{ var Producers Guide $$ set save (connected, init ())
Overview
The Constellation workflow is modern, clean and cost efficient. The unit is small and nearly completely silent and remains cool, so you can place it wherever makes the most sense for your production. It can go in a closet, on a desk, in a hotel room, at someones house or in a noisy production office.
You'll need to make sure it has access to the a stable and suitable internet access via ethernet cable.
Internet Speeds
How fast should your internet speed be? Firstly, for the system to operate and write back to the local drive the requirements are very low. If you would like to deliver files via your internet connection then the golden rule is simple; More faster is more better. Constellation can handle up to 10 Gb/s, but can make delivery as low as 40 Mb/s. Of course the actual upload times depend on kind of files you require, so you can balance low internet speeds with lower resolution deliverables. Constellation can always re-make dailies at a higher resolution when the internet improves.
QUICK TIP
Sometimes your local crew will have a home connection that is faster and more stable. Consider chatting to them about using it.
Setting Up Notifications
Notifications from your unit will provide you with valuable information, such as status, alerts, reports and more. When your system comes online at the start of the show it will request a list of emails to recieve these notifications. Typically it will be the UPM, Editorial team and whoever handles the data each day. You can have as many people as you like though.
QUICK TIP
You can add, remove or confirm the list by sending your unit an email with request.
Alerts and Reports
When a drive is plugged in you will receive an email letting you know it has seen the drive. This marks the start of the processing cycle. Depending on workflow, you may see a data report next, indicating it has copied files to one or more back-up sources. Next will be a clip report with all the clips, notes and the total camera hours shot that day. It will be the way billing is determined. After that you’ll be notified when the upload has started so you always know things are progressing.
Connecting a Drive
If this task falls to someone in production there is no need to panic! It could not be easier, just connect the drive like you would on any computer. Thunderbolt and USB are available and they cannot be confused or inserted incorrectly. After the drive has been detected the unit will send a message letting you know it’s running. You do not need to take any further action, sit back and relax with all that spare time you definitely don’t have.
