Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: GDC server firmware update

This is topic GDC server firmware update in forum Digital Cinema Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Koroye Seitonkumo (Member # 10558) on 05-02-2019, 03:42 PM:

Hello.. I just received the following response from GDC after I made enquiries for a firmware update for my GDS SA 2100A..

7.83 is quite an old software version that was deprecated in 2012 and upgrading it to a current release is advisable, as we can offer only limited technical support in case of any issues if the server is on such an outdated release.

However, to update the server to the DCI compliant 8.01 release, which also adds support for SMPTE packaged content, the projector must be fully DCI compliant. This means the projector must have the Gore board or equivalent security upgrade installed and must be running a DCI compliant software release. If in doubt, please confirm this with your installer or projector manufacturer.

I actually installed my Projector the help of a tech friend who doesn't live anywhere around me and I am not sure of my Projector fits into this description.. it's a barco dp2000 and we are playing Avengers Endgame at the moment..

Any thing to look out for?

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-02-2019, 04:37 PM:

You will have to check on the projector some how. A DP-2000 might have a Gore Board in it. If it does not, I am not sure you can even get them any longer. That stuff was done a long time ago in the digital world.

Mark

Posted by Marcel Birgelen (Member # 6801) on 05-02-2019, 06:03 PM:

Does the GDC software actually check if the GORE board is present or not?

Posted by Matt Fields (Member # 3211) on 05-04-2019, 11:45 AM:

You will need to buy the software warranty from GDC (still available at least here in the US) so that you can get the serverID script which is part of the 7 to 8 upgrade process.

You will also need to make sure your server has a working NTP source and the correct time before upgrading, the time will drift and you will need more GDC support if it drifts too far after the update.

As far as the projector I think you can get away with Type 4 or higher of the TI interface card (I have seen type 4 work in a series one Christie projector, never tried on the Barco), Type 3 or below will not work with version 8 of the GDC software

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-04-2019, 11:48 AM:

quote: Marcel Birgelen
Does the GDC software actually check if the GORE board is present or not?

No, how could it? The Gore board is well after the interface module in a Series 1. Can't think of a server that actually looks at whats in the projector.

Mark

Posted by Stephan Shelley (Member # 8587) on 05-04-2019, 12:24 PM:

The gore board is the interface board and has its own IP address in series 1 projectors. The SM in the server talks directly to the interface (gore) board via the TI head IP.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-04-2019, 02:34 PM:

Yes, you are correct! I have not had to endure a series 1 since 2010!

Mark

Posted by Marco Giustini (Member # 4544) on 05-04-2019, 03:07 PM:

It's tricky as you can indeed find out what kind of TI board the projector houses but the final and safe way to find out is to check whether the server can establish a TLS connection BEFORE you actually upgrade the server. On a Dolby you can do that while still on non-DCI software - so you can revert back before it's too late. On a Doremi there is a mention in the logs whether the projector is TLS capable or not.
I would hope that GDC have a similar way to find out or it may be a bit dangerous - usually the DCI upgrade is "one way only".

Also remember that series 1 TI boards may end up refusing to connect via TLS for a "lost certificate" issue. There is a procedure from Barco to fix this issue (if it applies to you). Another good reason to make sure you can use TLS before you update.

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 05-04-2019, 04:45 PM:

Can't you 'just' connect Dcinema Toolset aka 'Communicator for series 1' and check firmware versions?

- Carsten

Posted by Marco Giustini (Member # 4544) on 05-04-2019, 06:55 PM:

Latest TI firmware doesn’t allow for TLS if the board doesn’t support it. And I’ve encountered/heard some supposed-to-work TI boards which wouldn’t connect using TLS no matter what. That’s why the best course of action is to try TLS before upgrading.

That is assuming that GDC DCI update is a ‘one way’ only as for everybody else. If not, then it’s not a big deal - even though I suspect that downgrading may not be that easy!

Posted by Stephan Shelley (Member # 8587) on 05-04-2019, 07:39 PM:

You can tell what type number the board is with the TI control program for series 1 projectors.

Posted by Dave Macaulay (Member # 813) on 05-05-2019, 07:55 AM:

DC toolset is very different from Communicator. I don't know that DC toolset is even supported, Communicator has evolved to take over the functions of toolset.
The TI interface board type is shown in Communicator in diagnostics/actual, detailed status. If you see "security enclosure installed Yes" then you have the "gore" board and all is well (unless it's damaged or has a dead battery).
A Seies-1S Type 4 should work (no security enclosure) but needs to be tested to confirm, and certificate recovery may be required.
Type 3? No good.
Yes the gore boards are available, at least they were recently. Be sitting when you hear the price.

Posted by Marco Giustini (Member # 4544) on 05-05-2019, 06:10 PM:

I still would be cautious even though the Communicator reports a Gore board. I would ask GDC if they have a feature to check TLS as all the other manufacturers. If you upgrade and you can't connect for whatever reason, it's not a nice thing.

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 05-05-2019, 06:15 PM:

Here's a roundup.

http://www.film-tech.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=16;t=001506#000011

Again, a qualified tech may be necessary if e.g. a certificate recovery needs to be performed. Barco has manuals on the procedures. One would probably also update the T.I. software to the latest version to enable SMPTE subtitle capability (15.1.)

- Carsten

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-05-2019, 06:49 PM:

If you update it and it does not work, it's easy to roll it back to the previous software version in just a few minutes.

Mark

Posted by Marco Giustini (Member # 4544) on 05-06-2019, 04:53 AM:

If you can downgrade, that changes everything then!

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 05-06-2019, 08:31 AM:

What is needed for that type of server in Nigeria to update and to downgrade?

I wouldn't rush, prepare everything, get the files and docs. If you can play Endgame currently, you should be safe for the time being. Do you know if the Endgame DCP playing in Nigeria is Interop or SMPTE? I would assume Interop, but...

- Carsten

Posted by Koroye Seitonkumo (Member # 10558) on 05-06-2019, 01:17 PM:

Interop I think.. My keys say that. Anything I should know..

Thanks everyone for all the input and advice.. So helpful..

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-06-2019, 04:31 PM:

quote: Carsten Kurz
What is needed for that type of server in Nigeria to update and to downgrade?

A couple of the Builds is all that is needed. Install an older, non SMPTE 8.XX Build first, then take a snapshot of it in the Recovery Console. Then install the latest build. If the latest Build (288) doesn't work out he can revert to the non SMPTE Build again via the recovery console.

Mark

Posted by Marco Giustini (Member # 4544) on 05-06-2019, 06:17 PM:

I'm curious: why have other manufacturers developed a "one way" upgrade path but on a GDC you can revert back with a click?

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-06-2019, 08:00 PM:

IDK, GDC has always had it. Not sure it's on the newest models though.I never had to use it to revert back, but I always make sure there is a snalshot of the current version before I upgrade. There are other features in the recovery console I have used, the rebuild OS drive is one of them. But only used that one one time.

Mark

Posted by Steve Wilson (Member # 2411) on 05-11-2019, 02:10 AM:

I am running a GDC SA-2100A with an NEC 1600. My set up runs with this same old software and has been running SMPTE files the past two years. In getting several opinions about upgrading the software it came down to this. If it isn't broken, don't fix it. So, for the time being I am holding put on trying to upgrade the GDC Server software. The most caution came from other Drive In Theater Owners which have been to tech school over several years.

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 05-11-2019, 08:40 AM:

Koroye may have a DVD or Bluray Player at hand and connect it directly to the DP2000 DVI input. If he can watch the content, his projector is HDCP enabled and that should be enough to verify it can do Cinelink II TLS. Worst thing with that approach, other than having a very old type 1 or 2 board, could be he has a type 6 interface board which can not do HDCP, but still supports Cinelink II TLS.

- Carsten

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-11-2019, 11:51 AM:

Still be sure to change the batteries though!!

Posted by Steve Wilson (Member # 2411) on 05-14-2019, 08:28 AM:

Yes, thanks Mark. With your help I was able to change those batteries out a couple of weeks ago. Thanks Again

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-14-2019, 07:45 PM:

Awesome! It'll run until it refuses to play back SMPTE stuff.