information, cut title, index number, plus playlist and bank/preset assignments. If you have another Instant Replay or Digicart/II, D-NET can transfer files between them. Q: Is there a way to prevent accidental erasure of Hot-Keys or recordings? A: There are several individual menu options provided to lock out recording, Hot-Key assignments, and playlists. PLAYBACK Q: How do I select a cut for playback? A: When a cut is mapped to a Hot-Key, simply press the key to initiate playback. Otherwise, use the up/down arrows to scroll through the list of available cuts; or press FIND, then type the name or number of the cut you're looking for. Q: Can I select a cut for play back while another cut is playing? A: Yes. The FIND and scroll/preview functions are always available. Once you have selected a new cut, its name will appear in the top line of the display, and the name of the cut currently playing is shown in the bottom line of the display, along with the counter. Q: What happens if I press PLAY or another Hot-Key before completion of the current cut? A: Instant Replay will immediately start playback of the next selected cut. Q: Can I alter the start or end point of a recording? A: Your start and end points are determined when you record a new cut. However, you can play into a cut, then press PAUSE to "cue up" the cut to a new start point. Also, because Instant Replay is equipped with D-NET, you can use 360 Systems DigiCart/II or Short/cut to edit recordings, then transfer the edited versions to Instant Replay. Q: How does looping work? A: Instant Replay will seamlessly loop any cut between the start and end point of the recording. PLAYLISTS Q: What is a playlist? A: Playlists are groups of cuts assigned to play in a particular order. Instant Replay will store one playlist for each Bank. Playlists can consist of cuts assigned to Hot-Keys on that Bank and may contain up to 1,000 entries. Q: How do I create a playlist? A: Press the PLAYLIST key, then press Hot-Keys in the order you want them to play. You may insert the same cut into multiple positions in the same playlist. Q: Are there different types of playlist? A: Yes. Manual Step lists play one cut at a time. Each cut requires a new press of the PLAY button. Follow-on playlists will play completely from start to finish with a single press of the PLAY button. You can define which type of playlist you want for each bank, and can change a playlist's type at any time. Q: Can I edit a playlist? A: Once a playlist is created, entries can be easily added or deleted. You can also adjust the start point of a playlist. REMOTE CONTROL Q: Can I do a remote start? A: Yes. Instant Replay has a GPI input for external start commands. Q: Can Instant Replay work with editors or automation systems? A: In master control or news radio applications, playlists can be automatically triggered from external controllers using the GPI input. APPLICATIONS & GENERAL INFORMATION Q: How do I know what is on each Hot-Key in each back? A: Instant Replay's printer port will directly drive Epson and HP compatible printers. The Printer Output menu allows you to choose between different print options and sorts. Legend Overlays are also available, and will fit over Instant Replay's Hot-Keys to show each cut currently assigned. You can generate printouts of a single Bank or the entire contents of the hard disk, sorted by index number, name, preset assignment or playlist order. Q: If I need more storage, can I upgrade to a larger internal hard disk? A: It is possible to change hard disks in the event that repair or replacement is necessary. For additional storage time, 360 Systems recommends several types of high capacity removable disks for connection to Instant Replays external SCSI port. Q: How much training does Instant Replay require? A: Virtually none. Instant Replay has been optimized for intuitive operation. Most customers have been able to efficiently operate the machine immediately after a quick basic tutorial. Q: How do I decide which 360 Systems product best meets my needs? A: Instant Replay excels in situations that call for extremely fast random access to numerous audio cues, with a very simple user interface. It is often used on "morning zoo" radio programs, talk shows, live productions, and for simple playlisting in medium or small market radio and television stations. DigiCart/II Plus will provide the best solution for applications that require mass storage, top and tail editing and complex playlisting. Applications for DigiCart/II Plus include TV master control, live production, SFX and music archival. IT also has extensive remote control and interface options. 360 Systems' Short/cut Editor is ideal for applications that require accurate editing, such as reel-to-reel tape replacement for news and call-in shows. It's a good choice for preparing files for subsequent use in Instant Replay. Product Brochure | Accessories