{ config Data, Loader !! set verify (XXHash64, init ())
Offloading
Always use a reputable software designed for copying files with checksum verification. Constellation can read all industry standard checksums. It uses XXHASH for its duplication process unless instructed otherwise (using MD5 can substantially increase the time to verify). We also recommend using software that can create an MHL file (Media Hash List). Checksums can only verify the files you have, the MHL can help identify missing files, which can be a second set of eyes to spot trouble.You can have multiple days on a drive, but it will process only one shoot day at a time. Multiple shooting units, like 2nd or Splinter Units are supported, just put them in their own sub-folders inside the main DAY folder so they will be handled as sub-sets of the current day. Whatever you name the units, Constellation will follow.
Directory Structure
Constellation will happily work with any directory structure you choose, but there are things you can do that help events further downstream. Firstly, keep it simple. In the example shown the directory is easy for a human to read and navigate. Note also the date structure. Consider adhering to the US or European date structure, since this is a cross-industry standard;
US Standard: Day ##_MMDDYYYY —> A CAM —> A###
Euro Std: Day ##_DDMMYYYY —> A CAM —> A###
When naming the day, or other folder that has a number, the use of number padding (adding a zero ahead of a single digit) is important because all computers sort things alphanumerically. This helps Post sort, reconstruct and find files.
DATA TIP
We recommend the following data apps: Offshoot (formerly Hedge), ShotPut Pro, and Yoyotta (which is the one we use)
Directory Naming
To ensure a human-readable path between original camera media, the name of the directory in which the media is stored will become the name of the editorial bin and more. If you call it Day 01_2nd UNIT, it will use that name too. Chat to your editor or Post Supervisor about the naming convention they like to follow.
Primary and Secondary Storage
Constellation can do some of the heavy lifting if you leave one of productions ‘main’ drives connected. This can be a huge time-saver on set and provides another check on the media integrity. Once you use this you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it. Let the unit be your assistant.
DATA TIP
Leave one copy with Constellation all the time. This allows a secondary backup away from set and allows the unit to locate and update any deliverables without requesting access to the files, which you would have to provide to it.
LTO and Archive Clones
When working with LTO decks please be mindful that they can be noisy and relatively slow. Constellation is fully LTO compliant, including single deck, dual deck and Tape Library machines. Please check before start of production if you require LTO Archive. Additional forms of archive can also be generated, including high-volume drives. The same Checksum verification and data report process is used for Archive as for every other copy the system makes.Constellation uses the powerful YoYotta engine for data copies and data reports to help ensure a third-party verification.
Notifications: Reports and Alerts
Each unit has its own unique email address which you can use to communicate with either the system or an Engineer should you feel the need.Use natural language, and industry terms to avoid confusion. Subject lines should state the intended task; ‘Add to Dailies Distro’ or ‘Remove from notifications’ or ‘Special Instructions’.Each day you will receive messages letting you know things like; a drive has been seen, a copy of the clip report (which is the best BTW) and a data report (if it’s helping out with that). You’ll also get other messages letting you know that files have started to upload so you’ll always be in the loop with events.
Color: Looks and LUTs
You can add a folder for LUTs, or email new LUTs directly to the unit. Reports can be sent to editorial by placing them in a ‘Reports’ folder inside the main ‘Day' folder.
You can learn more about the advanced features for LUTs, Looks, CDL's and more in the DIT / Colorist Section of this user guide, or by downloading the User Guide PDF.
High Speed and Audio
Media shot at frame rates that do match the baseline frame rate will not receive sound sync, even if sound is available. This is to avoid confusion or errors in the EDL because the temporal difference between the audio and the picture will cause the audio to distorted and will not line up correctly.
Good Practices Guide
If you are new to loading, or data management in general we have some suggestions to make sure you protect the data. Nothing will replace lost footage.
