Interplay® | Access

User's Guide
Version 2023.7
 Interplay® | Access User's Guide

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 Interplay® | Access User's Guide

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Interplay | Access User’s Guide v2023.7 • Created 3/27/2024 • This document is distributed by Avid in online (electronic) form only, and is not available for
purchase in printed form.

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Contents
Interplay® | Access User's Guide 1
Contents 4
Using This Guide 11
Symbols and Conventions 11

If You Need Help 12

MediaCentral Production Management Documentation 12

Avid Training Services 13

1 Getting Started with Interplay Access 14

Supported Platforms 15

Starting Interplay Access 16

Setting the Default Working Folder 17

Connecting to a Database 18

Changing Your Password 20

Removing a Database from the Tree Structure 20

Keyboard Shortcuts 21

Context Menus 21

Logging Out and Exiting 21

Configuring Interplay Access Options 22

Configuring Interplay Access Globally (Administrators Only) 22

Displaying the Full Menus 22

Showing All Hidden Dialog Boxes 22

Changing Font Settings 23

Configuring Asset Types, Commands, and Applications 23

Configuring the Pro Tools Location (macOS Only) 26

Setting the Working Path for a Folder 27

2 Viewing Assets in the Monitor 28

Viewing Assets in the Monitor 29

Adjusting the Aspect Ratio and Size of the Monitor 30

Showing and Hiding the Monitor 30

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Displaying the Full-Screen Monitor 30

Displaying Additional Panes 31

Resizing Panes 32

Opening an Avid Asset in Interplay Assist 32

3 Adding and Organizing Assets 33

Creating New Folders 34

Renaming a Folder or Editing the Description 36

Changing Ownership of Folders and Assets (Administrators Only) 36

Viewing and Changing Folder Options (Administrators Only) 37

Using the Unchecked-In Avid Assets Folder 39

Adding Assets to the Production Management Database 40

Importing Files or Folders 40

Resyncing Media Files with Avid Shared-Storage Workspaces (Administrators Only) 45

Moving Assets into Folders 47

Cutting, Copying, and Pasting Assets 48

Duplicating Avid Assets 49

Organizing Assets Using Categories 49

Using Shortcuts for Browsing 50

Making Private Shortcuts Public (Administrators Only) 52

Renaming an Asset 52

Changing Text Color (Administrators Only) 53

Using Interplay Access with an Avid Editing Application 53

Transferring Avid Assets to Another Workgroup 54

Copying Assets and Media to Another Workgroup 55

Moving Media to Another Workspace 58

4 Browsing the Database 62

Icons for Avid Assets and Folders 62

Browsing AMA Clips 64

Updating the Media Status 66

Updating the Archive Status 66

Setting the Filters for the Display 67

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Referenced Assets and Referenced-Only Assets 68

Using the Assets Pane 70

Assets Pane Toolbar 71

Default Assets Pane 71

Obtaining File Size Information 72

Media Status Indicators 73

Navigating Through Assets 75

Changing the Type of Assets Displayed 75

Changing the Column Display 76

Changing the Resolution Display 77

Grouping and Sorting 79

Undoing Assets Pane Changes 82

Creating View Presets for the Content and Search Tabs 82

Applying and Managing View Presets 83

Changing to Storyboard or Frame View 85

Using Extended View Mode 86

Using the Object Inspector 87

Default Tabs in the Object Inspector 88

Adding Properties to the Object Inspector Display 89

Viewing Media Relatives 90

Viewing Restrictions 91

Configuring the Frame Locators Display 92

Viewing the Location of Media in Avid Shared-Storage Workspaces 93

Refreshing Referenced Clips 93

Showing a Preview of an Item 94

Viewing the Status of Assets Across Workgroups (Asset Tracking) 94

Preserving Ancillary Data in an Production Management Environment 102

Working with Multichannel Audio Tracks in Production Management 104

Emulated Rendered Effects 106

Stereoscopic 3D Support in Interplay Access 107

Support for Group Clips in Interplay Access 109

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Support for Multigroup Clips in Interplay Access 110

Exporting Locators 111

5 Searching for Assets 112

Performing a Text-Only Search 112

Using the Search Root and Attributes to Speed Up a Search 113

Simple Searching 113

Simple Search Attribute Names and Values 115

Extended Searching 116

Extended Search Attribute Names, Operators, and Values 118

Searching for Types of Tracks 119

Search Option for Rendered Effects 120

Search Option for Highly Linked Assets 123

Example: Finding Assets By Using a Unique Identifier 124

Performing a File-Based Workflow Search 128

Searching for Migrated Workgroup 4 Archived Items 130

Closing Extra Search Tabs 130

Showing One Representation for Each Asset Found 130

Saving Your Search 132

Viewing and Running a Saved Search 133

Searching Across Remote Workgroups 134

Finding Other Clips from the Same Source Tape 135

Finding Shared Clips and Unshared Clips 136

Using Third-Party Search Plug-Ins 137

Installing Third-Party Search Plug-ins 137

Configuring a Third-Party Plug-In for Remote Search 137

Using a Third-Party Search Plug-in 137

6 Working with File Assets 138

Icons and Indicators for File Assets 138

Getting the Latest Version of a File Asset 139

Changing the Get Latest Behavior 141

Viewing File Assets 143

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Checking Out File Assets 143

Opening a File for Editing in One Step 144

Undoing a Checkout 144

Changing the Undo Check Out Options 146

Checking Out a Newer Local File After Undo Check Out 147

Checking In File Assets 147

Performing a Checkin 148

Checking In Files With Multiple Checkouts 149

Working with Bundled File Assets 151

Updating the Database with Assets That Are Not Checked Out 153

Using Final Cut Pro with Production Management 154

Checking in a Final Cut Pro Sequence to Production Management 155

Exporting an Avid Sequence to Final Cut Pro 158

Sharing a Final Cut Pro Project Between Final Cut Pro Systems 159

Working with QuickTime Reference Movies in an Production Management Environment 160

7 Deleting Assets 166

Protecting Assets from Deletion 166

Assigning User Roles 166

Freezing Folders and Content 169

Setting Reservations 172

Deleting Avid Assets 175

Deleting Avid Assets and Media 176

Deletion, Multiple Links, and Reservations 179

Using the Orphan Clips Folder 180

Restricted Deletion of Referenced Assets 181

Deleting Orphan Clips Created by Resync 182

Safely Deleting Media When Working with Consolidated Subclips 182

Deleting Offline File Locations for Avid Assets 189

Deleting File Assets 190

Using the Deleted Items Folder 191

Access Control and Delete Matrices 193

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8 Communicating Using the Messenger 195

Opening the Message Browser and Reading Messages 195

Writing New Messages 196

Deleting Messages 198

Replying to a Message 198

Forwarding a Message 199

9 Version History and Archiving 200

Using Version History Features with Sequences 200

Viewing the Version History 200

History and Label Icons 201

Viewing a File Version 201

Comparing Two Versions in the Version History 201

Comparing the Current Database File and the Local File 202

Configuring Differencing 203

Retrieving Older Versions Using Get Version 204

Undoing Checked In Changes Through Rollback 206

Identifying Milestones and Significant Versions by Setting Labels 206

Assigning a Label to an Item 207

Modifying or Removing a Label 208

Archiving from Interplay Access 208

10 Screenshots and Printing 209

Creating and Printing a Screenshot 209

Creating and Printing a Print Area 210

Exporting a Screenshot or Print Area 210

A Keyboard Shortcuts 212

B Interplay Access Menus 213
Interplay Access Menu (macOS Only) 213

File Menu 213

Edit Menu 214

View Menu 215

Operations Menu 217

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Tools Menu 221

Preferences Menu 223

Debug Menu 223

Help Menu 223

C System Metadata Properties 224

D Production Management Character Support 236

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 Using This Guide

Using This Guide

Congratulations on your purchase of MediaCentral® | Production Management, a powerful system for
managing media in a shared storage environment. This guide describes how to use Interplay | Access, an
MediaCentral Production Management client application that provides access to the Production
Management (Interplay) database.

This guide is intended for all MediaCentral Production Management end users who need to work with
master clips, sequences, and other assets in an Avid workgroup. Some tasks described in this guide can be
performed only by users with administrative privileges.

Interplay Access is supported on both the Microsoft® Windows® and the macOS®platforms. When
necessary, the guide describes platform-specific differences.

n The documentation describes the features and hardware of all models. Therefore, your system might
not contain certain features and hardware that are covered in the documentation.

n Limited number of client applications per user per machine: A user can run only one Interplay Access
session and one Interplay Administrator session on one machine. This software does not support
terminal / server sessions.

Symbols and Conventions

Avid documentation uses the following symbols and conventions:

Symbol or Convention Meaning or Action

n A note provides important related information, reminders, recommendations, and

strong suggestions.

w A warning describes an action that could cause you physical harm. Follow the
guidelines in this document or on the unit itself when handling electrical equipment.

c A caution means that a specific action you take could cause harm to your computer
or cause you to lose data.
This symbol indicates menu commands (and subcommands) in the order you select

> them. For example, File > Import means to open the File menu and then select the
Import command.

t This symbol indicates a single-step procedure. Multiple arrows in a list indicate that
you perform one of the actions listed.
(Windows), (Windows This text indicates that the information applies only to the specified operating
only), (macOS), or system, either Windows or macOS.
(macOS only)
Bold font Bold font is primarily used in task instructions to identify user interface items and
keyboard sequences.
Italic font Italic font is used to emphasize certain words and to indicate variables. Variables are
often enclosed in angled brackets: < >.
Courier Bold font Courier Bold font identifies text that you type.
Ctrl+key or mouse Press and hold the first key while you press the last key or perform the mouse action.
action For example, Command+Option+C or Ctrl+drag.

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 Using This Guide

If You Need Help

If you are having trouble using your Avid product:

1. Retry the action, carefully following the instructions given for that task in this guide. It is especially
important to check each step of your workflow.
2. Check the latest information that might have become available after the documentation was
published. You should always check online for the most up-to-date release notes or ReadMe because
the online version is updated whenever new information becomes available. To view these online
versions, select ReadMe from the Help menu, or visit the Knowledge Base at www.avid.com/search.
3. Check the documentation that came with your Avid application or your hardware for maintenance or
hardware-related issues.
4. Visit the online Knowledge Base at www.avid.com/search. Online services are available 24 hours per
day, 7 days per week. Search this online resource to find answers, to view error messages, to access
troubleshooting tips, to download updates, and to read or join online message-board discussions.

MediaCentral Production Management Documentation

The following documents describe how to use MediaCentral Production Management:
l MediaCentral | Production Management Best Practices — provides an overview of the major
Production Management components, shows sample configuration diagrams, and describes several
of the key features, such as setting up a user database and using the Archive Engine.
l MediaCentral | Production Management Software Installation and Configuration Guide — describes
how to use the MediaCentral Production Management installation programs to install and configure
software on the various systems that make up a Production Management environment.
l MediaCentral | Production Management Failover Guide — describes how to set up a cluster
configuration for the Production Management Engine and the Production Management Archive
engine.
l MediaCentral | Production Management | Engine and Archive Engine Administration Guide —
describes how to administer your Production Management Engine or Production Management
Archive Engine and Avid Production Management database.
l MediaCentral | Production Management | Access User’s Guide — describes how to use Interplay
Access to browse, search, and work with assets in the Avid Production Management database.
l Interplay | Assist User’s Guide — describes how to use Interplay Assist for logging, archiving, and
sending to playback material in an Production Management environment.
l Interplay | Production Services Setup and User’s Guide — Interplay Production Services lets you
control and automate Transcode, Archive, and other Interplay Production Services.
l MediaCentral| Transfer Setup and User’s Guide — describes how to use MediaCentral | Transfer to
transfer media to and from another workgroup, send finished sequences to a configured playback
device, ingest media from a configured ingest device, and perform standalone transfers between
workstations.
l Avid Service Framework User’s Guide — describes how to use the logging, monitoring, and
management features of the Avid Service Framework applications.
l MediaCentral | Capture User’s Guide — describes how to use MediaCentral Capture, a newsroom
ingest tool that enables automated recordings.
l MediaCentral | Capture Administrator’s Guide — describes administrative concepts, tasks, and
reference material for Avid MediaCentral Capture.
All documents are available in PDF form on the Avid Knowledge Base at https://kb.avid.com/articles/en_
US/readme/Avid-Interplay-Production-Documentation.

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 Using This Guide

Avid Training Services

Avid makes lifelong learning, career advancement, and personal development easy and convenient. Avid
understands that the knowledge you need to differentiate yourself is always changing, and Avid continually
updates course content and offers new training delivery methods that accommodate your pressured and
competitive work environment.

For information on courses / schedules, training centers, certifications, courseware, and books, please visit
https://www.avid.com/learn-and-support and follow the Training links, or call Avid Sales at 800-949-AVID
(800-949-2843).

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 1 Getting Started with Interplay Access

1 Getting Started with Interplay Access

The MediaCentral Production Management system is the world's leading production asset management
system, with hundreds of system installations at the world’s leading broadcasters and content producers.
Interplay Access is a MediaCentral Production Management client application that provides access to the
MediaCentral Production Management (Interplay) database.

Interplay Access is designed to run on any standard Windows or macOS computer connected to the
MediaCentral Production Management system through either a local-area network (LAN) or a wide-area
network (WAN). WAN access requires a 1 megabit/second or higher connection through VPN security.
Interplay Access does not require a connection to Avid Shared Storage, a specific video card, or a
connection to Avid-certified network infrastructure.

Producers and production staff can use Interplay Access to browse, view, and organize assets, such as
master clips and sequences, graphic files, and other project-related files such as scripts or spreadsheets.
For graphics files, sequences, and other files, Interplay Access provides a powerful version control system,
and all data can be archived into libraries for storage or later use.

Interplay Access provides search tools that let you to easily find shots, clips, sequences, or other elements
defined for the project without knowing file names, and to quickly see the dependencies and relatives
involved. You can also use MediaCentral Production Management to manage sequences and other Avid
assets whose media is no longer online. You can then search for these assets, view information about them
such as the source tape name, obtain the source footage, and recapture it. Interplay Access also provides
an internal Messenger service that allows users to communicate in near-realtime with other Access users,
and send messages that embed links to MediaCentral Production Management assets for easy reference.

For more information about MediaCentral Production Management (Interplay) concepts and components,
see MediaCentral | Production Management Best Practices Guide and the MediaCentral | Production
Management Engine and Archive Engine Administration Guide.

Working with Assets

Assets are files that are stored as entries in an MediaCentral Production Management database. Assets
include both the source files (for example, graphics files or Avid media files) and the information about the
source files, known as metadata. The source files are usually stored on an Avid shared storage system,
while the metadata is stored as a record in the database.

When you use Interplay Access or another Production Management application to work with assets, you are
usually working with links to the original asset. You can have multiple links to the same asset, for example,
by having the same link in two different folders. Multiple links affect the deletion process. For more
information, see "Deletion, Multiple Links, and Reservations" on page 179.

Avid Assets and File Assets

When you work with MediaCentral Production Management, it’s important to understand the differences
between Avid assets and file assets. Avid assets are assets that are created by Avid applications through
capture, ingest, import, or transfer. Avid assets include:
l Master clips
l Subclips
l Sequences
l Effects

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 1 Getting Started with Interplay Access

l Motion effects
l Rendered effects
l Group clips
File assets are any assets that are not created by an Avid application. Any file you can create on your
workstation, through applications such as Adobe Photoshop® or Microsoft Word, can be added to the
MediaCentral Production Management database and managed by MediaCentral Production Management
as a file asset.

Some differences are:

l File assets are added to the database through the Interplay Access Import feature. Avid assets are
added to the database through an Avid editing application.
l By default, only one user can modify a file asset at one time, through the controlled check-in/check-
out process. More than one user can modify an Avid asset at one time.
l Previous versions of file assets and Avid sequences are stored in the database, so you can review or
revert back to an older version if necessary. For other Avid assets, the last version checked in
becomes the only version stored in the database. For more information about the version control
system, see "Working with File Assets" on page 138 and "Version History and Archiving" on page 200.
Other differences are noted throughout this guide.

Using Folders

Folders provide structure to an MediaCentral Production Management database, and managing folders is
an important function of Interplay Access. Folders can hold file assets, Avid assets, or both. The
MediaCentral Production Management database includes a default set of top-level folders, but you can
create new folders that match the requirements of your facility’s organization and workflow. The same
folders are visible by other MediaCentral Production Management client applications, such as the
Production Management Window and Interplay Assist. For more information, see "Adding and Organizing
Assets" on page 33.

Finding Assets by Searching and Browsing

You can use Interplay Access to perform simple text-based or extended searches that can also search
across remote workgroups. You typically base a search for assets on their associated attributes. For
example, you can search for all assets that have the word “promo” in their names, all assets from a
particular source tape, or all assets from a particular tape that have the word “promo” in their names.

After you have found assets that meet your search or browsing criteria, Interplay Access offers multiple
views of your results, with metadata columns that resemble those in Avid bins, and provides detailed
information about their attributes, including media relatives. For more information, see "Browsing the
Database" on page 62.

Supported Platforms
Interplay Access is supported on both Windows and macOS. For more specific information about supported
platforms, see the MediaCentral Production Management ReadMe.

On the macOS platform, Interplay Access supports all operations relating to file assets and most operations
relating to Avid assets, except the following:
l Resyncing the MediaCentral Production Management database with Avid shared-storage
workspaces
Operations that involve Avid editing applications on a macOS system (for example, checking in and
checking out) are supported in the MediaCentral Production Management environment for this release.

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 1 Getting Started with Interplay Access

Specific notes regarding platform support are listed in "Interplay Access Menus" on page 213 and
throughout this document.

Starting Interplay Access

How you log in depends on how the administrator has configured MediaCentral Production Management
user authentication.

To start Interplay Access:

1. Do one of the following:

t Double-click the Interplay Access icon on your desktop.
t (Windows) Click Start and select Programs > Avid > Avid Interplay Access.
t (macOS) Click the icon and name in the Dock menu.
t If you are logged on to the Interplay Administrator, select File > Open Interplay Access.
The Logon dialog box opens.

2. Select the server you want to work with by doing one of the following:
t Accept the server that is displayed (the last server connected).
t Click the arrow for the Server list and select the server name from the list.

The first part of the list shows recent servers, the second part of the list shows servers that were
added manually (not on a local area network), and the third part shows servers available on
your local area network
t Click the arrow for the Server list and select Add Server. Type a new server name or IP address.

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 1 Getting Started with Interplay Access

If the server you select does not currently have an active database, a message that states this
information is displayed in the Database text box. An administrator might need to activate an
existing database or create a new one.
3. Select the database that you want to work with.
Databases available on the selected server are displayed in the Database list. In most cases there will
be only one database: AvidWG for an online database or AvidAM for an archive database.
After you log in, the database you select becomes the primary database.
4. Type your username and password, as supplied by the administrator.
The Interplay Access window opens, with the primary database displayed in the Folders pane.

Setting the Default Working Folder

The first time you start Interplay Access, the Set Default Working Folder dialog box opens. This is the folder
where local copies of file assets (but not Avid assets) are stored when you check them out for editing (see
"Working with File Assets" on page 138). The working folder is sometimes referred to as the local folder or
the default working path.

You can change the working folder after you set it. You can also change the path for an individual folder.
For more information, see "Setting the Working Path for a Folder" on page 27.

To set the default working folder:

1. Do one of the following:

t Keep the default:
(Windows) C:\Documents and Settings\username\WorkgroupWork
(macOS) /Users/username/WorkgroupWork
t Click the Browse (...) button to select another folder.
2. Click OK.

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 1 Getting Started with Interplay Access

To change the default working folder:

1. Select (Windows) Preferences > Options or (macOS) Interplay Access > Preferences.
2. Click the General tab.
3. Type a new path or click the Browse button and navigate to a new folder.
4. Click OK.

Connecting to a Database
To work with Interplay Access, you must connect to an existing database on a Production Management
workgroup. Each workgroup includes one of the following databases:
l AvidWG for online databases
l AvidAM for archive databases
An MediaCentral Production Management database always uses one of these names.

The primary database (the database that you logged into) is always listed in the tree structure in the
Folders pane. An icon indicates whether or not you are connected to a database, as described in the
following table.

Icon Meaning

(Green circle with check mark) Database you are connected to

(Red box with X) Database you are not connected to

You can add other databases to the tree structure. The number of databases you can add is limited only by
the license your company has acquired.

To connect to a database listed in the tree structure:

1. Select the database name.

2. Do one of the following:
t Click the triangle next to the database name in the Interplay Access.
t Select File > Logon.
t Double-click the database name.
t Select Logon from the context menu of the database.
The Logon dialog box opens.

3. Type your username and password, as supplied by the administrator.

4. Click OK.

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 1 Getting Started with Interplay Access

You are now connected to that database. The database is listed in the tree structure with a green
circle and check mark.

To connect to a database not listed in the tree structure:

1. Select Databases in the tree structure.

2. Do one of the following:
t Select File > Connect to Database.
t Select Connect to Database from the context menu.
The Connect to Database dialog box opens.

3. Select the server and database you want to work with by doing one of the following:
t Accept the server that is displayed.
t Type the name of the server that you want to log in to. You can also use an IP address.
t Click the arrow for the Server list and select the server name from the list.

The first part of the list shows recent servers, the second part of the list shows servers that were
added manually (not on a local area network), and the third part shows servers available on
your local area network
t Click the arrow for the Server list and select Add Server. Type a new server name.

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 1 Getting Started with Interplay Access

The database for the selected server is displayed in the Connect to Database dialog box. AvidWG is
an online database and AvidAM is an archive database.
4. Select the name of the database you want to connect to.
5. Click OK.
The Logon dialog box opens.

6. Type the username and password for the database.

If necessary, contact the administrator for the correct username and password.
7. Click OK.
You are now connected to that database. The database is listed in the tree structure with a green
circle and check mark.

Changing Your Password

If your account is configured for internal authentication, you can change your password.

n If you use Windows, LDAP, or Avid shared-storage authentication methods to log on to MediaCentral
Production Management, this section does not apply.

To change the password for your username:

1. Select the database for which you want to change the password.
2. Select File > Change Password.
The Change Password dialog box opens.
3. Type your current password in the Current Password text box and your new password in the New
password text box. Type the new password in the Verify text box.
4. Click OK.

Removing a Database from the Tree Structure

Removing a database from the tree structure does not delete or destroy the database. It only removes the
database from your view.

To remove a database from the tree structure:

1. Click the database name.

2. Do one of the following:
t Select File > Remove Database(s).
t Select the database and select Remove Database(s) from the context menu.

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 1 Getting Started with Interplay Access

Keyboard Shortcuts
For some actions in Interplay Access, you can use keyboard shortcuts. How you type shortcuts depends on
your platform.

The following table shows which key you must press in combination with the shortcut key on each platform.

Platform Shortcut Key

Windows Ctrl
macOS Command (Apple)

For example, to display the search panel, do one of the following:

l (Windows) Press Ctrl+F.
l (macOS) Press Command+F.
Keyboard shortcuts are displayed in the menus and provided throughout this guide. For shortcuts you can
use to play and edit media, see "Keyboard Shortcuts" on page 212. For menu commands and shortcuts, see
"Interplay Access Menus" on page 213.

Context Menus
For some actions in Interplay Access, you can use a context menu. How you open the context menu
depends on your platform. The following table shows the appropriate key and mouse button combination
on each platform:

Platform Button Combinations

Windows Right-click
macOS Ctrl+click or right-click

Context menu commands are provided throughout this guide.

Logging Out and Exiting

When you are finished using Interplay Access, you can log out of a database or exit the application. Exiting
the application logs you out automatically.

To log out, click the database and do one of the following:

t Select File > Logout from Database.
t Select Logout from Database from the context menu.
To exit and close the application:
t Select File > Exit
The state of the tree structure is saved when you log out and is restored the next time you log in to
Interplay Access on the same machine.

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 1 Getting Started with Interplay Access

Configuring Interplay Access Options

The following topics describe various options you can configure in Interplay Access:
l "Configuring Interplay Access Globally (Administrators Only)" below
l "Displaying the Full Menus" below
l "Showing All Hidden Dialog Boxes" below
l "Changing Font Settings" on the next page
l "Configuring Asset Types, Commands, and Applications" on the next page
l "Configuring the Pro Tools Location (macOS Only)" on page 26
l "Setting the Working Path for a Folder" on page 27

Configuring Interplay Access Globally (Administrators Only)

Users with administrator rights have the power to control what the Interplay Access user sees.
Administrators can set the access rights for folders, create categories, specify the property layout, and
control transfer presets.

This type of configuration is described in detail in the Avid MediaCentral | Production Management Engine
and Archive Engine Administration Guide. Additional information about user rights management along with
examples is provided in Avid MediaCentral | Production Management Best Practices Guide. Also refer to
"Access Control and Delete Matrices" on page 193.

Displaying the Full Menus

By default, Interplay Access displays menus that include the most commonly used tasks. You can select the
Full Menus setting to display all menus and commands.

The Operations menu is displayed only when you select Full Menus.

To display the all menus and commands or to display only basic menus and commands:
t Select Preferences > Full Menus.
A check mark means all menus and commands are displayed. If a check mark is displayed, click the
check box to return to basic menus and commands.

Showing All Hidden Dialog Boxes

Some dialog boxes ask you if you want the dialog box displayed every time you perform an action. If you
select “No,” that dialog box becomes hidden. You can return all dialog boxes to the default state of
“shown.”

To show all dialogs that have been set to be hidden:

1. Select (Windows) Preferences > Options or (macOS) Interplay Access > Preferences.
2. Click the Operations tab.
3. Click the Reset Dialogs button.
4. Click OK.

n Information about other options in this tab is provided in "Working with File Assets" on page 138.

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 1 Getting Started with Interplay Access

Changing Font Settings

To change the font settings:

1. Select (Windows) Preferences > Options or (macOS) Interplay Access > Preferences.
2. Click the View Settings tab.
3. Select a number from the Base Font Size list.
4. (Option) Click Revert to defaults to return the base fonts to the standard size (12).
5. Click OK.
The fonts are resized after you restart Interplay Access.

n Information about the other option in the View Settings tab is provided in "Using Extended View Mode"
on page 86.

Configuring Asset Types, Commands, and Applications

For file assets, you can select the application that is used for viewing the file assets, editing the file assets,
and showing differences between file assets. For example, you can specify the graphic application you
want to use to view and edit particular types of graphics files.

If you do not set a specific application for an asset, Interplay Access uses the same application that is used
by the operating system. For example, on a Windows system, if you have set all .bmp files to open in Paint,
Interplay Access also opens a .bmp file in Paint.

You configure commands for asset types in the Asset Types tab of the Options dialog box. Asset types are
listed in the top table and commands are listed in the bottom table. Each asset type has a default set of
commands. In most cases, keep the default set of commands and do not add commands.

c Do not add commands or change settings for Avid assets.

The following table describes the basic commands that you can configure for each asset type. The settings
(or command handlers) vary according to command. The Edit Command dialog box provides descriptions
and examples for all commands and command handlers, according to your operating system (Windows or
macOS).

Application Settings for Commands

Command Setting Description

(Command
Handler)

Preview Internal Media Displays the headframe of an asset in the Interplay Access Monitor. This
Player command (single-click) loads a video or audio asset, and the View
command (double-click) plays the asset.
Internal Text Displays a text file in the internal text viewer.
Viewer
Node Viewer Displays the default icon or image for the selected node in the Interplay
Access Monitor. This setting is used for assets that are not video or audio
assets.
View Start in Internal Plays an asset in the Interplay Access Monitor. This command (double-
Media Player click) plays a video or audio asset, and the Preview command (single-click)
loads the asset.
Internal Text Displays a text file in the internal text viewer as a separate window.

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 1 Getting Started with Interplay Access

Application Settings for Commands

Command Setting Description

(Command
Handler)

Viewer
External Plays a video or audio asset or opens any other asset in an external
Application application.
Edit External Opens an asset in an external application for editing.
application
Difference Internal Image Displays two assets side-by-side in the MediaCentral Production
Difference Management image difference component. See "Configuring Differencing"
on page 203
External Displays two assets in an external application. See "Configuring
Application Differencing" on page 203.
External Uses an external application for merging. See "Checking In Files With
Application Multiple Checkouts" on page 149.
Explore External Opens the location with an external application used as a file browser.
Application

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 1 Getting Started with Interplay Access

To configure asset types, commands, and applications:

1. Select (Windows) Preferences > Options or (macOS) Interplay Access > Preferences.
2. Click the Asset Types tab.

3. (Option) To add a file extensions for an asset type, click the File Extensions field in the Asset Types
table. For multiple file extensions, type the extensions separated by commas.
4. (Option) To configure the behavior for an asset type, first select the asset type to set commands for
in the Asset Type table. Then click New/Edit.
The Edit Command dialog box opens.

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 1 Getting Started with Interplay Access

5. Select the command and command handler.

If an external application is used for a command, type the path to the application in the adjacent
field or use the Browse button with the folder symbol to browse to an application.
For advanced usage, the External Application command allows entering of a full command line with
an arbitrary number of parameters which must be escaped by quotes. The number of parameters is
one for viewing and editing, and two for differencing and merging, for example, Difference - External
Application - "/usr/bin/opendiff" "{0}” "{1}."
6. Click OK in the Edit Command dialog box.
7. Click OK in the Options dialog box.

Configuring the Pro Tools Location (macOS Only)

Interplay Access (macOS only) has a setting that is useful if your Pro Tools application is installed in a
location other than the default location (/Applications/Pro Tools.app). In previous versions of Interplay
Access (macOS), Pro Tools would be automatically detected. In macOS (Big Sur), it does not automatically
detect Pro Tools if it was installed in a location other than the default location (/Applications/Pro
Tools.app).

This setting, available in Interplay Access (masOS and Windows) allows you to enter the location of your
Pro Tools application. This setting allows arbitrary paths, executables, commands and parameters to be
entered. Furthermore, when not overwritten by this menu item, Access (on macOS) uses a default launch
command that is compatible with macOS 10.15 and later.

To enable this setting, see the following procedure:

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 1 Getting Started with Interplay Access

Configuring the Pro Tools Location:

1. In Interplay Access, select Preferences > Options > Pro Tools Settings.
The first time you access this tab, the field will be blank.

2. In the Pro Tools Location field, type the location where Pro Tools is currently installed on your system.
For example:
– /Applications/Pro Tools.app (default)
– /Applications/Staging/Pro Tools.app
– /Applications/Pro Tools11.app

n It is important to note that, for Interplay Access to find it, you must type the “.app” suffix at the
end of the location.

3. Click OK.
4. Close Interplay Access, and then restart the Interplay Access / Admin client. When you restart, it will
automatically locate the Pro Tools application.

Setting the Working Path for a Folder

When setting up a database, the administrator specifies the working path, or local folder (see "Setting the
Default Working Folder" on page 17). This dictates where local copies of file assets are stored on each client.
You might want to change the working path of an individual folder in some cases, such as when the current
location is running out of disk space.

n Changing the working path for a folder is recommended only for advanced users and only under
special circumstances. When changing working paths, remember that a tree structure on the hard disk
that matches the database is very helpful for users as well as administrators.

To change the working path of a folder:

1. Select a database folder.

2. Do one of the following:
t Click Operations > Advanced and Set Working Path.
t Select Advanced > Set Working Path from the context menu.
The Set Working Path dialog box opens and you are asked to specify the new location.
3. Do one of the following:
t Select “Inherit from parent folder” to reset the working path to the preset default.
t Select “Set the working path to” and type the new path, or click the Browse button and browse
through the hard disk to a new location.
4. Click OK.

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 2 Viewing Assets in the Monitor

2 Viewing Assets in the Monitor

Browsing view refers to the arrangement of panes in Interplay Access. The Browsing view has three main
sections:
l The Monitor, which displays headframes of assets and lets you play video
l The Folders pane, which displays the folder structure of any databases to which you are connected.
l The Assets pane, which displays the assets for a selected folder in one tab, and search criteria and
results in another tab.
The following illustration shows these three panes. In this illustration, the Monitor displays the headframe of
an asset selected in a folder named “Ice Island Part 1.”

The following illustration shows the Browsing view with the search tab displayed in the Assets pane.

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 2 Viewing Assets in the Monitor

You can add other panes to this view (see "Displaying Additional Panes" on page 31).

Viewing Assets in the Monitor

You can view assets in the Monitor. The title bar shows the name of the loaded asset and an icon indicating
its media type. The following icons are used most often.

Master clip

Sequence or shotlist

Subclip

For additional icons, see "Icons for Avid Assets and Folders" on page 62.

To load an asset in the Monitor:

t Click an asset that is displayed in the Assets pane (in either the Content tab or the Search tab).
Assets can be displayed by opening a folder in the Content tab or by running a search in the Search
tab.

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 2 Viewing Assets in the Monitor

Adjusting the Aspect Ratio and Size of the Monitor

You can specify a default aspect ratio for the Monitor, or leave it set for automatic. You can also adjust the
dimensions of the Monitor to your preference.

To set the default aspect ratio:

1. Select (Windows) Preferences > Options or (macOS) Interplay Access > Preferences.
2. Click the View Settings tab.
3. In the Monitor Aspect Ratio area, select the aspect ratio you want to use as the default. The installed
default setting is Automatic, which automatically adjusts the aspect ratio of the Monitor to the
aspect ratio of the selected clip.
4. Click OK.
To change the dimensions of the Monitor:

1. Load a clip or image.

2. Drag the left or bottom border.

Showing and Hiding the Monitor

By default the Monitor is displayed in the Browsing view. If you do not need to use the Monitor, you can hide
it and use the extra space to expand other panes in the Interplay Access window, such as the Folders pane.

Note the following:

l When you start Interplay Access, it uses the most recent setting. For example, if you hide the Monitor
and close Access, the Monitor will be hidden the next time you open Access.
l The Monitor is automatically displayed if you select View > Full-Screen Monitor. If you go back to
normal view, the Monitor remains displayed.
To show or hide the Monitor:
t Select View > Show Monitor Pane.
A check mark means the Monitor is displayed. To hide the Monitor, select the menu command so that
a check mark is not displayed. To show the Monitor again, select the menu command again.
You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+F5 (Windows) or Shift+Command+F5 (macOS).

Displaying the Full-Screen Monitor

You can enlarge the Monitor so that it fills the current Interplay Access window. You can enlarge the window
to fill your computer monitor screen.

n Enlarging the Monitor can result in a less sharp, more blocky display.
To display the full-screen Monitor or return to a view, do one of the following:
t Select View > Full-Screen Monitor.
A check mark means the full-screen Monitor is displayed. If a check mark is displayed, click the check
box to return to a view.
t Press Ctrl+4.
t Double-click the Monitor title bar.

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 2 Viewing Assets in the Monitor

Displaying Additional Panes

There are four additional panes you can display in a view:
l Shortcuts pane, which displays files and folders that you selected for quick access.
l Categories pane, which displays groups of assets assigned to categories that were created in the
Interplay Administrator.
l Saved Searches pane, which displays the name of a set of search criteria that you saved.
l Object Inspector pane, which displays information about any asset that you select.
You can also hide or display the Monitor.

To add or remove an additional pane:

t Click the View menu and select the name of the pane you want to add or remove.
A check mark means the pane is displayed. If a check mark is displayed, click the check box to
remove the pane from the display. The following illustration shows the Shortcuts pane, the Object
Inspector pane, and the Monitor pane selected for display.

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 2 Viewing Assets in the Monitor

Resizing Panes
You can resize panes in a view by dragging the vertical border between the panes. In addition, you can
change the size of the Monitor by using a sizing control (see "Adjusting the Aspect Ratio and Size of the
Monitor" on page 30).

To resize panes in a view:

t Move the mouse to the border of a pane until you see a double-headed arrow. Then click the border
and drag it to the size you want.

Opening an Avid Asset in Interplay Assist

If Interplay Assist and Interplay Access are installed on the same computer, you can open and play an Avid
asset (such as a clip, subclip, or sequence) in Interplay Assist. This is especially useful for playing assets.

To open an Avid asset in Interplay Assist, do one of the following:

t In the Content tab, select an Avid asset and then select Tools > Open in Interplay Assist.
t In the Content tab, right-click an Avid asset and Open in Interplay Assist.
t In Extended View mode, select an Avid asset and then select Open in Interplay Assist from the Actions
menu.
Interplay Assist opens (if it is not already open) with the selected Avid asset loaded in the Video monitor.

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 3 Adding and Organizing Assets

3 Adding and Organizing Assets

The MediaCentral Production Management database structure usually has a default set of folders,
depending on how the administrator set up the database and what operations and transfers are typically
necessary. These folders have names appropriate for the type of work you are doing. They can be
configured to send the folder content to playback devices, to another workgroup, to archive, or to another
folder. A database that is set up well can make your workflow more efficient.

The MediaCentral Production Management Engine and Archive Engine have different default folders, as
shown in the following illustrations. The folder icons are also different.

If the database has been set up using the default MediaCentral Production Management structure, you
cannot delete or move the top-level folders, and you cannot add other top level folders or assets unless an
administrator changes this setting. For more information, see "Freezing Folders and Content" on page 169.

The following table describes the folders created in the default database structure:

Folder Possible Uses

Catalogs You can use catalogs for any purpose. For example, you can create folders for media
(MediaCentral belonging to specified groups, such as “Presidential visit” or “Hurricane damage.”
Production
Management
Engine only)
Incoming Media Incoming Media folders hold transferred and ingested materials, organized by Avid shared-
storage workspace names. The system automatically creates folders in the Incoming Media
folder that match the names of the workspaces that you use for workgroup transfers and
ingests from AirSpeed®. The system does not create the workspace folder until you perform
the first transfer or ingest to that workspace. You can then move assets from the Incoming
Media folder to another folder.
Orphan clips If an Avid asset is deleted from a folder (metadata only), and there are no more references
to that asset from any other folder, the last reference is moved to this holding area until the
asset and media are deleted. By default, only administrators can view this folder. For more
information, see "Using the Orphan Clips Folder" on page 180.
Projects Project folders are used to structure and collect media that composes a unit of work, for
(MediaCentral example, an episode in a series or an hourly news show. The system does not automatically
Production create folders within the Projects folder. You can create the folders within Interplay Access
Management and then use them to organize your projects in the Avid editing applications.

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 3 Adding and Organizing Assets

Folder Possible Uses

Engine only)
Sent to Playback You can create a folder and associate it with a playback device. When you are performing
(MediaCentral a send to playback, the folder fills with clips of the media that was successfully transferred
Production to the playback device. For configuration information on associating a playback device
Management with a folder, see “Configuring an Ingest Device Catalog” in the MediaCentral | Transfer
Engine only) Setup and User’s Guide.
Unchecked-in Avid This folder holds assets that were created on shared storage but are not yet checked in to
Assets the MediaCentral Production Management database. For example, if you capture to a bin
(MediaCentral in an Avid editing application and your target drive is a shared storage workspace, the
Production system automatically creates a folder with your username in the Unchecked-in Avid Assets
Management folder. MediaCentral Production Management creates assets for the clips you capture and
Engine only) places the assets in this folder. If you then drag the clip from the bin to a different folder in
the Production Management Window (check in the clip), the system moves the asset to the
specified folder.

You can view your own assets in the Unchecked-in Avid Assets folder but only an
administrator can see all of the assets in the folder. For more information, see "Using the
Unchecked-In Avid Assets Folder" on page 39.
Deleted Items This folder holds items that are pending deletion. Logged-on users see only items they
deleted. Administrators see all deleted items. The folder is created the first time you delete
an asset. For more information, see "Using the Deleted Items Folder" on page 191.

Creating New Folders

If you have the appropriate rights, you can add folders to the database to help organize your assets. You
might set up a folder for a particular project or a folder that holds one type of graphics. For more
information about planning and managing a folder structure, see MediaCentral | Production Management
Best Practices.

By default, a new folder has the following properties:

l Users (with appropriate rights) can move, rename, and delete this folder. The administrator can
deselect an option so that the folder cannot be moved, renamed, or deleted. See "Renaming a Folder
or Editing the Description" on page 36, and "Viewing and Changing Folder Options (Administrators
Only)" on page 37.
l The owner is the user who created it. An administrator or the owner can change the ownership later.
See "Changing Ownership of Folders and Assets (Administrators Only) " on page 36. Administrators
can also change the default behavior so that the owner of the new folder is the owner of the parent
folder. Administrators can change this behavior in the Ownership Behavior view in the Interplay
Administrator. For more information, see “Setting the Ownership for New Database Folders” in the
MediaCentral | Production Management Engine and Archive Engine Administration Guide.
l The folder is public (all others can see the folder).
l Users (with appropriate rights) can create subfolders.
l Users (with appropriate rights) can place reservations on the folder. See "Setting Reservations" on
page 172 for details on reservations.
l Users (with appropriate rights) can add and remove items from this folder. The administrator can
deselect an option so that no items can be added to the folder and the folder contents cannot be
deleted.
l There are special restrictions for deleting folders. See "Deleting Assets" on page 166.

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 3 Adding and Organizing Assets

n Folders that you create under the Catalogs heading in the tree are typically called catalogs.
To create a new folder in the database:

1. Select a parent folder in the tree structure in the Folders pane. This can be in the root directory if you
have the appropriate rights.
2. Do one of the following:
t Select File > New Folder.
t Select New Folder from the context menu.
t Press (Windows) Ctrl+N or (macOS) Shift+Command+N.
The New Folder dialog box opens.

3. Type a name for your folder and add a comment. Make sure that this comment is meaningful for later
use.
Folder names and file names have a 255 character limit.

n Avid recommends adhering to a best practice of a 255 character limit for clip names. While it is
technically possible for clip names to be longer, folders and files are hard set at this 255
maximum and using it as guideline may be easier to enforce over time across staff or teams.

4. (All users) Do the following:

– The owner of the folder is by default the user logged on. To change the owner assignment, click
Advanced. Select an individual user from the Owner list. Only an administrator can change the
owner after the folder is created.

– To make the folder visible only to you, click Advanced and then select “Folder is private”
(default is public).
5. (Administrators only) Click Advanced and select or deselect the following options:
– Allow users to create reservations (default is allowed).
– Allow moving and renaming of this folder (default is allowed).
– Allow adding and removing of items directly in this folder (default is allowed).

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 3 Adding and Organizing Assets

– Allow users to create subfolders (default is allowed).

After a folder is created, only an administrator can change these options. See "Viewing and
Changing Folder Options (Administrators Only)" on the next page and "Freezing Folders and
Content" on page 169
6. Click OK to create the folder.

Renaming a Folder or Editing the Description

Renaming a folder is allowed only if the setting “Allow moving and renaming of this folder” is selected for
the folder. Administrators can select or deselect this option when first creating a folder (see "Creating New
Folders" on page 34). After a folder is created, administrators can change this setting through the Security
dialog box.

To rename a folder:

1. Select the folder.

2. Do one of the following:
t Select Rename from the context menu.
t Select Edit > Rename.
t Press F2.
The Rename dialog box opens.
3. Change the name or description of the folder.
4. Click OK.
The folder is saved with the new name.

Changing Ownership of Folders and Assets (Administrators Only)

By default, the owner of a folder is the user who created it. The owner of an Avid asset is the user who
created it; the owner of a file asset is the user who imported it.

After an item is created, only the owner or an administrator can change the owner.

Administrators can change the default behavior so that the new folder is owned by the owner of the parent
folder. Administrators can change this behavior in the Ownership Behavior view in the Interplay
Administrator. For more information, see “Setting the Ownership for New Database Folders” in the
MediaCentral | Production Management Engine and Archive Engine Administration Guide.

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 3 Adding and Organizing Assets

To change the owner of a folder or asset:

1. Do one of the following:

t Select the folder in the tree structure, then select Operations > Security.
t Select Security from the context menu.
The Security dialog box opens.
2. Click the down arrow button and select a different user from the Owner list.
3. Click Apply, and then click Exit.

Viewing and Changing Folder Options (Administrators Only)

By default, a new folder has the following properties:
l The owner is the user who created it.
l The folder is public (all others can see the folder).
l Users (with appropriate rights) can create subfolders.
l Users (with appropriate rights) can place reservations on the folder. See "Setting Reservations" on
page 172 for details on reservations.
l Users (with appropriate rights) can move, rename, and delete this folder. The administrator can
deselect an option so that the folder cannot be moved, renamed, or deleted.
l Users (with appropriate rights) can add and remove items from this folder. The administrator can
deselect an option so that no items can be added to the folder and the folder contents cannot be
deleted.
After a folder is created, only an administrator can change these folder options, as described in the
following procedure. See also "Freezing Folders and Content" on page 169.

For a summary of user rights and access control, see "Access Control and Delete Matrices" on page 193.

To change folder options:

1. Select the folder in the tree structure.

2. Do one of the following:
t Click Operations > Security.
t Select Security from the context menu.
The Security dialog box opens.

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 3 Adding and Organizing Assets

3. Select or deselect the desired options.

4. Click Apply.
5. When you are finished, click Close.
Changing User Roles on Folders (Administrators Only)
The global user roles for each database are set in Interplay Administrator’s User Management view, and can
be fine-tuned to restrict (or allow) rights on specific folders in the Manage Database Roles view. See the
MediaCentral Production Management Engine and Archive Engine Administration Guide for details.
Administrators can, however, also change user rights for an item in Interplay Access.

After a folder is created, only an administrator can change the user roles.

For a summary of user rights and access control, see "Access Control and Delete Matrices" on page 193.

To change the rights for a folder:

1. Select the folder in the tree structure.

2. Do one of the following:
t Select Operations > Security.
t Select Security from the context menu.
The Security dialog box opens.

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3. In the Roles section, click the down arrow and select the user for which you want to change the user
role for the selected item.
4. Select the role you want to grant the selected user for the selected item.
5. Click Apply.

c It is important that you understand the way that user roles work, especially if security is crucial. See
the User Management section of the MediaCentral | Production Management Engine and Archive
Engine Administration Guide for details.

Using the Unchecked-In Avid Assets Folder

By default the MediaCentral Production Management database includes an Unchecked-in Avid Assets
folder. This folder serves as a temporary folder for Avid assets that are automatically checked in by an Avid
editing application or by another application such as CaptureManager. For example, if you set your Media
Creation tool in an Avid editing application to shared storage and then capture media to a bin or render
effects, the Avid editing application automatically checks the newly created assets into the MediaCentral
Production Management database and places them in the Unchecked-in Avid Assets folder.

After you drag the asset from the bin to a folder in the Production Management window, MediaCentral
Production Management automatically moves the asset link from the Unchecked-in Avid Assets folder to
your designated folder.

Administrators can view all of the assets in the Unchecked in Avid Assets folder. Users that create media
from local bins can only view their own assets in the Unchecked-in Avid Assets folder.

To view the contents of the Unchecked-in Avid Assets folder:

t Double-click the Unchecked-in Avid Assets folder in the tree structure in the Folders pane.

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Adding Assets to the Production Management Database

There are different ways of adding assets to the MediaCentral Production Management database:
l To add Avid assets, you need to check them in through an Avid editing application or through an
MediaCentral Production Management application. Avid assets can be created by Avid applications
through capture, ingest, import, or transfer. Any media created on Avid shared-storage, such as
capturing or rendering, is automatically checked in (auto-cataloged) to the MediaCentral Production
Management database.
For information about checking in Avid assets from an editing application, see the documentation for
the editing application. For information about automatic check-in through an MediaCentral
Production Management application, see MediaCentral | Production Management Best Practices
Guide.
l To add file assets, you need to import them though Interplay Access. For more information, see
"Importing Files or Folders" below.

Importing Files or Folders

File assets can include any file type, including graphics files, Microsoft Office documents, and desktop
movies such as QuickTime files. Importing files adds them as file assets to the MediaCentral Production
Management database and makes them accessible to other users of MediaCentral Production
Management.

It’s most efficient to work with file assets that are created on your working path (see "Setting the Default
Working Folder" on page 17). You can import files from any location, but when you check out a file, the
latest version is copied to the corresponding folder in your working path. Thus, to avoid having duplicate
files on your local system, it’s a good idea to create new files in a folder in your working path and then
import the files or folder. You can use the following methods to import one file, multiple files, one folder, or
multiple folders:
l Select an item and drag it to a folder in Interplay Access
l Use the Import dialog box, which offers three different tabs for accessing files:
– Unimported Files: This tab displays any unimported files in your working path. For information
about the working path, see "Setting the Working Path for a Folder" on page 27.
– My Computer: This tab displays a tree that corresponds to the folder structure on your
computer.
– Home Directory: This tab displays the home folder for the user that is currently logged in.
To import files or folders by dragging and dropping:

1. On your system desktop, select a file, multiple files, a folder, or multiple folders.
2. Drag the selection to a folder in Interplay Access.
The Import dialog box opens.

3. Type a comment.

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 3 Adding and Organizing Assets

4. (Option) If you don’t want a copy of the files in your local working directory, select Advanced and
select “Don’t get local copy.”

5. Click OK.
The selected files and folders are imported.
To import files or folders from the working path:

1. Select a folder in the tree structure in the Folders pane.

2. Open the Import dialog box by doing one of the following:
t Select Import from the context menu
t Select Operations > Import.
t Press (Windows) Ctrl+M or (macOS) Shift+Command+M.
3. Click the Unimported Files Tab to browse through your data in the working path of the folder
selected.

4. (Option) Click the arrow to display the file filter options.

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5. Make your filter selections.

6. (Option) Restore Defaults clears the filters you have selected and makes all files and folders you
originally chose available for import.
7. To mark files or folders for import, select them and do one of the following:
t Press the space bar.
t Click the check box.
If you click a folder, all files and subfolders are automatically marked for import.

8. Click OK.
The Import dialog box opens.
9. Type a comment.
10. (Option) If you don’t want a copy of the files in your local working directory, select Advanced and
select “Don’t get local copy.”
11. Click OK.

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The selected files and folders are imported. If you selected files and folders in other tabs in the Import
dialog box, those files and folders are also imported.
To import files or folders from other locations on your disk:

1. In the tree structure in the Folders pane, select a folder into which you want to import the files or
folders.
2. Open the Import dialog box by doing one of the following:
t Select Import from the context menu.
t Select Operations > Import.
t Press (Windows) Ctrl+M or (macOS) Shift+Command+M.
3. Click the My Computer tab.

4. Add files or folders to the import list by selecting them in the top view and clicking Add.
5. (Option) Remove added files or folders from the import list by selecting them in the bottom view and
selecting Remove or Remove All.
6. Click OK.
The Import dialog box opens.
7. Type a comment.
8. (Option) If you don’t want a copy of the files in your local working directory, click Advanced and
select “Don’t get local copy.”
9. Click OK.
The selected files and folders are imported. If you selected files and folders in other tabs in the Import
dialog box, those files and folders are also imported.
To import files or folders from your Home Directory:

1. In the tree structure in the Folders pane, select a folder into which you want to import the files or
folders.
2. Open the Import dialog box doing one of the following:

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t Select Import from the context menu.

t Click Operations > Import.
t Press (Windows) Ctrl+M or (macOS) Shift+Command +M.
3. Click the Home Directory tab.

4. Add files or folders to the import list by selecting them in the top view and clicking Add.
5. (Option). Remove added files or folders from the import list by selecting them in the bottom view and
selecting Remove or Remove All.
6. Click OK.
The Import dialog box opens.
7. Type a comment.
8. (Option) If you don’t want a copy of the files in your local working directory, click Advanced and
select “Don’t get local copy.”
9. Click OK.
The selected files and folders are imported. If you selected files and folders in other tabs in the Import
dialog box, those files and folders are also imported.

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Resyncing Media Files with Avid Shared-Storage Workspaces

(Administrators Only)
Resyncing is a feature that administrators use to resynchronize the MediaCentral Production Management
database with media stored on Avid shared-storage workspaces. Resyncing ensures that all the media on
Avid shared storage is checked into the MediaCentral Production Management database. The resync
process works with the Media Indexer service to review all Avid media files on Avid shared-storage
workspaces and check if a corresponding Avid asset exists in the MediaCentral Production Management
database. If not, the resync process creates metadata for the media, checks the asset into the database,
and displays the asset in the Resync catalog.

Only media clips such as master clips and rendered effects are checked in by the resync process.
Sequences and subclips must be checked in again from the editing application.

If the resync process cannot locate the complete set of media files for a clip (video files, audio files, or both),
the media cannot be resynced.

You should resync the MediaCentral Production Management database with Avid shared storage:
l When media files are copied into a shared storage environment manually and resyncing is necessary
to make the compositional metadata (the clips associated with those media files) appear in
MediaCentral Production Management.
l When the MediaCentral Production Management Engine is offline, such as for maintenance or a
system crash, and media files are added to or created on Avid shared storage.

c Resyncing should not be used more than necessary as it effects the performance of the entire
database.

n This functionality is not available on macOS.

The Resync process includes resync of AMA (Avid Media Access) media files. Resync works with Media
Indexer and checks if the AMA media files indexed in the MI (through their associated .spaaf files) are
managed in the MediaCentral Production Management database. For more information, see the AMA
chapter in the MediaCentral Production Management Best Practices Guide.

To resync the MediaCentral Production Management database with Avid shared-storage workspaces
(native media):

1. Select the Resync option from the database’s context menu.

The Resynchronize Media dialog box opens and lists two folders: one for native media, and one for
AMA media.

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2. Click the triangle next to the Native folder.

3. Select the workspaces with which you want to resync.

Selecting a workspace resyncs all folders in that workspace. You can open a workspace and select a
particular folder.
4. Click OK.
A dialog box displays the progress.
5. When the resync is complete, click OK.
New Avid assets created during resync are checked in and added to the Resync catalog.
6. (Option) Move the assets to a different folder.

n Not all attributes are created. The Name, Tape name, Creation date, Audio, Audio format, Tracks,
Drive, End, and Start attributes are created. All other attributes are left blank.

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To purge unwanted Avid assets from the Resync catalog:

1. Select the items in the catalog that you want to delete.

2. Press the Delete key.
The Delete dialog box opens.
3. Select the asset and the associated media files.
4. Click OK.
The selected Avid assets are permanently deleted from the MediaCentral Production Management
database, and the media files are deleted from Avid NEXIS shared storage. For more information
about deleting, see "Deleting Assets" on page 166.

Moving Assets into Folders

Folders are useful for organizing your assets (both file assets and Avid assets). Folders can also make
searches faster by limiting the number of records through which the database has to search. You can
organize your assets by moving them from one folder into another. You can also cut, copy, or paste assets
(see "Cutting, Copying, and Pasting Assets" on the next page). File assets and sequences keep their version
histories when you move them.

Moving assets into folders is allowed only if the Security setting “Adding and removing of items directly in
this folder” is checked for the folder. Only Administrators can change this setting through the Security
dialog, available through the context menu of the folder. If the database has been set up using the default
MediaCentral Production Management structure, you cannot delete or move the top-level folders, and you
cannot add other top-level folders or assets unless an administrator changes this setting.

When you move a sequence, any referenced assets are also moved.

n If you move a sequence or subclip to another folder, right-click the original folder and select Refresh
Referenced Clips. This ensures that any referenced clips associated with the moved link are removed.
See "Refreshing Referenced Clips" on page 93. Some clips might remain because a clip can be both
referenced and non-referenced. See "Setting the Filters for the Display" on page 67.

To move assets into a folder:

1. Perform a search or browse operation that returns the assets that you want to add to a folder. See
"Browsing the Database" on page 62 and "Searching for Assets" on page 112.
2. Select the desired items.
3. Do one of the following:
t Drag the items into the target folder in the tree view. The items are moved.
t From the context menu of the items, select Move to.
The Move to dialog box opens.

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t Select Edit menu > Move to.

The Move to dialog box opens.
4. Select the folder to which you want to move the items. Click the Browser tab to select a folder. Click
the Shortcuts tab to move the item into the folder the shortcut points to.
5. Click OK.
The items are moved to the selected folder.

Cutting, Copying, and Pasting Assets

Cutting removes the link to an asset in a folder. No assets are actually deleted.

Cutting and pasting moves the link to an asset from one folder to another. No assets are actually deleted.
All of the metadata for the asset is preserved.

Copying and pasting adds another link to the asset without consuming extra space. All of the metadata for
the asset is preserved.

n If you have only Read access to a sequence, you cannot copy this sequence to a folder for which you
have the Read/Write role. This is a security feature to prevent users from obtaining write access to a
sequence for which they have only Read access. The copy operation will succeed if the user already
has write access on the sequence in another folder, or if the user is the owner of the sequence.

This restriction does not apply to master clips. For more information, see "Changing User Roles on Folders
(Administrators Only)" on page 38

To cut and paste an asset from one folder to another:

1. Select the item you want to copy.

2. Do one of the following:
t Select Edit > Cut.
t Select Cut from the context menu.
t Press (Windows) Ctrl+X or (macOS) Shift+Command+X.
3. Click the location where you want to copy the asset to
4. Do one of the following:

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t Select Edit > Paste.

t Select Paste from the context menu.
t Press (Windows) Ctrl+V or (macOS) Shift+Command+V.
To copy and paste an asset from one folder to another:

1. Select the item you want to copy.

2. Do one of the following:
t Select Edit > Copy.
t Select Copy from the context menu.
t Press (Windows) Ctrl+C or (macOS) Shift+Command+C.
3. Click the location where you want to copy the asset to.
4. Do one of the following:
t Select Edit > Paste.
t Select Paste from the context menu.
t Press (Windows) Ctrl+V or (macOS) Shift+Command+V.

Duplicating Avid Assets

Duplicating a clip, subclip, or sequence makes a copy of the Avid asset. The duplicated asset is a new asset.
_Dup_ and an ID are added as a suffix to the original name.

The duplication action performs a check out of the AAF file, changes the mob id in the AAF, and checks in
the changed AAF. As a result, only the current working resolution (last check in) is duplicated, as well as all
current user properties and frame locators.

In addition, “incoming” relatives are not duplicated. For example a duplicated sequence has the same
relatives (meaning it uses the same assets as the original sequence), but a duplicated master clip will have
no relatives.

To duplicate a clip, subclip, or sequence, do one of the following:

t Select the item and select Duplicate from the context menu.
t Select the item and select Tools > Duplicate.
The media status of the duplicated asset is the same as that of the original asset, but you might need
to select Tools > Update Status from Media Indexer to refresh the icon.

Organizing Assets Using Categories

Categories are a way to organize or sort your assets. Categories provide a grouping mechanism or
description for the data that is stored in a database. You can assign these categories to database items
and use them in an Extended Search.

The categories available are configured by an administrator through the Interplay Administrator. They are
visible in the Categories pane and the Categories tab in the Object Inspector. Use the Categories pane to
perform a simple search. Use the Categories tab to assign an asset to a category.

The Categories pane and the Object Inspector are not displayed in the default views. You can display them
by choosing Views > Categories Pane or Views > Object Inspector.

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To assign an asset to one or more categories:

1. If the Categories pane is not displayed, select View > Show Categories Pane.
2. Select the asset.
3. Select the Categories tab in the Object Inspector.

4. Select the appropriate category or categories.

5. Click Apply.
To search for items belonging to a specified category:

1. If the Object Inspector is not displayed, select View > Show Object Inspector Pane.
2. In the Categories pane, double-click the desired category.

The items assigned to the category are displayed in the Search Results pane.

Using Shortcuts for Browsing

To avoid having to click through the tree structure of the Folders pane for an item that you work with
frequently, you can create a shortcut and then just click the shortcut to open the item in the Content tab.
Shortcuts are stored per database, meaning you do not see the same shortcuts if you switch to another
database, and they are private by default, meaning other users do not see your shortcuts. Administrators
can create shortcuts as public, meaning other users can see them. For more information, see "Making
Private Shortcuts Public (Administrators Only)" on page 52.

The Shortcuts pane is not displayed in the default views.

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To create a shortcut:

1. If the Shortcuts pane is not displayed, select View > Show Shortcuts Pane.
2. Do one of the following:
t Click the item and drag it to the Shortcuts pane. The shortcut is created as private, or local-
only.
t Select Edit > Create Shortcut.
t Select Create Shortcut from the context menu of the item.
The Create Shortcut dialog box opens.
3. (Option) Change the name of the shortcut by typing new text in the text box.
4. (Administrators only) To create the shortcut for public use, double-click the lock icon (see "Making
Private Shortcuts Public (Administrators Only)" on the next page).
5. Click OK.
The shortcut appears in the Shortcuts pane.

A closed lock icon indicates that the shortcut is private, meaning not visible on other users’
workstations. An open lock indicates a public shortcut. Private is the default, and is the only option
available to non-Administrators.
To change the name of a shortcut:

1. Select Edit from the context menu of the shortcut.

2. Type new text in the text box.
3. Click OK.
To delete a shortcut you have created:

1. Select the shortcut.

2. Do one of the following:
t Select Delete from the context menu.
t Press the Delete key.

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Making Private Shortcuts Public (Administrators Only)

To make a shortcut visible to other database users:

1. In the Shortcuts pane, do one of the following:

t Double-click the closed lock icon of the shortcut.
t Select Edit from the context menu of the shortcut.
The Create Shortcut dialog box opens.
2. Click the lock icon or the label “Private Resource.”
The icon changes to an open lock and the label changes to “Public Resource.”

3. Click OK.
The lock icon changes to an open lock in the Shortcuts pane.
To make a public shortcut private:

1. In the Shortcuts pane, do one of the following:

t Double-click the open lock icon of the shortcut.
t Select Edit from the context menu of the shortcut.
The Create Shortcut dialog box opens.
2. Click the label “Public Resource.”
The icon change to a lock icon and the label changes to “Private Resource.”
3. Click OK.

Renaming an Asset
Users with write access on an asset can rename the asset. Each asset needs to have a name. No empty
names are allowed. If an empty name is entered for a file asset, the Rename dialog does not allow you to
continue. For an Avid asset, if an empty name is entered, the internally used file name appears as the name
instead (a long string of numbers and letters).

To rename an asset:

1. Select the asset.

2. Do one of the following:
t Press F2.
t Select Rename from the context menu.
t Select Edit > Rename.

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3. Type the new name.

4. (Option) Press ESC to cancel the rename.
5. Press Enter to apply the changes.

Changing Text Color (Administrators Only)

Changing the text color of the metadata display of a file or folder color is a global change, meaning all
other users can see the change right after it is performed. Only Administrators can change the text color.
The Change Color command affects only the folder name and the asset name.

n All users can change the font size. See "Changing Font Settings" on page 23.
n Asset colors in Media Composer bins and asset colors in the MediaCentral Production Management
database are independent. Checkin from Media Composer of an asset tagged with a color in the editor
displays the default color (black) in Interplay Access and overrides the inherited color property in
Access. You can use the Inherit Color option to restore the inherited color.

To change the text color:

1. Select the item for which you want to change the color.
2. Do one of the following:
t Select Operations > Advanced > Change Asset Color.
t Select Advanced > Change Asset Color from the context menu.
3. Select the color you want to display.
Use the “Inherit Color” option to remove an explicitly set color so that the asset or folder inherits the
color of its parent folder.

Using Interplay Access with an Avid Editing Application

In the MediaCentral Production Management environment, Avid assets include Avid files such as master
clips, subclips, effects, and sequences. If you are working with an Avid editing application, you might want
to use the advanced search in Interplay Access to look for particular Avid assets. After finding the assets,
you can drag them from Interplay Access into a bin, which creates local copies of the assets (but not the
media). This process of copying assets is called checking out.

If you then modify the asset and want to save the changes in the database, you must use the Avid editing
application to check the asset back in to the database. The process of adding Avid files to an MediaCentral
Production Management database is known as checking in. Users can check files in manually through an
Avid editing application or automatically through one of several MediaCentral Production Management
configurations. For information about checking in through an Avid editing application, see your editing
application documentation.

Avid assets on the database are sometimes referred to as remote assets.

n You use the Interplay Access Import feature for file assets only.
n Interplay Access maintains version control for sequences (see "Version History and Archiving" on
page 200).

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To check Avid assets out of the MediaCentral Production Management database:

1. Start the Avid editing application, and either create a new project or open a bin in an existing project.
2. Log on to the MediaCentral Production Management database, as described in the editing
application documentation.
3. Open Interplay Access and browse or search for the assets you want.
4. Select the assets you want to use and drag them to a bin.
The Avid assets are checked out from the MediaCentral Production Management database. A link is
created to the asset, and the bin displays the assets you checked out.

Transferring Avid Assets to Another Workgroup

If you are working in a facility that includes more than one Avid workgroup, you can transfer Avid assets
(both metadata and media) from one workgroup to another. Workgroup transfers require the MediaCentral
Transfer application. In a workgroup transfer, the metadata and media is copied to the remote workgroup
while the original metadata and media remains in the local workgroup.

For information about workgroup transfers and creating destination presets, see the
MediaCentral | Transfer Setup and User’s Guide.

n You can also use the Copy service to copy assets and media to another workgroup. See "Copying
Assets and Media to Another Workgroup" on the next page.

To send the media and metadata to another workgroup:

1. In the Content view, right-click an Avid asset.

2. Select Send to Workgroup.
3. The Send to Workgroup dialog box opens.

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4. Select a location that is preconfigured by the database administrator.

Users with administrative rights can change the location.
5. (Option) If you want to monitor the transfer, select “Launch Interplay Transfer Status window”.
6. Click OK.

Copying Assets and Media to Another Workgroup

You can use the MediaCentral Copy service to copy assets (metadata) and their media files from one
workgroup to another. For example, if your facility uses a specified workgroup for low-resolution media,
you might need to copy clips and their low-resolution media files to the low-resolution workgroup and copy
them back again.

Before you copy assets and media files to another workgroup, make sure that your installation meets the
requirements described in the Interplay | Production Services Setup and User’s Guide.

To copy assets and media files to another workgroup using Interplay Access:

1. Start Interplay Access and log in to a workgroup and database (for example, AvidWG on Docwg as
Composer1).
2. Connect to another workgroup and database, using the same user name and password (for example,
AvidWG on Bplnisis as Composer1).
The following illustration shows these two databases in the directory tree.

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3. Select the assets whose files you want to copy.

You can copy assets from any workgroup to which you are connected (for example, from either
Docwg or Bplnisis). Any workgroup that you copy from must include a Production Services Engine
and Copy Provider in its MediaCentral Production Management environment).
You can select one asset, multiple assets, a folder, or multiple folders.
4. Do one of the following:
t Select Tools > Copy...
t Right-click and select Copy... from the sixth group of commands. (Do not select Copy from the
second group of commands, which copies metadata to the clipboard.)
The Copy dialog box opens and displays the workgroups to which you can copy assets and media.

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5. Select a profile from the Use Profile menu. If there are no profiles available, or you do not want to use
a profile, select the following options.
Option Description

Use Profile None

Destination Select the folder into which you want to copy the metadata.

n Make sure you select a folder and not just the database. If a folder is not
selected, the job is submitted but fails.
Workspace Select the workspace into which you want to copy the media.
Resolution Select which video resolution you want to copy. You can select All, Highest, Lowest, or
a specific resolution. If you select All, media for all associated resolutions must be
online. If any media is offline, the job will fail.
Include Audio Select this option if you want to copy audio that is associated with the clips whose
video media you are copying. Selecting this option also copies any audio-only clips.
Include File Select this option if you want to copy file assets (non-Avid assets such as graphics files)
Assets to the target folder.

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6. (Option) Select “Launch Interplay Production Services status window” to view the status of the
operation after it begins.
7. (Option) Click the Details button to view the number of files and their size. Their size indicates the size
of the media that will be copied.

8. Click OK.
The system starts the Copy operation. If you selected the option “Launch Interplay Production
Services status window” the window opens and shows you the progress of the job, as well as other
information about it. For information about the status window, click the Help button.
9. (Option) When the operation is complete, check if the asset was correctly copied by opening the
destination in the remote workgroup.

Moving Media to Another Workspace

You can use the MediaCentral Move service to move media files from one Avid NEXIS workspace to another.
For example, if one of your workspaces is getting close to capacity, you can use the Move service to move
selected media files to a workspace that has more free space.

Before you move media files, make sure your workgroup meets the requirements described in the
Interplay | Production Services Setup and User’s Guide.

To move media files to another workspace using Interplay Access:

1. In Interplay Access, select the assets whose media files you want to move.
You can select one asset, multiple assets, a subfolder, or multiple subfolders. The following
illustration shows the clip “divers” selected. The File Locations tab in the Object Inspector shows that
the clip is associated with two video media files and four audio media files (two different sets of
resolutions), all on workspace1.

n When selecting a folder, do not select a top-level folder, such as AvidWG/Catalogs or

AvidWG/Projects. You can only select subfolders, such as AvidWG/Catalogs/subfolder. All
media files contained in the selected subfolder and its subfolders are moved to the destination
workspace.

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2. Do one of the following:

t Select Tools > Move...
t Right-click and select Move...(Do not select Move to, which moves metadata from one folder to
another.)
The Move dialog box opens.

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3. Select a profile from the Use Profile menu. If there are no profiles available, or you do not want to use
a profile, select the following options:
a. Use Profile: None.
b. Destination: Select the workspace to which you want to move the media.
c. Resolution: Select which video resolution you want to move. You can select All, Highest, Lowest,
or a specific resolution. If you select All, the media for all associated resolutions must be online.
If any media is offline, the job will fail. You can override the default failure reporting setting
using the Avid Service Configuration tool.
d. Include Audio: Select this option if you want to move audio that is associated with the clips
whose video media you are moving. Selecting this option also moves any audio-only clips.
4. (Option) Select “Launch Interplay Production Services status window” to view the status of the
operation after it begins.
5. (Option) Click the Details button to view the number of files and their size. Their size indicates how
much disk space will be freed up after the move.

6. Click OK.
The system starts the Move operation. If you selected the option “Launch Interplay Production
Services status window,” the window opens and shows you the progress of the job, as well as other
information about it. For information about the status window, click the Help button.
7. (Option) When the operation is complete, select the clip and click the File Locations tab in the Object
Inspector to view the new workspace location.
The following illustration shows one video file and two audio files are now stored on workspace2,
while one video file and two audio files remain on workspace1.

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4 Browsing the Database

When you are connected to a database, the folders in the database are displayed in a tree view in the
Folders pane. The item you select in the tree view is displayed in the Content tab in the Assets pane. The tab
is labeled with the name of the folder.

A downward arrow-shaped pointer indicates that the sub-tree is open and a pointer towards the folder
shows that the sub-tree is closed. Clicking a pointer opens or closes the respective level of the structure.

To browse databases and folders:

1. In the Folders pane, click the arrow-shaped pointer next to a database name.
The top-level folders for the database are displayed.
2. Do one of the following:
t Click a folder to select it.
t Type the first letter of the folder name. The navigation starts from where the focus is in the
tree.
t Click a pointer to open a folder until you can select the folder you want to view.
The Content tab displays the assets for the folder you selected.

Icons for Avid Assets and Folders

Avid assets have their own set of icons, as shown in the following table. These icons are displayed in the
second column of the Content tab and in the title bar of the Monitor.

Avid Asset Icons

Master clip

Stereoscopic clip

Stereoscopic subclip

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Avid Asset Icons

Sequence

Subclip

Group

Multigroup

Motion effect

Effect

Rendered effect

Reserved asset (normal asset icon with red dot)

Sequence with closed caption created in MediaCentral UX.

n For information about icons for file assets, see "Icons and Indicators for File Assets" on page 138.
Gray Icons for Referenced-Only Assets

Assets are considered referenced assets when they are displayed in the same Production Management
folder as the asset that references them. For example, master clips and rendered effects that are contained
in a sequence are referenced assets when they are displayed in the same folder as the sequence.

In Interplay Access, icons for referenced assets are displayed in two different ways:
l Icons for assets that are explicitly checked in or copied to a Production Management folder are
indicated by standard black icons.
l Icons for assets that are not explicitly checked in or copied to an Production Management folder are
indicated by gray icons. These assets are referred to as “referenced-only assets.”
For more information, see "Referenced Assets and Referenced-Only Assets" on page 68

Links to rendered effects are not included in the MediaCentral Production Management database but are
still visible in client applications as simulated or emulated links with gray versions of the corresponding
icons. See "Emulated Rendered Effects" on page 106.

Folders for Synced Projects

Folders for Synced Projects are indicated by a synced project icon. Media assets in these folders update as
users modify the projects in your Avid editing application. For more information, see “Interplay Synced
Projects” in the Help for your Avid editing application.

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Synced project asset folders in Avid Access, with the synced project icon

Exclamation Point on Folders

An exclamation point on an Interplay Access folder indicates that the connection has been lost and is
reconnecting. If this situation occurs, it usually affects complete DBs. It might affect a folder and a set of
subfolders, which could be caused by timing of the reconnection, cache status, or access rights of the
logged-in user.

Browsing AMA Clips

Production Management supports checkin and dynamic relink of AMA (Avid Media Access) material. The
following information describes how AMA material is displayed in Interplay Access.
l There is a metadata property named AMA Media Status that is displayed as a column in the Assets
view and in other locations. The column displays one of the values described in the following table.
Value Description

Has AMA media linked The clip is linked to both AMA media and native Avid media
Has only AMA media linked The clip is linked to AMA media, but is not linked to native Avid media.
No AMA media linked The clip is not linked to AMA media.

The following illustration shows an example of each value.

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l In the Media Status column, an asset that has only AMA material is shown with a purple circle, as
shown in the following illustration.

l There are several search criteria you can use for an extended search, as described in the following
table.
Criterion Description

Has AMA media Search for clips linked to AMA media. These clips can include only AMA media or
linked both AMA media and native Avid media.
Has native media Search for clips linked to native Avid media or both native Avid media and AMA
linked media.
Has only AMA media Search for clips that are linked to AMA media but not to native Avid media.
linked
Has native and AMA Search for clips that are linked to both AMA media and native Avid media.
media linked
Does not have AMA Search for clips that are not linked to AMA media.
media linked

l For clips that have only AMA media, there are no entries in the File Locations for the Object Inspector.
For information about deleting AMA material, and additional AMA information, see “Using AMA Material in
Production Management ” in the MediaCentral | Production Management Best Practices Guide.

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Updating the Media Status

To make sure that your view reflects the most recent changes to the database, you can update (or refresh)
the media status of Avid assets. Updating the media status uses information from the Media Indexer. For
more information about the Media Indexer, see Avid MediaCentral | Production Management Best Practices
Guide.

c Do not update the media status too often as it can take a long time, especially for a large database
with many users.

n You can update the media status on an Avid editing system by right-clicking a clip in a bin and
selecting Reset Offline Info.

To update the media status for an Avid asset or for every Avid asset in a folder:

1. Select the item (an asset or a folder).

2. Do one of the following:
t Select Update Status from Media Indexer from the context menu.
t Select Tools > Update Status from Media Indexer.
t Click the Media Status Update button on the Content tab.

While the view is fetching content, the Media Status Update button is disabled. The processing is indicated
by the animated spinning icon in the button. If you repeat this step again while processing, the operation
ends. Selecting another tab, such as Search, also ends the processing.

Updating the Archive Status

If you are working with an archive database (AvidAM), you can update the status of archived assets to
make sure your view reflects the most recent changes to the database. For example, after an archive
operation, some assets might display a yellow or red icon. To make sure this is the correct status, you can
run the menu command “Update Status from Archive.”

n This command updates the status of assets based on information obtained from a MediaCentral
Archive database. The command does not obtain information from third-party archive systems.

To update the archive status for an Avid asset or for every Avid asset in a folder:

1. Select the item (an asset or a folder).

2. Do one of the following:
t Right-click and select Update Status from Archive.
t Select Tools > Update Status from Archive.

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Setting the Filters for the Display

MediaCentral Production Management allows you to set filtering options for what types of Avid assets
should be displayed in your folders. All asset types are displayed by default.If you are only concerned with
certain asset types, you can use the filters to make the display results less cluttered.

Referenced assets are displayed by default. Referenced assets are assets that are referenced by another
asset in the same Production Management folder. If a referenced asset is not explicitly checked in or copied
to the folder that holds the sequence, the asset is considered a referenced-only asset. Referenced-only
assets are displayed with gray versions of the corresponding icons for non-referenced assets. For more
information, see "Referenced Assets and Referenced-Only Assets" on the next page.

The Filter Settings tab also includes the Search Results Filter. This option filters the results of a search to
show only one representation for each asset found. For more information, see "Showing One
Representation for Each Asset Found" on page 130.

To change the filter settings:

1. Select (Windows) Preferences > Options or (macOS) Interplay Access > Preferences.
The Options dialog box opens.

2. Click the Filter Settings tab.

3. Select the additional options you want to be displayed in the folder, or deselect the boxes for asset
types you want filtered out.
4. Click OK.
The next time you access a folder, the display reflects your changes.

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Referenced Assets and Referenced-Only Assets

This topic presents definitions for the following terms:
l "Referenced Assets" below
l "Referenced-Only Assets" below
l "Explicit Checkin" on the next page
l "Emulated Rendered Effects" on the next page
This information is important when planning a deletion workflow.

Referenced Assets

In simplest terms, referenced assets are assets that are used by another asset. For example, master clips
and rendered effects that are contained in a sequence are referenced assets. However, for database
management purposes, links are considered referenced assets when they are displayed in the same
Production Management folder as the asset that references them.

n To display referenced assets in Interplay Access, select Preferences > Options > Filter Settings and
select the Referenced Assets check box.

Referenced-Only Assets

The MediaCentral Production Management Engine makes a distinction between referenced assets and
referenced-only assets. Referenced-only assets are assets that are displayed in the same folder as the
asset that references them, but were not explicitly checked in to or copied to that folder. For example,
referenced-only assets can be created when a sequence is checked in but its clips are not in the same
editing application bin, and are not explicitly checked in to the same folder as the sequence. In this case,
the clips are displayed in the sequence’s folder as referenced-only assets. If you deselect the filter setting
for referenced assets, the referenced-only assets are not displayed in the folder.

Referenced-only assets are displayed with gray icons.

In the following illustration, the master clip “divers” and the rendered effects are objects in the sequence,
but because they are not objects in the editing application bin they were not explicitly checked in to the
Production Management folder. They are displayed with gray icons.

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Explicit Checkin

An explicit checkin occurs when an object in a bin or the bin that holds the object is checked in to the
MediaCentral Production Management database.

n There are several methods for checking in Avid assets, with some differences in the ways they operate.
For more information, see “Checking Avid Assets In to the MediaCentral Production Management
Database” in the Media Composer documentation.

In the following illustration, the sequence “Opening Sequence” and the master clip “Seagull” are objects in
the bin and were checked in as assets when the bin was checked in (an explicit checkin). They are displayed
with black icons.

Emulated Rendered Effects

Links for rendered effects are not included in the Production Management database. These links are
simulated or “emulated” in Interplay Access and other client applications. To the end user, these emulated
rendered effects are displayed like referenced-only assets, marked by gray icons. In some cases rendered
effects are stored in the database and are displayed as actual links, with black icons, in the Unchecked-In
Avid Assets folder or the Orphan Clips folder. See "Emulated Rendered Effects" on page 106.

In the previous illustration, the rendered effects in the folder are emulated rendered effects.

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Using the Assets Pane

The Assets pane displays the assets returned by your search and browse operations in various manners. It is
a composite view that displays information about an item you have selected. The following illustration
shows the default Assets pane, with the Content tab for the Morocco folder in front and the Search tab
behind it.

The following topics describe the Assets pane and how you can customize it:
l "Assets Pane Toolbar" on the next page
l "Default Assets Pane" on the next page
l "Obtaining File Size Information" on page 72
l "Media Status Indicators" on page 73
l "Navigating Through Assets" on page 75
l "Changing the Type of Assets Displayed" on page 75
l "Changing the Column Display" on page 76
l "Changing the Resolution Display" on page 77
l "Grouping and Sorting" on page 79
l "Undoing Assets Pane Changes" on page 82
l "Creating View Presets for the Content and Search Tabs" on page 82
l "Applying and Managing View Presets" on page 83
l "Changing to Storyboard or Frame View" on page 85
l "Using Extended View Mode" on page 86

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Assets Pane Toolbar

The Assets pane toolbar displays information about the selected assets and provides controls for how the
contents are displayed.

The following table describes the controls in the Assets pane toolbar.

Field Description

Navigation Lets you navigate up to the parent of the current display in the Content tab (see "Navigating
arrow Through Assets" on page 75).
Sort by List Controls how the contents are sorted (see "Sorting Items in the Assets Pane" on page 79).
View Presets Controls how the contents are displayed and lets you managed custom views. The default view
list is named Initial Preset (see "Creating View Presets for the Content and Search Tabs" on
page 82).
Filters list Controls which assets are displayed: Avid assets, file assets, or both (see "Changing the Type
of Assets Displayed" on page 75).
Size buttons Controls the size of the thumbnails (see "Changing Thumbnail Size in the Storyboard and
Frame Views" on page 86).
View buttons Controls the view: Text, Storyboard, or Frame (see "Changing to Storyboard or Frame View" on
page 85).
Media Status Starts or ends a Media Status update (see "Updating the Media Status" on page 66).
Update button

Default Assets Pane

By default, the Assets pane is set to the Content tab and is displayed in Text view. The Content tab displays
the contents of the selected folder in sortable columns with information for each file in the folder. The Text
view columns shown by default vary according to how they are set in the Interplay Administrator, and
whether you work in a broadcast, post or film environment. See "System Metadata Properties" on page 224
for the full list of properties that are available in MediaCentral Production Management. You can also show
and hide columns (see "Changing the Column Display" on page 76) and save your customized view as a
preset (see "Creating View Presets for the Content and Search Tabs" on page 82).

These columns are also displayed in the Search Results pane of the Search tab (see "Searching for Assets"
on page 112).

The Content tab name reflects the name of the selected folder. The following illustration shows the Content
tab for a project folder named “Morocco.”

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The following table describes the default columns in Text view mode.

Field Description

Untitled. Displays a Represents the media status. Though assets are tracked by a single clip object, they
media status circle often exist in multiple resolutions. A colored icon shows the availability of ANY
icon if the item is an resolutions within the workgroup. See "Media Status Indicators" on the next page for
Avid asset. information.
Untitled. Contains an Represents the asset type. Might be paired with the red icon indicating a reservation.
asset icon or See "Icons for Avid Assets and Folders" on page 62 and "Icons and Indicators for File
headframe. Assets" on page 138 for explanations of all variations.

n To view the corresponding headframe or a larger version of the file icon, drag and
expand the right border of this column.
Name Name of the asset.
Comments For Avid assets, a comment entered in a bin. For file assets, the version comment for the
last version checked in, or a check out comment if the asset is checked out.
Created By For Avid assets, the user who created the clip. For file assets, the last user of the asset if
it is checked in, or the last user of the asset if it is checked out.
Creation Date Creation date for Avid assets, set by the editing applications.
Duration The length of the Avid asset in hours, minutes, seconds, and frames.
Tracks All tracks that are used by the Avid asset
Resolutions such as Though Avid assets are tracked by a single clip object, they often exist in multiple
1:1, DV 25 411, DV 25 resolutions. A black and white icon shows the availability of these resolutions
420, MPEG 40 individually within the Workgroup. See "Media Status Indicators" on the next page for
information.

Obtaining File Size Information

The File Size field displays the total file size of the file or files selected in the Content tab. For Avid assets, the
size of the actual media is shown (the media size). For file assets, the file size is shown.

n File size shown in Access is based on computed values during check-in and may not reflect true values.
To update file size to true values, run “Update Status” from Media Indexer.

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To obtain the file size information:

t In the Content tab, click the asset for which you want to obtain size information.
The File Size field displays the size of the selected file.

n If you cannot see the File Size field, drag the right edge of your Interplay Access client out so that it is
bigger or drag the left edge of the Assets pane.

To obtain the total file size information for multiple files:

t In the Assets pane, Ctrl+click (Windows) or Shift+click (macOS) the files for which you want to obtain
size information.
The File Size field displays the total size of the selected files.

n The total file size is a rounded-off estimate.

Media Status Indicators
Although Avid assets are tracked by a single asset, assets might exist in multiple resolutions, or on a remote
workgroup or archive. Each Avid asset has associated Media Status indicators. The indicators represent the
status of the resolution of the media.
l In the Media Status column, the indicator represents the “highest” (most highly available) status of
any of the possible resolutions. These indicators use different colors to represent the status. The
ToolTip for the indicator describes the status of the resolution.
l In the individually-labeled resolution columns, the indicator represents the status of the named
resolution. These indicators use black and white patterns to represent the status.
The overall media status is also listed in the Properties tab of the Object Inspector.

The following tables describe both types of indicators.

Media Status Indicators (Media Status Column)

Indicator Description Video Status Audio Status Overall

Status

No icon No status, or status has never been present.

Also, no icon is shown for file assets.
Online: Media is available in at least one Online Online Online
required resolution on each track of the clip.
Green circle If a clip includes both video and audio, both
are online.
Partially online: Part of the media is available Online Partial Partial
in at least one required resolution. A clip is Online Nearline
Blue circle shown as partially online as soon as one Online Offline
track of the clip is not completely available in Partial Online
at least one resolution.

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Media Status Indicators (Media Status Column)

Indicator Description Video Status Audio Status Overall

Status

If a clip includes video and audio, the status Partial Partial

is mixed, as listed in the columns to the right. Partial Nearline
Partial Offline
Nearline Online
Nearline Partial
Offline Online
Offline Partial
Near online (Nearline): Media is offline (not Nearline Nearline Nearline
available) in all required resolutions but is Nearline Offline Nearline
possibly fully or partially available on a Offline Nearline Nearline
Yellow circle
remote workgroup or archive. Online Online Online

If a clip includes audio and video, at least

one is nearline.

Media located on an ISIS 2000 or third-party

storage might be shown as online in the
Interplay Access Object Insepctor and as
nearline in the Assets field.
Offline: Media is not available in any Offline Offline Offline
required resolutions.
Red circle
AMA only: The clip is linked to AMA media, Online Online Online
but is not linked to native Avid media.
Purple circle

Media Status Indicators (Individually Labeled Resolution Columns)

Indicator Description

No icon Not set, never been present.

Online: Media in this resolution is online, fully available.

Black circle If a clip includes both video and audio, both are online.

Partially online: Part of the media in this resolution is available.

Half-black, half-white If a clip includes video and audio, the status is mixed, as listed in the previous table.
circle
Near online (Nearline): Media in this resolution is offline (not available) but is possibly
partially available on a remote workgroup or archive.
Half black, half cross-
hatched circle If a clip includes audio and video, at least one is nearline.

Offline: Media is not available in this resolution.

White circle

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Navigating Through Assets

When you click on a folder in the tree view of the Folders pane, the contents are displayed in the Content
tab. The Content tab displays both subfolders and assets and the parent folder is highlighted in the tree.

To navigate down through the Content tab:

t Double-click a folder name to see the contents.
To navigate up to the parent of the current display in the Content tab, do one of the following:
t Click the navigation arrow.

t Press the Backspace key.

t Type the first letter of a folder to navigate to it. The navigation starts from where the focus is in the
tree or table.
The tree does not change its highlight if you select items from a different folder, for example, if you
select an item in the Search Results pane.
To change the selected folder in the tree view to the folder that contains a selected asset or folder, do one of
the following:
t Select Go to from the item’s context menu.
t Select View > Go to.
t Press (Windows) Ctrl+T.
t Double-click a folder in the Search Results pane.

Changing the Type of Assets Displayed

By default, the Assets pane displays both Avid assets and file assets. You can change the view to display
only Avid assets or only file assets. You can save the new view as a preset (see "Creating View Presets for
the Content and Search Tabs" on page 82).

To change the type of assets displayed:

t In the Content tab or the Search tab, click Filters and select All Assets, Avid Assets, or File Assets from
the Filters list.

The filter you selected is displayed instead of the default heading Filters.

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Changing the Column Display

You can change the way columns are displayed in Assets pane (Content tab and Search tab). You can save
the new view as a preset (see "Creating View Presets for the Content and Search Tabs" on page 82).

To control which resolution columns are displayed, use the Resolutions dialog box. See "Changing the
Resolution Display" on the next page.

n Settings made using View Presets apply to all views, for example, the same fields show up in the
search results pane as well as Text, Storyboard, Frame, and Object Inspector views.

To change the order of the columns displayed:

1. Select the column you want to move.

2. Keep the mouse button down and drag the column into the desired position.
To change the size of a column:

1. Move the pointer over the left side divider of the column you want to resize until the cursor turns into a
double-headed arrow.

2. Hold the mouse button down and drag the divider until the size is as desired.
To adjust all columns to the maximum length of the text of each column:
t Select Adjust All Columns to Fit from a column header’s context menu.

To show or hide columns:

1. Click the View Presets list and select Properties.

The Configure visible user properties dialog box opens.

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2. Select the columns you want to display and deselect the columns you want to hide.
User Properties (custom columns) can be added in applications such as Avid editing applications or
the Interplay Administrator and can be displayed in Interplay Access, but they are not displayed by
default.
To select which resolutions are shown, see "Changing the Resolution Display" below.
3. Click OK.

Changing the Resolution Display

Although assets are tracked by a single clip object, they often exist in multiple resolutions. Only some of
these resolutions might be relevant to your work. You can select which resolutions should be displayed as
columns. You can save the new view as a preset (see "Creating View Presets for the Content and Search
Tabs" on page 82).

n Settings made using View Presets apply to all views, for example, the same fields show up in the
search results pane as well as the Text, Storyboard, Frame, and Object Inspector views.

The column head is by default named for the resolution. You can rename the column head, for example,
according to the source or destination of the media.

n By default, only resolutions for media included in the local MediaCentral Production Management
database are listed in the Resolutions dialog box. An administrator can add other resolutions. For more
information, see the MediaCentral | Production Management Engine and Archive Engine Administration
Guide.

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To display resolution columns in the Content tab:

1. Click the View Presets list and select Resolutions.

The Resolutions dialog box opens.

2. Select the check box in the first column for each resolution that you want to show as a column.
3. (Option) To select all resolutions, click Select All.
4. (Option) To deselect all resolutions, click Select None.
5. Click OK.
The new resolution columns appear in your Content tab.

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To hide resolution columns:

1. Click the View Presets list and select Resolutions.

The Resolutions dialog box appears.
2. Deselect the resolutions that you want to hide.
3. (Option) To deselect all resolutions, click Select None.
4. Click OK.
To rename the resolution column headers:

1. Select View Presets > Resolutions.

The Resolutions dialog box opens.
2. Type the new name for the field to display for the selected resolution.
3. Click OK.

Grouping and Sorting

You can sort and group items displayed in the Assets pane (both the Content tab and the Search tab) in
various ways. You can save the new view as a preset (see "Creating View Presets for the Content and
Search Tabs" on page 82).

Sorting Items in the Assets Pane

By default, the Assets pane is sorted alphabetically by name, with folders listed first, and additional files
listed last. As a result, the Name column initially shows an upward pointing arrow. This arrow indicates both
the column used for sorting and the sort order.

To sort the Assets pane by a property, do one of the following:

t Click the column header displaying the property you want to sort by (you can click anywhere other
than on the grouping icon). This arranges the view contents alphabetically or into ascending order.
An upward pointing arrow appears.
If a column header already shows a sort arrow, and you click it, the sort order reverses.

t Click the Sort By list and select the column header title to sort by. The Sort By list is shown as “Name”
initially since items are sorted by Name by default. When you click on “Name”, “Sort By” appears in
the list.

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After the sort, the Sort By list shows the name of the column selected as the primary sort column.
To reverse the sort order of a column:
t Click anywhere in the column header other than on the grouping icon.
Grouping Items in the Assets Pane
You can divide items in the Assets pane (Content tab or Search tab) into groups that are defined by the
value of a metadata property. You can also group by additional metadata properties, such as tape name
and then creation date.

To divide items in the Assets pane into groups:

1. Click the grouping icon in the column header of the property you want to group by.
The items are grouped by the value of the property. A group title with the number of items in the
group is displayed, along with a downward pointing arrow. The grouping icon is slanted. In the
following example, the contents are grouped by user in the Created By column.

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2. (Option) To group by an additional property, click the grouping icon in the column header of the
additional property.
In the following example, the contents are grouped by values in the Created By and Creation Date
columns.

3. (Option) Save the grouped view as a view preset. See "Creating View Presets for the Content and
Search Tabs" on the next page.
To collapse a single group:
t Click the downward pointing arrow.

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To collapse all groups:

t From the context menu of any column header, select Collapse All Groups.

To expand a single group:

t Click the sideways pointing arrow.
To expand all groups:
t From the context menu of any column header, select Expand All Groups.
To remove grouping:
t Click the slanted grouping icon in the property’s column header.
Undoing Assets Pane Changes
To revert the Assets pane to the original display:

1. Click the View Presets list.

2. Select Initial Preset.

n The Initial preset does not show columns that have been hidden. See "Changing the Column Display"
on page 76.

Creating View Presets for the Content and Search Tabs

If you have set up your Content tab or Search tab in a useful way, with your columns in a particular order
and your sorting and grouping preferences as you want them, you can save the changes so that you can
use the same settings again.

Settings saved as View Presets apply to all views that include those settings. For example, the same fields, in
the same order, are displayed in the Text, Storyboard, and Frame views. The same sorting rules apply to the
Text, Storyboard and Frame views.

View Presets are always saved to the database you are working in. View Presets generated in the Search are
saved to the database selected as the search root.

By default, all View Presets are created as private, meaning local-only. Administrators can make View
Presets public to all database users.

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To save a view as a preset:

1. Click the View Presets list.

2. Select Save View Preset As.

By default, the view is private or local-only, meaning this preset view is only available to you.
3. Type a name for your preset.
4. (Option for Administrators only) To make a preset available to other database users, click the lock so
that it is open. Users who are logged in to MediaCentral Production Management will see the new
preset the next time they log in.
5. Click OK.

Applying and Managing View Presets

To apply a View Preset, do one of the following:
t Select the view name from the View Presets list.

The view automatically updates.

t Select View Presets > Manage View Presets.
The Manage View Presets dialog box opens.

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a. Click the Apply button for the preset you want to use.
b. Click OK.
To delete a View Preset:

1. Select View Presets > Manage View Presets.

2. Click the red X button.
3. Click OK.
If you delete a View Preset and the view preset is currently active, the View Presets list displays View
Changed instead.
To rename a preset:

1. Select View Presets > Manage View Presets.

2. Type the new text in the text box.
3. Click the Apply button.
4. Click OK.

n Only Administrators can rename public presets.

To make a preset public (Administrators only):

1. Select View Presets > Manage View Presets.

2. Click the lock icon button so that it appears unlocked.
3. Click the Apply button.
4. Click OK.

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Changing to Storyboard or Frame View

You can display enlarged thumbnails and additional information for selected files using the Storyboard and
Frame views.

To toggle the display of Text, Storyboard, and Frame views, do one of the following:
t Select View > Toggle View Mode.
t Press F7.
Additional Metadata in the Storyboard and Frame Views
In the Storyboard and Frame views, the border around the thumbnail is colored to show the asset type as
follows:
l Black: database, folder, or file asset
l Red: sequence
l Green: master clip or subclip
l Blue: effect or rendered effect
The User role is indicated by an icon. For an explanation of these icons, see "Assigning User Roles" on
page 166.

You can view additional information in Extended view mode. See "Using Extended View Mode" on the next
page.

Switching to Storyboard View

The Storyboard view displays a thumbnail along with the same information available in the Text view.

By default, the Storyboard view always shows the latest server version, unless the file is checked out and
the local version is available (file assets only). Therefore if you “get” an older version of an image, the
thumbnail still shows the latest one, unless you check out that version.

To switch to Storyboard view:

t Click the Storyboard view button.

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Switching to Frame View

Frame view displays a thumbnail for each item along with variations of the same information available in
the Text view.

To switch to Frame view:

t Click the Frame view button.
Changing Thumbnail Size in the Storyboard and Frame Views
Thumbnails can be displayed as:
l 64 bit (small)
l 128 bit (medium)
l 256 bit (large)
To change the size of all the thumbnails displayed, do one of the following:
t Click one of the size buttons in the Content tab or Search tab.

t Press F8 to toggle between small, medium, and large.

Using Extended View Mode
The Extended View Mode offers the following additional functionality to the Storyboard and Frame views:
l A Play button for Avid assets or a View button for file assets. Click the Play button to play an Avid
asset in Interplay Assist. Click the View button to view the file asset in its associated application (see
"Configuring Asset Types, Commands, and Applications" on page 23).
l An list of selected operations for Avid assets. For information on Transcode, Archive, and Restore, see
the Interplay | Production Services Setup and User’s Guide. For information on Send to Workgroup,
see "Transferring Avid Assets to Another Workgroup " on page 54.

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To access the Extended View, do one of the following:

t Select View > Toggle Extended Mode.
t Press (Windows) Ctrl+F7 or (macOS) Shift+Command+F7.
t Select (Windows) Preferences > Options or (macOS) Interplay Access > Preferences, click the View
Settings tab, and select “Enabled by default” in the Extended Mode section. This sets the Extended
View Mode as the default.
The Storyboard or Frame view changes to Extended View Mode.

Using the Object Inspector

The Object Inspector is an optional pane that you can display in Browsing view. It provides information
about any item you select in the Folders pane or in the Assets pane through a series of tabs. The tabs that
are displayed and the information in the tabs depends on the item selected. You can add it to the Browsing
view by selecting View > Show Object Inspector Pane.

The following topics provide more information about using the Object Inspector:

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l "Default Tabs in the Object Inspector" below

l "Adding Properties to the Object Inspector Display" on the next page
l "Configuring the Frame Locators Display" on page 92
l "Viewing Media Relatives" on page 90
l "Viewing Restrictions" on page 91
l "Viewing the Location of Media in Avid Shared-Storage Workspaces" on page 93
l "Refreshing Referenced Clips" on page 93

Default Tabs in the Object Inspector

For file assets, only Properties, Categories, and Reservations tabs are shown. For Avid assets, additional
attribute information is available based on the type of Avid asset and the source of the asset The default
tabs are described in the following table.

Default Tabs in the Object Inspector

Tab Contents

Properties The available properties vary depending on the layout settings determined by the
administrator. See "Adding Properties to the Object Inspector Display" on the next page.
Categories Displays optional labels for describing the media content or topic. The available choices of
categories are configured by the administrator. See "Organizing Assets Using Categories" on
page 49.
Reservations Displays reservations (deletion protection) set on the item: who reserved the item and until
when. This tab is only displayed for a single selection. When a file is selected, the parent
folder’s reservation status is shown. An additional icon (small red dot in the bottom right
corner) on the normal file or folder icon indicates the reservation. See "Setting Reservations"
on page 172.
Relatives (or a Assets can be associated with each other, that is, they can be codependent or reference
variation of each other. The Object Inspector quickly shows the relatives: which assets compose other
relatives) assets and which other assets reference the specified asset. See "Viewing Media Relatives"
(Avid assets on page 90.
only)
Associations The Associations tab shows where a file is in the database, meaning it provides a list of
(Avid assets locations where it is stored.
only)
Frame Locators The Frame Locators tab displays information about the locators associated with the Avid
(Avid assets asset. The following attributes are always displayed:
only)
Timecode

Comment
Other attributes can be configured to be hidden or shown (see "Configuring the Frame
Locators Display" on page 92). All attributes are read-only.
File Locations Shows file path and other information for each media file stored on Avid shared-storage
(Avid assets workspaces. See "Viewing the Location of Media in Avid Shared-Storage Workspaces" on
only) page 93.

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Adding Properties to the Object Inspector Display

The Object Inspector’s Properties tab shows a predefined set of properties for each asset. Depending on
where the asset came from (for example, an Avid editing application), there might be some additional
custom or system properties that were imported but that are not automatically displayed. The Interplay
Administrator selects which properties are available for display in the Property Layout view. An Access user
can select which of the available properties to display.

Most of the listed properties are specific to Avid assets, but if you select a property, a column for the
property is displayed for any asset.

See "System Metadata Properties" on page 224 for a complete list of properties in MediaCentral Production
Management and the default properties displayed.

To display additional or imported properties in the Object Inspector:

1. In the Object Inspector, click the Properties tab and scroll down until the Configure button is visible.
2. Click Configure.
The Configure Visible User Properties dialog box opens. This dialog box contains System Properties
and User Properties.

3. Click the arrows to expand or collapse the property lists. Then select the properties you want
displayed in the Object Inspector. Deselect properties you do not want displayed.

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4. Click OK.
System properties are displayed in the top part of the Properties tab and User properties are shown
on the bottom part of the Properties tab.

Viewing Media Relatives

You can find an asset’s media relatives (clips that are referenced by a sequence or sequences that
reference a clip) through the Object Inspector’s Relatives tabs.

MediaCentral Production Management recognizes that elements such as subclips, master clips, and
sequences can be associated with each other. That is, they can be codependent or reference each other.
Using the Object Inspector, you can quickly see which elements or assets compose another element and
which elements reference the specified element. In this way the relationship between elements is
bidirectional: click on a sequence and you see its clips; click on a clip and you see the sequences in which it
is used.

For example, the following illustration shows how you can use the Relatives tab in Interplay Access to see
which master clips make up a sequence.

This listing of relatives makes it easy for someone who is not involved with the project on a file level to find
shots, sequences, and so on. In addition, if dependencies are changed, they are updated in all relevant
places automatically.

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To view the media relatives of an asset:

1. Click the sequence or clip.

2. Click the Relatives tab in the Object Inspector.
The media relatives are displayed in a list, in a format similar to text view in the Content tab.

Viewing Restrictions
A restriction is a type of locator that Interplay Assist and MediaCentral UX users can add to a clip to
indicate that use of the clip is restricted in some way, such as a requirement to pay for its use. Restrictions
often refer to digital rights management (DRM). In Interplay Access, there are two ways to identify an asset
that includes a restriction:
l Display the DRM property in a column
l Display the Restrictions tab in the Object Inspector

n A user can view restrictions in Interplay Access, Media Composer, Interplay Assist, and MediaCentral
UX, but can create, delete, or modify restrictions only in Interplay Assist and MediaCentral UX. An
administrator sets permission to create and modify restrictions in the Instinct/Assist User Settings in the
Interplay Administrator. Permission to modify restrictions includes permission to delete restrictions.

The following illustration shows the Restrictions tab for a selected clip that is highlighted in the Assets pane.
Columns in the Restrictions tab always display Start Time, End Time, and Comment. An administrator or
user can configure other columns. In the Assets pane, the DRM column shows a copyright symbol that
indicates the clip includes a restriction.

The Restrictions tab is shown for master clips and stereoscopic clips. Sequences and subclips do not contain
restrictions but they can reference master clips that include restrictions. These sequences and subclips are
indicated in the DRM column, but the Restrictions tab is not displayed.

n An Interplay administrator might need to enable display of the DRM column in the Property Layout
view. For more information, see the MediaCentral | Production Management Engine and Archive Engine
Administration Guide.

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To view restrictions for an asset:

1. Click a master clip or a stereoscopic clip.

2. Click the Restrictions tab in the Object Inspector.
If the assets has restrictions, information about the restrictions is displayed.
An Interplay administrator can set a global column configuration for the Restrictions tab in the
Application Database Settings view in the Interplay Administrator. For more information, see the
MediaCentral | Production Management Engine and Archive Engine Administration Guide. You can
override these global settings.
To override the default column display:

1. Open Interplay Access and log in to a database.

2. Preferences > Options (Windows) or Interplay Access > Preferences (macOS).
3. Click the View Settings tab.
4. In the Restrictions View section, select “Use local column configuration.”

5. Select the columns you want to display, or deselect the columns you do not want to display, then
click OK.
6. Refresh Interplay Access (select View > Refresh or perform an action).

Configuring the Frame Locators Display

The Frame Locators tab in the Object Inspector displays information about locators associated with an Avid
asset. Administrators and users can configure which attributes (as columns) are displayed in the Frame
Locators tab. Administrators can select a default set of columns in the Interplay Administrator, and users
can change the default settings in Interplay Access.

You can display the following columns:

Frame Locators Column Default Setting in Interplay Administrator

Timecode Always selected

Comment Always selected
Track Selected by default
User Selected by default
Color Selected by default
UID (Unique Identifier) Selected by default

The ability to configure which columns you display can be useful if you use locator information in another
application. You can export locator information in various formats or you can copy rows of information and
paste them into another application by using your desktop copy and paste commands.

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To configure the default display in the Interplay Administrator:

1. Open the Interplay Administrator and log in to the database for which you want to set the default
display.
2. In the Application Settings section, click Application Database Settings.
3. Click the Application Defaults tab.
4. In the Access Frame Locators View section, select the columns that you want to display in the Frame
Locators tab.
The Timecode and Comment columns are always displayed.
5. Click Apply.
To override the default display in Interplay Access:

1. Open Interplay Access and log in to a database.

2. Select Preferences > Options
3. Click the View Settings tab.
4. In the Frame Locators View section, select “Use local column configuration.”
5. Select the columns you want to display, or deselect the columns you do not want to display, then
click OK.
6. Refresh Interplay Access (select View > Refresh or perform an action).

Viewing the Location of Media in Avid Shared-Storage Workspaces

You can view the file names and location of an Avid asset’s media on an Avid shared-storage workspace.
Other related information is also displayed.

To view the location of media in Avid shared-storage workspaces:

t Click the File Locations tab in the Object Inspector window.
Refreshing Referenced Clips
Referenced assets are Avid assets that are referenced by another asset in the same Production
Management folder. For example, master clips and rendered effects that are contained in a sequence are
referenced assets when they are displayed in the same folder as the sequence. After working with Avid
assets, you might need to update a folder to remove referenced clips for a sequence that has been updated
through checkin of a new version of the sequence or rollback to an earlier version.

For information on displaying referenced assets, see "Setting the Filters for the Display" on page 67.

To update referenced assets after working with Avid assets:

t Select a folder and then select Operations > Refresh Referenced Clips.

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Showing a Preview of an Item

A preview provides a larger, more detailed representation of an asset than a thumbnail, so previews can be
helpful to use when browsing. Some file types use the Monitor as their preview.

To show a preview:

1. Select an asset in the Content tab or Search tab.

2. Do one of the following:
t Select View > Preview
t Press (Windows) Ctrl+R or (macOS) Shift+Command+R
By default, the local copy of a file is shown in the floating preview window, if the file is checked out
and a local version is available. Otherwise the server version is shown.
For items that reference media, the headframe is shown, if it exists. Other file types are shown in the
Monitor.

Viewing the Status of Assets Across Workgroups (Asset Tracking)

If your facility includes more than one workgroup, you can use Interplay Access to display information for
assets that are shared by different workgroups. For example, you can determine if assets stored in one
workgroup are correctly archived in an archive workgroup.

The status is displayed in the Tracking column of the Interplay Access Assets pane through colored icons.
Each column represents a workgroup to which Interplay Access is connected. The following illustration
shows a group of assets and their status in three different workgroups: Workgroup A, Workgroup B, and
Archive.

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The status icons and their colors match the icons and colors used in other parts of Interplay Access, as
described in the following table. For a more complete description of each status, see "Media Status
Indicators" on page 73.

Engine Type Icon Color Status

MediaCentral Production Management Engine Green Online

Blue Partially online

Yellow Near online

Red Offline

Blurred gray Not connected

Archive Engine Green Online

Blue Partially online

Yellow Near online

Red Offline

Blurred gray Not connected

To view status information for each icon, move the mouse pointer to the icon and read the ToolTip. For
example, a ToolTip might read “Status for Online Server DOCWG is: ONLINE.” This means that the server
DOCWG is online and the associated asset is also online.

To get more information about the assets, such as which resolutions are available on which server, select
one or more assets, right-click, and select Tracking Details. If you want to open a new Tracking Details tab
without losing the current tab, click the Pin button in the upper right of the current tab.

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The following illustration shows tracking details for two clips.

l CopyIt.01 is available only on DOCWG, in both DV 50 and DV 25 411.
l CopyIt.02 is available on both BPLNISISMM1 and DOCWG. The version on BPLNISIS is DV 50, and the
version on DOCWG is DV 25 411.
l PCM audio is available in both workgroups.

Keep in mind the following:

l Asset tracking is available only for servers that share a local area network (LAN).
l You can only delete assets from the database that you are logged into. You cannot delete assets that
are stored on other databases. If you want to conveniently delete assets from the database that you
are logged into, you can sort by the Database column.
l Consider configuring each server that you are tracking so that it displays the same set of servers.
Then you can view the same asset information from any of the servers.
To set up and view asset tracking, you need to do the following:

1. In the Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties, add a remote workgroup and a Lookup Locator for the
remote workgroup.
2. In the Interplay Administrator:
– Specify the MediaCentral Production Management Engine server for the remote workgroup.
– Add the Tracking column to the Interplay Access Content tab.
3. In Interplay Access:
– Connect to the servers you want to view.
– Select assets and update their status (“Update asset tracking” command).
4. Display Tracking Details.
These tasks are described in the following procedures.

To add a remote workgroup and Lookup Locator to the Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties:

1. On the server that is running the Lookup Service, select Programs > Avid > Interplay Framework > Avid
Interplay Workgroup Properties.
The Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties dialog box opens.
2. Click the Lookup tab.

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3. Click the Add button located below the Workgroup section.

The Add Workgroup dialog box opens.

4. Type the name of the workgroup that you want to add.

5. Click OK.
The new workgroup name appears in the Workgroup section.

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6. Select the workgroup you added.

7. Click the Add button located below the Lookup services section.
The Add Lookup Service dialog box opens.

8. Type the fully qualified hostname or the IP address of the computer running a lookup service for the
remote workgroup.

n A fully qualified hostname is a globally unique name that includes the domain name for the
computer, for example: MyComputer.global.mycompany.com.

9. Ensure the port number is 4160.

10. (Option) Select Expected if you want to be notified (in the [[[Undefined variable _Interplay_
Access.Application-Interplay Health Monitor-short]]]) when this host is not running.
11. Click OK.
The hostname or IP number is displayed in the Lookup services section as a Lookup Locator.

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12. Click Apply.

A message tells you that changes are effective only after restarting Production Management
services.
13. Click Yes.
Interplay Framework stops the services and then starts them again.
14. Click OK to close the Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties dialog box.

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To specify servers for the remote workgroup in the Interplay Administrator:

1. In the Site Settings section of the Interplay Administrator window, click the Asset Tracking/Archive
Settings icon.

2. In the Online server name text box, type the computer name of the MediaCentral Production
Management Engines for which you want to track assets and click Add.
The server name is added to the list of configured hosts.
3. In the Archive Server name text box, type the computer name of the MediaCentralProduction
Management Archive Engine.
4. Click Apply Changes.
To add the Tracking column to the Assets pane:

1. In the Site Sections section of the Interplay Administrator window, click the Property Layout icon.
2. From the Active Layout options, select one of the following layouts:
– Broadcast
– Post
– Film
This option determines which set of properties is displayed in the client applications.
3. Locate the Tracking Property and select the following:
– Available: Select this option to make the property available for users to add into Interplay
Access displays on their own, and to use these fields in an Extended Search.
– Content Default: Select this option to display the property by default in the Content tab.
Do not select Inspector Default, because the Tracking display is not designed to display this
information.

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4. Click Apply to save the settings.

The next time you log in to Interplay Access, the Tracking column is displayed. Each server is
represented by a column. Icons for remote servers might be grayed out, indicating that the server
might not be currently available or that the status needs to be updated. You should always update
the status of the assets you want to view.

To update the status of selected assets:

1. In Interplay Access, connect to the servers for which you want to view assets.
2. Select an asset, a folder, or multiple assets and folders
3. Select Tools > Update Asset Tracking.
The status of the selected assets is updated.
To display tracking details:

1. In Interplay Access, select an asset, a folder, or multiple assets and folders.

2. Do one of the following:
t Right-click and select “Tracking Details.”
t Select View > Tracking Details.
The Tracking Details tab is displayed. As shown in the following illustration:
CopyIt.01 is available only on DOCWG, in both DV 50 and DV 25 411.
CopyIt.02 is available on both BPLNISISMM1 and DOCWG. The version on BPLNISIS is DV 50, and the

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version on DOCWG is DV 25 411.

You can then modify the display in the same way you do for the Content tab or the Search tab.

Preserving Ancillary Data in an Production Management Envir-

onment
High-definition clips with ancillary data can be added to an MediaCentral Production Management
database from different sources:
l From an Avid editing system. Ancillary data can be embedded in a DNxHD video file, or it can be
included in a clip as a separate data track (D track) and stored as a separate MXF file.
l From an Airspeed Multi Stream server. AirSpeed Multi Stream supports ancillary data as a data track
in all HD formats for both ingest and playout.
In an MediaCentral Production Management environment, ancillary data is preserved for check in, storage,
and check out.

n Refer to “Ingest and Playout of Ancillary Data” in the MediaCentral Production Management Best
Practices Guide and the MediaCentral | Production Management ReadMe for additional information
about support for ancillary data and limitations.

Ancillary data is supported as embedded data or as separate data tracks for ingest and Send to Playback
in the following resolutions:
l DNxHD
l XDCAM HD (Long GOP). For supported operating points, see the Avid MediaCentral Production
Management ReadMe.
l AVC-Intra. For supported resolutions, see the Interplay | Production Services Setup and User’s Guide.
Ancillary data is also supported for Interplay Production Services.

n You cannot partially restore media that includes ancillary data. Media for the data track is fully
restored.

Ancillary data tracks are listed with video and audio tracks in Interplay Access: in the Tracks column, in the
Tracks property of the Object Inspector, and in the File Locations tab of the Object Inspector. Ancillary data
tracks are labeled D, as shown in the following illustration.

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In Interplay Access, you can search for clips that include ancillary data tracks by running an extended
search that uses the Tracks attribute with Data as the value, as shown in the following illustration.

The media status of Data tracks is shown in the Data column, which is available as a resolution in the
Interplay Administrator and can be configured for display in Access, the Production Management window,
and Interplay Assist.

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Working with Multichannel Audio Tracks in Production Man-

agement
Avid editing applications let users create and work with multichannel audio tracks. For example, for a clip,
you can combine audio tracks A1 and A2 into a single stereo track. You can then edit the clip into a
sequence as a single stereo track. The following illustration shows a sequence with two stereo tracks.

If you check in a clip with a stereo track, or a sequence that contains clips with stereo tracks, MediaCentral
Production Management preserves the stereo track. It also preserves the individual tracks that are
combined in the stereo track (as displayed in the Object Inspector: Relatives for a sequence, and File
Locations for a clip).

The following illustration shows an audio clip with two stereo tracks (A1 and A2) in Interplay Access. Stereo
tracks are listed in a new database property, labeled Track Formats.

Interplay Production Services also preserve the stereo track and the individual tracks.

Mapping Multichannel Audio Tracks in Transcode Mixdown

The MediaCentral Transcode Mixdown option lets you specify how source audio tracks map to target audio
tracks.

For example, you might want to transcode and mixdown a sequence that includes two tracks (A1 and A2),
each of which is a stereo pair.

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If you are using the Transcode Mixdown option, and you want to preserve the two tracks as stereo pairs, use
the following mapping:

S1 = 1;S3 = 2;

This mapping specifies that:

For stereo mode, the target track must be an odd number, because it represents two stereo tracks.
l For stereo output track 1 (S1), use source track 1
l For stereo output track 3 (S3), use source track 2
The transcoded, mixed-down sequence preserves the two tracks as stereo pairs, as shown in the following
illustration:

Other mappings will combine the stereo pair to a single track. For example, A0 = 0 will create two mono
tracks, as shown in the following illustration.

c If you are using the Transcode Mixdown option with stereo tracks, make sure that your audio track
mapping is correct for the output that you want. The Transcode Mixdown service uses the track
information as labeled in the sequence, not as labeled in the original master clips.

For complete information, see “Mapping of Audio Tracks in MIXDOWN and DUALMIXDOWN Modes” in the
Interplay | Production Services Setup and User’s Guide.

Send to Playback with Multichannel Audio Tracks

This section describes a best practice for sending a sequence containing multichannel audio tracks to
playback when using Direct Out mode.

When using Direct Out mode, keep the multichannel audio tracks at the bottom of your audio tracks. When
you send to playback in Direct Out mode the system expands the stereo tracks to separate mono tracks. If
there are single tracks at the bottom of the track list you may get unexpected results after the top tracks
expand. For example, a single track that was on track 5 may now be on a different track. If you keep the
single tracks at the top you can avoid this kind of problem. See the editing application Help for additional
information on multichannel audio.

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Emulated Rendered Effects

Links for rendered effects are not included in the MediaCentral Production Management database. These
links are displayed in Interplay Access and other client applications. However, because the links are not
included in the database, they are displayed by client applications as emulated rendered effects and
always have gray icons, except as described in "Exception: Unchecked-in Avid Assets Folder and the
Orphan Clips Folder" below.

Not including these links as objects in the MediaCentral Production Management database results in a
significant reduction in the number of objects in the database (up to 20 percent for a large database).

Behavior of Emulated Rendered Effects

Emulated rendered effects behave differently from database objects in the following ways:
l You cannot search for emulated rendered effects.
l You cannot create shortcuts to emulated rendered effects in Access.
l You cannot remove emulated rendered effects from a folder without removing the referencing asset.
For example, you cannot drag and drop them to another folder.
l You cannot change the owner of emulated rendered effects in Access.
l You cannot set a direct property for emulated rendered effects in Access (administrators only).
You can delete emulated rendered effects and their media. However, you cannot delete a referenced asset
unless you delete the asset that references it (see "Restricted Deletion of Referenced Assets" on page 181).

Any rendered effect that becomes unused and has unique media associated with it (media not referenced
by other objects) is automatically moved to the Orphan Clips folder (see the next section). For example, if
you update a sequence, the previously rendered effects become unused (or unreferenced) and are moved
to the Orphan Clips folder.

Exception: Unchecked-in Avid Assets Folder and the Orphan Clips Folder

Links for rendered effects in the Unchecked-in Avid Assets folder or the Orphan Clips folder remain as
database objects (with a black icon).
l Unchecked-in Avid Assets folder: This folder holds assets that were created on shared storage but are
not yet checked in to the MediaCentral Production Management database. Any rendered effects
created by an Avid editing system and not checked in are stored here as links. After checkin,
rendered effects are removed from the Unchecked-in Avid Assets folder and displayed as emulated
rendered effects in the appropriate database folder.
l Orphan Clips folder: This folder holds assets for which the last link has been deleted but the media
remains. Links to rendered effects are stored here as database objects that are eligible for deletion.
Rendered effects are automatically moved to the Orphan Clips folder more often. For example, the
following illustration shows a sequence S with a rendered effect R1 (a referenced asset) checked into
folder F.

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If you check in sequence S again, it creates a new version of the sequence (S’) that references
rendered effect R2 instead of R1.

In versions prior to Interplay v2.3, R1 was an unused (“stale”) asset that a media manager needed to
manually identify and delete. In current versions of Production Management, R1 is moved to the
Orphan Clips folder as soon as S’ is checked in and can then be deleted as part of a regular deletion
workflow.

Stereoscopic 3D Support in Interplay Access

Production Management includes the following features that support workflows for stereoscopic media and
clips:
l Stereoscopic icons
l Stereoscopic properties
l Stereoscopic search criteria
Stereoscopic Icons and Properties

Interplay Access uses the same icons for stereoscopic clips as Avid editing systems, as described in the
following table.

Icon Description

Stereoscopic clip

Stereoscopic subclip

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The following illustration shows a stereoscopic clip in the Assets window and the related master clips (full
left and full right) in the Master Clip Relative tab of the Object Inspector. The Assets window shows some of
the stereoscopic property columns.

The following illustration shows a sequence in the Assets window and its referenced stereoscopic clip in the
Relatives tab of the Object Inspector.

For a list of all stereoscopic properties available for display, see S3D properties in "System Metadata
Properties" on page 224.

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Stereoscopic Search Criteria

Interplay Access Search now includes the following criteria. To display the extended criteria, you need to
enable them for display in the Property Layout view in the Interplay Administrator.

Type of Search Criteria

Simple (Type field) All stereoscopic clips

Stereoscopic master clips
Stereoscopic subclips
Extended S3D Alignment
S3D Channel
S3D Clip Name
S3D Contributors
S3D Eye Ordering
S3D Group Name
S3D Inversion
S3D InversionR
S3D Leading Eye

Support for Group Clips in Interplay Access

Group clips are created in Media Composer and other Avid editing applications by using MultiCam features
to sync a group of clips based on common source timecode, auxiliary timecode, or marks placed in the
footage. A user working in an Avid editing application can check group clips in to and out from an
MediaCentral Production Management database. Interplay Access users can view information about group
clips, including master clip relatives. Group clips are also supported by Interplay Production Services and
MediaCentral Transfer.

Prior to Interplay Access v3.0, if you selected a sequence that contained a group clip, the Relatives tab in
the Object Inspector displayed the master clips that composed the group clip, but did not display the group
clip itself. In current versions of Interplay Access, the Relatives tab shows the group clip. The following
illustration shows a selected sequence that contains one group clip. The group clip icon is grayed out
because it is a referenced-only asset (see "Referenced Assets and Referenced-Only Assets" on page 68).

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You can double-click a group clip in the Relatives tab to display the master clips that compose the group
clip in the Master Clip Relative tab.

Support for Multigroup Clips in Interplay Access

A multigroup clip is a set of clips that are linked together in Media Composer through a common source
timecode, often created by modifying auxiliary timecode for subclips. It is different from a group clip in that
its constituent clips can include breaks in the timecode. A multigroup clip can include multiple sets of group
clips.

MediaCentral Production Management supports multigroup clips for checkin and checkout, MediaCentral
Production Management operations, and MediaCentral Transfer operations.

Interplay Access displays information about multigroup clips that is similar to that for group clips (see
"Support for Group Clips in Interplay Access" on the previous page Interplay Access also provides the
following multigroup features:
l Unique identification of multigroup clips in the MediaCentral Production Management database,
through a property (Is Multigroup) and a unique icon.
– An administrator makes the property available in the Interplay Administrator Properties layout,
like other properties. If an asset is a multigroup clip, a green check mark is displayed in Assets
view and “True” is displayed in Object Inspector.
– The icon matches the icon used in Media Composer, which is a plus sign in front of a group clip
icon.

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l The ability to perform an extended search using the attribute name “MultiGroup” and the attribute
value “Is Multigroup” or “Is Not Multigroup”.

Exporting Locators
If you load an asset that includes locators, you can export a list of the locators in one of the following
formats:
l XML file for use in other applications.
l A tab-delimited text file (.txt) that you can import into Media Composer or another Avid editing
application. For more information, see the documentation for the Avid editing application.
l CSV (comma-separated value) file that you can open as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
l Plain text file (.txt) that lists the timecode and text for each locator.
To view locators, select an asset and click the Frame Locators tab in the Object Inspector.

n The Locators pane and other locator features are not supported in Interplay Access.
To export locators as a file:

1. Load a clip that includes locators in the Monitor.

2. Select File > Export and select the type of file you want to export: XML, Plain Text, CSV, or Media
Composer Text.
The Save dialog box opens.
3. Navigate to the location where you want to save the file.
4. Type a name for the file. You do not need to add the extension.
5. Click Save.

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5 Searching for Assets

There are two ways to search for assets in Interplay Access:
l Running a text-based search on the database
l Running an attributes-based search on the database or a selected folder
An attributes-based search provides you with more options and the ability to refine your search criteria.

MediaCentral Production Management stores information about the asset in a set of attributes, which are
similar to column entries associated with assets in Avid folders. Attributes can define fundamental statistical
information (clip duration, creation date, and so on) or descriptive information (comments, asset name, and
so on). Attributes are displayed as properties in the Content view and the Object Inspector.

You can perform the following types of attributes-based searches:

l Simple searches let you specify a limited number of attributes. For example, you can search for
assets with a particular name that were recorded within the last 24 hours.
l Extended searches let you specify any combination of attributes and values. For example, you can
search for assets that were recorded within a range of dates, with a particular name, and at a
particular resolution.
l File searches let you specify attributes related to the file-based workflow.
The database returns the results of any search in the Search tab, which offers customizable views and
access to more detailed information about displayed assets.

Performing a Text-Only Search

You can run a text-only search that runs on the entire selected database and searches for the specified text
criteria. Text is the only criteria for the search. If you enter more than one word, the search will search for
the words as a single entity. For more information, see the description of the values for Text in "Simple
Search Attribute Names and Values" on page 115.

Because this text-only search runs on an entire database, it could take too much time to search a large
database. To speed your search, specify a search root and use attributes, as described in "Using the Search
Root and Attributes to Speed Up a Search" on the next page, "Simple Searching" on the next page, and
"Extended Searching" on page 116.

To run a text-only search:

1. Type the text you want to search for in the Search text box, which is located in the upper right of the
Interplay Access window.

2. (Option) If you are reusing a previously run search, use the down arrow and click the text instead.
3. Press Enter.

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The results are shown in the Search Results pane in the Search tab.

For information about customizing the Search Results pane, see "Using the Assets Pane" on page 70.

Using the Search Root and Attributes to Speed Up a Search

To speed up your search, make your search as specific as possible. The more specific you can make your
search, the faster you can get the results you want. Two ways to make your search more specific are:
l Specifying a search root
l Using attributes
Keep in mind that even if you only change the search root, or search by a single attribute, you can
dramatically improve the response time.

Specifying a Search Root

By specifying a particular folder as the search root, you are instructing the search engine to limit the set of
assets that it searches to that particular folder and any folders included in that folder’s subtree. By default,
the search root is the entire database. If you know the folder subtree in which the asset you are searching
for is stored, you can select that folder to speed your search. For example, in Interplay Access, you can
select the Project folder, or a particular project within that folder.

Using Attributes

By specifying one or more attributes, you are also instructing the search engine to limit the set of assets
that it searches. Simply searching for text, without restricting the search root, is the most time-consuming
search, because the search engine searches the entire database. However, if you specify a particular
attribute (such as the Time attribute), the search engine can quickly limit the database to a small subset
and search for text within that subset.

For example, if you wanted to find a clip about the Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, you could search
for the text “Nobel Peace Prize.” In this case, the search engine will search through the entire database of
clips, which could take twenty-five seconds for a large database. However, if you know that the speech
took place within the past week, you can select the Time attribute and then the option “Last week.” The
search engine creates a subset of clips that were modified in the past seven days, and searches for the text
within that set. Setting this attribute can reduce the time for a search from twenty-five seconds to one
second.

Simple Searching
Simple searches allow you to quickly specify one or several of the most frequently used attributes. You can
combine two or more attributes to produce more targeted results.

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When you open Interplay Access, or open a new Search tab after performing a search, the Search tab
defaults to search the entire database. Selecting a folder will improve the response time for the search (see
"Using the Search Root and Attributes to Speed Up a Search" on the previous page).

n If a search is returning too many results, you can stop it by clicking the Stop button in the Search tab.
(The Search button changes to the Stop button when a search is in progress.)

To perform a simple search:

1. Do one of the following:

t Click the Search tab. One Search tab is displayed by default, with Simple as the search type
and the entire database as the search root.
t Select Edit > Search to open a new search tab. You can also press F3 or Ctrl+F (Windows) or
Command+F (macOS). If you select a folder before you open a new search tab, the folder you
selected is selected as the search root. Then select Simple from the Search Type list.

2. To change the search root, click the Search Root button, navigate to the folder you want to search,
and click OK.
3. (Option) Select a Remote database to search. See "Searching Across Remote Workgroups" on
page 134.
4. If necessary, click the Search Conditions arrow to show the search criteria.
5. Type the text or select the attributes and values you want to use for the search. For a list of attributes
and values, see "Simple Search Attribute Names and Values" on the next page.

n If you don’t select any criteria, the search returns all the records in the database.
6. Do one of the following:
t Press Enter.
t Click the Search button.
The Search button changes to a Stop button, which you can click if you want to stop the search. The
results are displayed in the Search Results pane. They are visible until you close Interplay Access or
until you perform a new search.
To erase all values you entered in the search fields:
t Click Clear.
For information about saving your search, see "Saving Your Search" on page 132.

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Simple Search Attribute Names and Values

The following table lists the attribute names and search values you can use in a Simple search.

Attribute Description Search Values

Name

Text Searches for text in A text string of one or more words. If you enter more than one word,
multiple attributes, the search will search for the words as a single entity. Text is not case
such as Name, Tape, sensitive and spaces are permitted.
User Attributes,
Comments, and Wild cards are not supported.
Annotations.
If you search for text that contains certain special characters, the
n Use the File results will include assets for which the characters are not visible in
the text fields. This is because assets contain XML-type properties
search to
that always contain special characters and keywords, and the search
search for a
includes these properties. These special characters include the
version
following: " < > $ & ^
comment or
label. For example, if you search for " (double quotes), any assets that
include frame locators or restrictions will be displayed in the search
results. This behavior also applies to the following words: UID,
FrameNumber, Timecode, Track, TrackType, Color, and Comment.
Type Media type l All types
l Effect
l Folder
l Group
l Masterclip
l Motioneffect
l Renderedeffect
l Sequence
l Subclip
Category The search looks The categories available are defined by the Administrator.
through the
database for the n You might need to click Clear in the Simple Search pane to see
specified category categories that were added very recently by the administrator.
type and the
criteria specified.
Modified Search for items l Last 10 minutes (default)
checked in, checked l Last hour
out, imported, or
modified in the l Last 24 hours
specified time frame. l Last 48 hours
l Last 72 hours
l Last week
l Last month
l Last year
l All dates and times

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Attribute Description Search Values

Name

In use If an item is in use, it l Ignore: Reports results regardless of whether the item is in use
is referenced by a or not (default).
sequence also in the l Is in use: Reports only items in use.
database (Avid
assets only) l Is not in use: Reports only items not in use.

Video Searches for items l Ignore: Reports results regardless of resolution

with the given l Choose a resolution.
resolution.

Extended Searching
Extended searches allow you to specify complex search criteria to find exactly the assets you need.

The elements of an extended Production Management search are:

l The attribute names in which you are interested.
l The operator that specifies how the values you specify match the values of the assets for which you
are looking.
l The attribute values you want to match.
When you open Interplay Access, or open a new Search tab after performing a search, the Search tab
defaults to search the entire database. Selecting a folder will improve the response time for the search (see
"Using the Search Root and Attributes to Speed Up a Search" on page 113).

n If a search is returning too many results, you can stop it by clicking the Stop button in the Search tab.
(The Search button changes to the Stop button when a search is in progress.)

To perform an extended search:

1. Do one of the following:

t Click the Search tab and select Extended from the Search Type list. One Search tab is
displayed by default, with Simple as the search type and the entire database as the search
root.
t Select Edit > Search to open a new search tab. You can also press F3 or Ctrl+F (Windows) or
Command+F (macOS). If you select a folder before you open a new search tab, the folder you
selected is selected as the search root. Then select Extended from the Search Type list.

2. To change the search root, click the Search Root button, navigate to the folder you want to search,
and click OK.
3. (Option) Select a Remote database to search. See "Searching Across Remote Workgroups" on
page 134.

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4. If necessary, click the Search Conditions arrow to show the search criteria.
5. Specify an initial set of criteria (see "Extended Search Attribute Names, Operators, and Values" on
the next page).
6. Select additional criteria by doing one of the following:
t For an AND search, click the + button as many times as the number of criteria you want to add.

t For an OR search, click the OR button.

t To delete unwanted criteria, click the - button.
Select the combination of criteria that makes a “sentence” that is true for the assets you want to find.
For example, the following illustration shows criteria that will be used to search for any assets whose
the text contains the word “penguins” or the word “fish”.

7. Do one of the following:

t Press Enter.
t Click the Search button.
The Search button changes to a Stop button, which you can click if you want to stop the search. The
results are displayed in the Search Results pane. They are visible until you close Interplay Access or
until you perform a new search.
To erase all values you entered in the search fields:
t Click Clear.
For information about saving your search, see "Saving Your Search" on page 132.

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Extended Search Attribute Names, Operators, and Values

The following table shows the range of valid operators and values for the Production Management extended
search attributes.

Many of the properties available for use in the Extended Search are predefined by the administrator, so
your choices vary. For the list of standard Production Management attribute names, their meanings, and
the values you can enter for them when specifying a search, see "System Metadata Properties" on
page 224. You can also search for custom properties.

Additional properties can also be pulled in from the Avid editing applications.

Search Attributes

Field Possible Value

Attribute Any attribute (standard or custom) defined in the Property Layout view of the Interplay
Name Administrator. For example, Name, Project, or Tape. See also
Operator Varies depending on the attribute selected. Operators include:
l Contains l Does not end with
l Does not contain l Before
l Is l After
l Is not l Within
l Starts with l Not within
l Does not start with l Less than
l Ends with l Greater than
Value Varies depending on the attribute selected. Values include:
l Text l Duration
l Numeric value l Date
l Time l Yes or No

Special Extended Search Attribute Names and Values

Attribute Name Description Search Values

Text Searches for text in multiple A text string of one or more words. If you enter more than one
attributes, such as Name, word, the search will search for the words as a single entity.
Tape, User Attributes, You can open additional Text criteria fields to search for AND
Comments, and or OR combinations of words.
Annotations.
Text is not case sensitive and spaces are permitted.

Wild cards are not supported.

If you search for text that contains certain special

characters, the results will include assets for which the
characters are not visible in the text fields. This is because
assets contain XML-type properties that always contain
special characters and keywords, and the search includes
these properties. These special characters include the
following: " < > $ & ^

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Attribute Name Description Search Values

For example, if you search for " (double quotes), any assets
that include frame locators or restrictions will be displayed in
the search results. This behavior also applies to the following
words: UID, FrameNumber, Timecode, Track, TrackType,
Color, and Comment.
Find Clips Filters search results to show Shared or Unshared.
shared or unshared clips
only, similar to the View
option Find
Shared/Unshared Clips. See
"Finding Shared Clips and
Unshared Clips" on
page 136.
Reserved Searches for assets that are l Is expired: item was reserved before and the
currently reserved or have reservation has now expired.
been reserved in the past, l Is reserved: item is currently reserved.
depending on search
criteria. l Ends after: reservation ends after the date you
specify.
l Ends before: reservation ends before the date you
specify.
Tracks Searches for assets See "Searching for Types of Tracks" below.
according to which tracks
the asset contains: video,
audio, data, timecode.
Workspace Determines which When you select “Workspace is,” all unique workspaces
workspaces are searched. found in the database are listed, regardless of whether a
workspace is present on the shared-storage system or not.
This allows users to search for assets whose workspace is
outdated and delete the assets or fix them by applying the
Update Media Status button.

n See "Setting Reservations" on page 172 for information on using the Extended Search to find reserved
items.

Searching for Types of Tracks

Use of the Tracks metadata property in an Advanced search that allows you to more precisely search for
assets that contain particular types of tracks.

Operator Value Search

contains Video Asset has video tracks

contains Audio Asset has audio tracks
contains Data Asset has data tracks
contains Timecode Asset has timecode tracks
does not contain Video Asset does not have video tracks
does not contain Audio Asset does not have audio tracks

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Operator Value Search

does not contain Data Asset does not have data tracks
does not contain Timecode Asset does not have timecode tracks
are Video Asset has only video tracks, does not have audio, data or timecode tracks
are Audio Asset has only audio tracks, does not have video, data or timecode tracks
are Data Asset has only data tracks, does not have audio, video or timecode tracks
are Timecode Asset has only timecode tracks, does not have audio, video, or data tracks

Search Option for Rendered Effects

Interplay Access includes a search type that lets you search for and view rendered effects. The purpose of
this feature is deletion of media files for rendered effects.

To use this search type, select Rendered Effects from the Search Type list, as shown in the following
illustration:

Perform this search in the same way you perform an extended search. See "Extended Searching" on
page 116.

To view and use a Rendered Effects search, a user must have the Administrator role, or the
Read/Write/Delete role for the entire database (global read/write/delete).

The following illustration shows a group named “RWD” with the global RWD role, as displayed in the User
Management view in the Interplay Administrator. The user “RWD User” inherits the global RWD role.

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The following illustration shows the same group, with the global RWD role, in the Manage Database Roles
view.

The Rendered Effects search can be used with one or more of the following five criteria:
l Initial Checkin Date
l Workspace
l In use
l Media Status
l Text
You can select one or more criteria in the same way you select criteria for other search types. The following
illustration shows a search that uses four criteria, the list of files found, and the folder that is associated
with the selected rendered effect. Note that the rendered effects in the search results list are grayed out
because their links are emulated.

n The grayed-out appearance of the rendered effects has a different meaning from the grayed-out
appearance of referenced assets.

Rendered effects with links (for example, in the Kept Media or Unchecked-In Avid Assets folders) are
displayed as solid black. Rendered effects without links (like all emulated rendered effects) are displayed
grayed out.

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The Associations tab for used rendered effects shows the folders in which they are used (and where they
would be emulated if you browse to the folder).

Limitations

Note the following limitations:

l The Rendered Effect search is a media management tool for deleting media only. You can delete
media for the rendered effects listed in the search results, but you cannot delete the metadata. In the
Delete dialog box the option for “renderedeffect” is inactive (grayed out), while the option for
“associated media file(s)” is active.

You can delete this metadata through other deletion workflows.

l Because of the specific purpose of this search type, the actions you can perform on the search results
are limited: for example, you cannot copy or move objects in the search results list or use the Go To
option.

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Search Option for Highly Linked Assets

A highly linked asset (also referred to as highly linked object) is an asset that either has many associations
(i.e. is present in many folders) or has many relatives (i.e. dependencies to other objects in the database).
For example, a single clips such as a station logo may be used in a large number of sequences. At a large
site, if a single asset is linked to many other assets, it can slow down searches and other database
operations.

Access provides a method for searching for highly linked assets. In previous releases, the search only
returned assets with many relatives, but not with many associations. The 2019.6 search returns both kind of
objects. Note that to view and use a Highly Linked Assets search, a user must have the Administrator role.

The following illustrations show how to select the search type if available. This search can help in cleaning
up the database.

To use this search type, select Highly Linked Assets from the Search Type list, as shown in the following
illustration:

Perform this search in the same way you perform an extended search. See "Extended Searching" on
page 116. There is one criterion: Links Threshold. Enter a numerical value for the number of links allowed
before the asset is displayed as a search result. The default is 200.

The following illustration shows a search for assets with more than 200 folder associations. Use the Object
Inspector to examine information about the resulting assets.

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Example: Finding Assets By Using a Unique Identifier

This topic illustrates a workflow in which you assign a unique identifier (numbers, letters, or a combination)
to an asset and use that identifier to find and display the asset. For example, you could choose to associate
a unique number with each sequence in an MediaCentral Production Management database so that you
can quickly find a particular sequence later using that number, even if someone has changed the name of
the sequence. This workflow uses a custom property and a custom search for the most efficient and reliable
way of finding the asset.

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There are alternative methods for associating a unique identifier to the one described in this topic. However,
they do not make optimal use of the MediaCentral Production Management search engine. For example,
one workflow might be to append an identifier to the end of an asset name so that it can be tracked with
the asset. A disadvantage to this approach is that you need to use the full-text search mechanism to find
the asset. Another disadvantage is that renaming the asset will remove the identifier unless you add it to the
new name.

A more efficient approach is to create a custom property (or metadata field) that is used exclusively to hold
the identifier. You can then search for the asset by using an exact match rather than a full-text search, and
you can rename the asset without needing to add the identifier. You use the Interplay Administrator to
create a custom property, and then use Interplay Access to set and search for the identifier.

n Adding an identifier to the name of an asset and using full-text search to locate the asset by name
causes unnecessary extra load on the MediaCentral Production Management Server, because it
searches through much more data than it would if searching on a single custom property. You should
always define a custom property if your workflow uses a unique identifier.

The following procedures describe

l How to add and display a custom property
l How to add the identifier
l How to search for the identifier
Prerequisite: A user must have write permission on an asset to add an identifier to an asset.

To add a custom property:

1. In the Site Settings section of the Interplay Administrator window, click the Property Layout icon.
2. In the Property Layout view, select the database for which you want to set properties.
3. Click the Custom Meta Data tab.
4. In the Add Custom Meta Data Field text box, type a name for the custom property. In this case, type
the name “Identifier.”

5. Click the green plus sign (+).

The custom property appears in the list.

6. Select the Available option, which makes the custom property available for users to add into
Interplay Access displays and to use in an Extended search.
7. Select the options to include the property in the Content tab and the Object Inspector’s Properties
tab. Users can then add or edit a value for Identifier in Interplay Access.
8. Click Apply to save the added custom property and new layout.
The next time a user logs in to Interplay Access, the Identifier property will be displayed.

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n Deselect the property in the Available column to turn off custom properties that you do not want
displayed in the Interplay Access properties lists. You cannot delete custom properties for this release
but you can turn off their display. For more information about working with custom properties, see
“Creating Custom Properties” in the Avid MediaCentral |Production Management Engine and Archive
Engine Administration Guide.

To set an identifier for an asset:

1. In Interplay Access, select the asset for which you want to set the identifier. In this case, select a
sequence.
2. The first time you want to set an identifier, do the following:
a. Click the Properties tab, scroll down and click the Configure button.
The “Configure visible user properties” dialog box opens.

b. In the User Properties section, select “Identifier” to display the property in the Object Inspector,
and click OK.
3. In the Object Inspector, scroll down until you see the new custom property Identifier.
4. Click the text box and type the identifier.
You need write permissions on the asset to add the identifier. An orange box highlights the controls
for adding a property value.

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5. Click Apply.
The identifier is displayed in the Identifier column in the Contents tab.

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To search for an asset using the unique identifier:

1. In Interplay Access, click the Search tab, then select Extended from the Search type list.
2. Click the Attribute Name field, scroll down the list, and select Identifier.

3. In the Operator field, select “is.”

4. In the Value field, type the identifier, and click Search.
The asset is displayed in the Search results list.

If you know only part of an identifier, select “contains” from Operator field and type part of the
identifier. This is less efficient than an exact match, but is much more efficient than a full-text search
on the name.

Performing a File-Based Workflow Search

In the File Search dialog box you can select from various search options concerning the file-based workflow.
File-based workflow refers to the process of importing file assets, checking them out, modifying them, and
checking them in.

Click a parameter to include it in your search definition. Selecting each one expands it and allows you to set
your variables. For some variables, the wildcard options and regular expressions are allowed.

File searches are AND searches, meaning that all of the selected conditions must be met in order for the
item to be returned by the search.

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To perform a file-based search:

1. Do one of the following:

t Click the Search tab and select File from the Search Type list. One Search tab is displayed by
default, with Simple as the search type and the entire database as the search root.
t Select Edit > Search to open a new search tab. You can also press F3 or Ctrl+F (Windows) or
Command+F (macOS). If you select a folder before you open a new search tab, the folder you
selected is selected as the search root. Then select File from the Search Type list.
2. To change the search root, click the Search Root button, navigate to the folder you want to search,
and click OK.
3. (Option) Select a Remote database to search. See "Searching Across Remote Workgroups" on
page 134.
4. If necessary, click the Search Conditions arrow to show the search criteria.
5. Select a search root folder by doing one of the following:
t Use the Search Root button to select another database or subfolder.
t Select a folder in the Tree view and open a new Search tab.
The Search root button displays the database or folder you selected to search. This search root is
used when you open a new Search tab.
6. Select one or more of the following criteria to include it in the search:
– Name: Type text that is part of the name, or is the entire name, of folders and files.
– Checked in / Checked out / Imported / Modified, as described in the following table.

Action By User Time Time Value

Checked in Click the drop-down arrow Before Click the up or down arrows or
and select a database the calendar icon to adjust the
Checked out Anytime
user. Default is Anyone. time value for the time
(default)
Imported evaluation.
Today
Modified
Between
After

– Checkout Comment/Comment/Keywords/Version Comment: Type text that is part of the

check out comment, description, keyword, or version comment (including labels) that anyone
has entered for a file.
– My checked out items: Finds assets currently checked out by you.
7. Do one of the following:
t Press Enter.
t Click the Search button.
The Search button changes to a Stop button, which you can click if you want to stop the search. The
results are displayed in the Search Results pane. They are visible until you close Interplay Access or
until you perform a new search.
To erase all values you entered in the search fields:
t Click Clear.
For information about saving your search, see "Saving Your Search" on page 132.

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Searching for Migrated Workgroup 4 Archived Items

You can search for Workgroup 4 archived clips that were migrated to an MediaCentral Archive system.
There are two special attributes: “WG4 Archived Date” and “WG4 Tape Group” that apply only to
Workgroup 4 clips. These two items are available as Archive Manager search values. For more information,
see the MediaCentral | Production Management Best Practices Guide.

n For information about the Workgroup 4 archive migration process, see your Avid Sales Representative,
Sales Engineering, or Professional Services for assistance.

Closing Extra Search Tabs

If you opened additional Search tabs, you can close them after you have finished the search.

To close a Search tab:

1. Click the Search tab.

2. Click the X at the top of the Search tab.
The additional Search tab closes.

Showing One Representation for Each Asset Found

If your MediaCentral Production Management database includes multiple links for the same asset (for
example, a clip that is located in a catalog and one or more project folders), and you search for the asset,
all links for that asset are shown in the search results.

In some circumstances, you might want to limit the search results to display one representation of the asset.
This can make it easier to manage large databases, especially for media librarians. You can select an
option in the Filter Settings tab that filters out multiple links and shows only one link for each asset found.
The link displayed is the first link that is found, and serves as a representation for any other links.

You should enable this filter only if you fully understand the consequences of displaying one representation
of an asset. This option might not be suitable for all users. Keep the following in mind when using this
option:
l Deleting metadata for a single representation deletes only that link, which is the first link that is
found by the engine. Deleting media for a single representation deletes media for all links. This option
might not be suitable as part of a delete workflow.
l Reservations and permissions are displayed only for the representation. This could be misleading,
because other links might have different reservations or permissions.
l Copying or moving the representation copies or moves only the link for the representation. This could
also be misleading, because other links are not copied or moved.
l Editing custom metadata is not possible if the representation is read-only. This could be confusing if
custom metadata is editable for other links.

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To show only one representation for each asset found in a search:

1. Select (Windows) Preferences > Options or (macOS) Interplay Access > Preferences.
2. Click the Filter Settings tab.

3. In the Search Results Filter section, select the option “Show only one representation for each asset
found.”
4. Click OK.
The next time you run a search, only one representation for each asset is displayed in the search results.
The following illustration shows a single asset, with four associations (four folders displayed in the
Associations tab). The illustration also shows an exclamation point icon, which indicates that the filter to
shows only one representation is active, and a ToolTip that describes the filter.

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Saving Your Search

You might need to routinely use the same search criteria to find particular assets. To save time and effort,
you can save criteria from both simple and extended searches so that you or others can use them.

Saved searches are stored by database, meaning they are only available for the database in which you set
them up, and are by default private, or local-only. Administrators can make saved searches public, or
available to all database users.

To save your search for re-use:

1. Specify all the search criteria for the search in the Search window. Make sure you have the correct
search root selected, as the search is saved in the following manner:
– It is saved for the database specified in the Search Root, which might not be the database you
last clicked in (the global selection).
– It saves the exact folder specified in the Search Root, so that every time you run the search, it
searches this folder.
2. Click Save.
The Save Search window opens.

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3. Type a name for the search you want to save and, optionally, a description of the search.
4. (Administrators only) To make this saved search available to all Production Management users, select
Public Resource. To keep the saved search private, make sure the lock icon is closed (click Public
Resource again if it is not).
5. Click Save as new.
The search is saved and added to the list of saved searches displayed in the Saved Searches pane,
from where you can run it (see "Viewing and Running a Saved Search" below).

Viewing and Running a Saved Search

After you have specified and saved the search criteria, you can run the search again by opening the Saved
Searches pane.

You can display the Saved Searches pane in Browsing view, but not in Logging view or Shotlist view.

To view and run a saved search, do one of the following:

1. Select View > Show Saved Searches pane to display the Saved Searches pane.

2. To run a saved search, do one of the following:

t Double-click the saved search name in the Saved Search window.
t Select Start Search from the context menu of the saved search name in the Saved Search
window.
Any assets that match the criteria are displayed in the Search tab.
To make a private Saved Search visible to other database users (Administrators only):
t In the Saved Searches pane, double-click the closed lock symbol of the saved search.
The lock icon changes to open.

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To make a public Saved Search private:

t In the Saved Searches pane, double-click the open lock symbol of the saved search.
The lock icon changes to closed.
To delete a private saved search, or a public saved search you created:

1. In the Saved Searches pane, select the saved search.

2. Do one of the following:
t Press the Delete key.
t Select Delete from the context menu.
To rename, edit, or duplicate a private saved search, or a public saved search you created:

1. Run the saved search.

2. (Option) In the Search tab, change the Saved Search criteria.
3. Click Save.
4. In the Save Search dialog box, edit the name, the comment, or both.
5. Do one of the following:
t To replace the saved search, click Save.
t To save the modified search as a separate search, click Save as new.

Searching Across Remote Workgroups

You can perform a simple search or an extended search across remote workgroups, including a
MediaCentral Archive system. Before you can search a remote workgroup (sometimes referred to as
federated search), an administrator must configure the workgroup in the Interplay Administrator. For
information on setting up access to remote workgroups, see the MediaCentral | Production Management
Engine and Archive Engine Administration Guide.

If you want to distinguish search results by workgroup, an administrator can add the Database property to
the default property layout (through the Property Layout view in the Interplay Administrator) and you can
then sort the results of a search by the Database property.

You can use this feature to include an MediaCentral Production Management Archive Engine in your search.

n When you search a remote workgroup, a license is used on the remote MediaCentral Production
Management Engine.

n When saving a search criteria for remote workgroups, you must select the workgroups you want to
search before you enter the search criteria and save the search.

n You can view information about assets shared across workgroups by using the Asset Tracking feature.
See "Viewing the Status of Assets Across Workgroups (Asset Tracking)" on page 94.

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To search across remote workgroups:

1. Click a Search tab.

2. Select the Remote database check box.

3. Select the check boxes for the remote workgroups you want to search for assets.
The workgroups you select remain selected until you modify the selection or you log out of
MediaCentral Production Management.

n You can select a total of 10 remote workgroups to search at one time.

4. Perform the search. See "Simple Searching" on page 113 or "Extended Searching" on page 116.
5. If you have different logon credentials for one or more of the remote workgroups (a workgroup that
uses a different Central Configuration Server), a dialog box opens.
a. Type your username and password for each specified server.
If you do not want to log on to a specified server, but you want to perform the search, deselect
the check box for the server.
b. Click OK to start the search, or click Cancel to close the window without starting the search.
The following illustration shows the results of a search that includes two workgroups, as listed
under the Database property.

6. (Option) You can use the Search Results to perform workgroup-to-workgroup transfers by dragging
and dropping assets to the folders. See "Transferring Avid Assets to Another Workgroup " on page 54.

Finding Other Clips from the Same Source Tape

To view all other clips from the same source tape as a particular Avid asset:

1. Determine the source tape name from the information displayed in the Object Inspector or Content
view for the item. Look at the field named Tape.
2. Click a Search tab and select Extended from the Search Type list.
3. Make sure the database name or folder you want to search is selected.

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4. Select the criteria “Tape” and the operator “is.” Then type the tape name you are searching for.
5. Click Search.
MediaCentral Production Management searches the entire database (or another folder you selected)
and finds and displays all checked-in clips recorded or captured from the specified source tape.

Finding Shared Clips and Unshared Clips

You can list the clips in a folder that are shared in other locations in the database. The list of shared clips
includes clips that originate in the selected folder and clips that originate from other locations in the
database. Identifying the clips that are shared with other folders assists you when deleting items from a
database. For more information about delete settings and delete rules, see "Deleting Assets" on page 166.

You can also list the clips that are not shared in any other locations in the database.

To identify clips in a folder that are shared in other locations in the database:

1. Select a folder in the tree view.

2. Select View > Show Shared/Unshared Clips.
The Shared/unshared clips in folder dialog box opens.

3. Select “Show shared clips” from the filter list in the Shared/unshared dialog box.
The Content view lists any clips in the selected folder that are used in other parts of the database. It
also lists any clips in the folder that are shared from other parts of the database. You can apply view
presets, filters, and other functionality available in Content view.
4. To identify where the shared clips are used:
a. Select a clip and select Go To from the context menu.
The contents of the folder are displayed in the Content tab with the clip selected.
b. Click the Associations tab or the Relatives tab to view where the clip is shared.
To identify clips in a folder that are not shared in other parts of the database:
t Select Show unshared clips from the filter list in the Shared/unshared dialog box.

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Using Third-Party Search Plug-Ins

Interplay Access supports third-party plug-ins that allow you to extend the Remote Search features of
Interplay Access (sometimes referred to as federated search). For example, a third-party plug-in can allow
you to expand a search to include an SQL database.

Installing Third-Party Search Plug-ins

See your third-party documentation for details on installation. The installation adds the third-party plug-in
to the Interplay Access client plug-ins folder.

Configuring a Third-Party Plug-In for Remote Search

Use the Interplay Administration tool to configure the third-party search for each database.

To configure a third-party search for a database:

1. Start the Interplay Administration tool.

2. In the Site Settings view, select Configure Remote Workgroups.
3. Select your MediaCentral Production Management database.
4. In the New Server Area, do the following:
a. Choose “3rd party search” from the Host type list.
b. Select the third-party plug-in from the Plugin list.
c. Type the name of the server (to run the third-party search against). Make sure the name is
correct, otherwise the third-party search will inform you that the server cannot be found or
contacted.
d. Type a nickname for the server. This name will appear in the Interplay Access Search tab.
e. Click Add.
The system registers the third-party search in the database.
5. Repeat Step 4 for each third-party database that you want to search.

Using a Third-Party Search Plug-in

To use a search plug-in:

1. Click a Search tab.

2. Select the Remote database check box.
3. Select the check boxes for the remote workgroup you want to search for assets.
4. Perform the search. See "Simple Searching" on page 113 or "Extended Searching" on page 116.
The search runs simultaneously on the MediaCentral Production Management database and the remote
database.

By default, the third-party search displays the results in a separate user interface window, one per
database searched. The third-party developer may also choose to display search results from multiple
third-party databases in one window. For more information, see your third-party documentation.

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6 Working with File Assets

The MediaCentral Production Management Engine lets you add any type of file to the database, including
graphic files, movie files, and text files. These files are called file assets, and the MediaCentral Production
Management Engine manages them differently than it manages Avid assets.

The following is a basic workflow for a graphic artist or other contributor who is working with file assets:

1. Create a file on your local system.

2. Import the file into the database using Interplay Access.
3. When you want to edit the file, check the file out from the database using Interplay Access.
4. When you are finished editing the file, check the file back in to the database using Interplay Access.
There are some differences between the way you work with file assets and the way you work with Avid
assets:
l To add file assets to the database, you use the Import feature. To add Avid assets, you check them in
from an Avid editing application or through an MediaCentral Production Management application.
l When you check out a file asset, the latest version (both metadata and source file) is copied to the
corresponding folder in the working path of your local system. When you check out an Avid asset by
dragging it to a bin, the latest version of the metadata is copied to the bin while the media remains on
shared storage.
l It’s most efficient to work with file assets that are stored on your working path (see "Setting the
Default Working Folder" on page 17). You can import files from any location, but when you check out
a file, the MediaCentral Production Management Engine by default copies the latest file to a folder in
your working path. Thus, to avoid having duplicate files on your local system, it’s a good idea to
create new files in a folder in your working path and then import the files or folder.
l For file assets, the MediaCentral Production Management Engine provides exclusive editing rights by
default (only one user can check out and edit a file) and version control. For Avid assets, multiple
users can check out and edit files, and only sequences have version control.
For information about setting the location for local copies of file assets, see "Setting the Default Working
Folder" on page 17. For information about importing file assets into the MediaCentral Production
Management database, see "Importing Files or Folders" on page 40.

Icons and Indicators for File Assets

Special icons and indicators represent the status of file assets that you see throughout Interplay Access.
These apply only to file assets. For an explanation of Avid asset icons, see "Icons for Avid Assets and
Folders" on page 62.

If the operating system uses an icon for a file type, that icon is shown in Interplay Access. There is a small
icon that is always displayed, and a larger icon that is displayed if you enlarge the Type column. For
example, the following illustrations show a text file (top) and an MP3 audio file (bottom).

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The following table shows the icons and indicators used for file assets. A generic icon represents
application-specific icons.

File Asset Icons and Indicators

Icon Description

MediaCentral Production Management Engine-only files: An icon with a broken border means that
the item exists only on the MediaCentral Production Management Engine. As yet there is no copy of
that folder or file on your local workstation. You get a copy of the file by performing a Get Latest
Version. The latest version of the file is retrieved from the MediaCentral Production Management
Engine and copied to the working path on your local workstation.
Database files and folders: These files and folders are stored inside your database and exist on the
MediaCentral Production Management Engine as well as on your local disk. The local copy of the file
is read-only. To change the read-only flag, check the file out.
A blue overlay icon tells you that the version on the MediaCentral Production Management Engine is
newer than the version you have locally. Do a Get Latest Version to copy the latest version from the
MediaCentral Production Management Engine to the working path on your local workstation.

Earlier versions used a file icon with lines displayed only in the upper diagonal.
A red overlay icon tells you that your local version is newer than the one on the MediaCentral
Production Management Engine.

Earlier versions used a file icon with red lines inside of it

A red check mark indicates that you have a file checked out. This usually also means that you have
exclusive editing rights. Other users are not able to make changes to the file until it is checked in
again.

A blue check mark has the same meaning as the red check mark, but the working path has been
changed since you checked out the file.

A black check means the file is locked (checked out) by another user. Although you can get the latest
version from the MediaCentral Production Management Engine to view, you cannot check the file out
to edit it until the current user has checked it back in.

Getting the Latest Version of a File Asset

Get Latest is a feature that lets you copy the latest version of a file asset to the working path on your local
workstation. After the file asset is copied to your working path, the icons in Interplay Access change to the
normal file and folder icons to show that the MediaCentral Production Management Engine and local
versions are identical. See "Icons and Indicators for File Assets" on the previous page. The copied files have
read-only access on the local drive.

The Get Latest behavior depends on your settings in the Options dialog box. For information about
changing options, see "Changing the Get Latest Behavior" on page 141.

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To get a copy of a file or all the files in a folder:

1. Select the file or folder name.

2. Do one of the following:
t Press (Windows) Ctrl+G or (macOS) Shift+Command+G.
t Select Get Latest from the context menu.
t Select Operations > Get Latest.
The Get Latest dialog box opens and displays the local (working) path:

3. (Option) Click the Advanced button.

The dialog box expands.

4. (Option) Select Force file update. This option overrides any default settings for the Get Latest Version
operation (see "Changing the Get Latest Behavior" on the next page).
5. Click OK.
The MediaCentral Production Management Engine copies the latest version from the MediaCentral
Production Management database to your working path.

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Changing the Get Latest Behavior

To change the way the Get Latest Version is performed on file assets:

1. Select (Windows) Preferences > Options or (macOS) Interplay Access > Preferences.
2. Click the Operations tab.

3. Select the options you want and click OK.

The following table describes options that govern how file and folder content is chosen for a Get
Latest action.
Get Latest Options in the Options Dialog Box
Action Description Option

Get only Specifies if the action should only get updates If selected, Get Latest
updates (items changed on the MediaCentral Production operations are significantly
(changes Management Engine) since the last Get. faster because process time is
since last get) saved.
Overwrite You could have a writable but not checked out file – Ask for each writeable

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Action Description Option

writeable files on your local system if, for example, you have file (default): A message
(files not changed the read-only flag manually. is displayed, asking if
checked out) you want to to overwrite
n Avid does not recommend changing items the writable file on your
locally without checking them out from the local drive with the
database. A file changed locally is not current MediaCentral
automatically updated in the database and Production Management
could be overwritten if an older version is Engine copy.
checked out. See "Updating the Database with
– Skip each writable file:
Assets That Are Not Checked Out" on
Do not overwrite the
page 153.
local file and leave it
writable. The current
MediaCentral
Production Management
Engine copy is not
retrieved.
– Replace: Overwrite the
local file and make it
read-only. The local file
is replaced by the
current MediaCentral
Production Managment
Engine copy.
Overwrite When performing a Get Latest on a checked out file, – Ask for each checked-
checked-out you can define what action the system should do. out file: Ask for each
files modified checked-out
file. Ask whether to
retrieve the current
version and replace the
old one.
– Skip each checked-out
file: Keep local changes
(default); skip each
modified checked-out
file. Does not retrieve the
file.
– Replace each checked-
out file: Lose local
changes; replace each
modified checked-out
file. The checked out
MediaCentral
Production Management
Engine copy replaces the
local copy.

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Viewing File Assets

When you view a file asset, it is copied to your local drive and opened for viewing in a preconfigured
application. If you do not set a specific application for an asset, Interplay Access uses the same application
that is used by the operating system. See "Configuring Asset Types, Commands, and Applications" on
page 23 for details.

You can play video file assets (for example, QuickTime movies) or audio file assets (for example WAV or AIFF
files) in a preconfigured application or in the Interplay Access Monitor. To play these assets in the Monitor,
you must install QuickTime version 7 or later. Interplay Access supports any video or audio formats
supported by QuickTime.

To open a file asset for viewing, do one of the following:

t Select a file asset and select View from the context menu.
t Double-click the file asset.
The file is copied to your local drive. The file is also opened for viewing in the preconfigured
application. For video or audio file assets, if QuickTime is installed, the file is loaded in both the
preconfigured application and the Interplay Access Monitor.

n Files of the following formats do not play correctly in the Interplay Access Monitor: m3u, asf, avi, and
wmv.

Checking Out File Assets

Before you can edit an asset, it has to be checked out from the MediaCentral Production Management
Engine. After checking out an item, you can edit its contents.

If someone else checks out a file, you might not be able to check it out if it is locked on the MediaCentral
Production Management Engine for exclusive editing. Items that are checked out by other users appear with
a black check on the local machine.

You can check out individual file assets, multiple file assets, or folders. Checking out a folder is recursive:
that is, all of its contents and the contents of its subfolders are checked out. You can check out folders from
the folder tree or from the Content view.

n The check out process is different for Avid assets (see "Adding Assets to the Production Management
Database" on page 40). However, like file assets, Avid sequences are tracked by version control. For
more information, see "Version History and Archiving" on page 200.

To check out file assets:

1. Select a file asset, multiple file assets, a folder, or multiple folders.

2. Do one of the following:
t Select Operations > Check Out.
t Select Check Out from the context menu.
t Press (Windows) Ctrl+O or (macOS) Shift+Command+O.
The Check Out dialog box is displayed.
3. Type a checkout comment in the box. Be specific to help you track your changes later.
4. (Option) Click Advanced and change the settings for the check out protocol by selecting one of the
following:

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– Don’t get local copy: The database file or folder is locked for other users, but you do not
retrieve the latest version if, for example, you want to continue working with your local copy.
This is generally not recommended unless you have a specific purpose for doing this.
– Exclusive checkout: Only one user can work on a file concurrently if this option is checked. If
this option is left deselected, and multiple users edit it, upon later check in, the last version to
be checked in will be the last MediaCentral Production Management Engine version in the
history. Multiple checkout is valid only in special cases, such as for text files. Only one version
of the file can be selected for check in. MediaCentral Production Management does not offer a
merge tool, but does provide a Merge Dialog to assist in making your choice of which version
MediaCentral Production Management should keep. See "Checking In Files With Multiple
Checkouts" on page 149 for details.
5. Click OK.
6. The files are copied to your local disk. A red check, your username, and the comment beside the item
show you have that file checked out.

Opening a File for Editing in One Step

After checking out a file asset, you can edit it using an external application, but you have to open the file in
the application first. The Edit operation lets you save a step by combining the check out and opening of the
file into one step.

To open a file for editing:

1. Select a file asset.

2. Do one of the following:
t Select Edit from the context menu.
t Select Edit > Edit
t Hold down the Shift key and double-click the selected file asset.
The Edit dialog box is displayed.
3. Type a checkout comment in the box. Be specific to help you track your changes later.
4. (Option) Click Advanced and change the settings for the checkout protocol:
– Don’t get local copy: The database file or folder is locked for other users, but you do not
retrieve the latest version if, for example, you want to continue working with your local copy.
This is generally not recommended unless you have a specific purpose for doing this.
– Exclusive checkout: Only one user can work on a file concurrently if this option is checked. If
this option is left deselected, and multiple users edit it, upon later check in, the last version to
be checked in will be the last MediaCentral Production Management Engine version in the
history. Multiple checkout is valid only in special cases, such as for text files. Only one version
of the file can be selected for check in. MediaCentral Production Management does not offer a
merge tool, but does provide a Merge Dialog to assist in making your choice of which version
MediaCentral Production Management should keep. See "Checking In Files With Multiple
Checkouts" on page 149 for details.

Undoing a Checkout
The command Undo Check Out cancels any changes made to the file while it was checked out. This means
the checkout flag is removed from the database file in the MediaCentral Production Management Engine
database and the version in the database remains at the point just before you checked out the file. This
could be necessary if you destroy or corrupt a file, or simply want to discard any changes you have made
after a checkout.

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n You cannot use the Undo Check Out action after the file has been checked in. You must use the
rollback feature instead (see "Undoing Checked In Changes Through Rollback" on page 206).

To undo a checkout:

1. Select one or more file assets that are checked out.

2. Do one of the following:
t Select Undo Check Out from the context menu.
t Select Operations > Undo Check Out.
t Press (Windows) Ctrl+U or (macOS) Shift+Command+U.
The Undo Check Out dialog box opens.

3. (Option for users with Administrator rights on at least one item in the selection) Click Advanced. The
“Undo changes from all users” option appears. Select this option to discard changes from any and all
users that have the item checked out.

c Use this option with care.

4. Click OK.
Depending on your settings, if the file has been changed since you checked it out, an additional Undo
Check Out dialog appears, asking you if you want to overwrite your local version with the latest
MediaCentral Production Management Engine version.

5. Click one of the following:

t Yes: The checkout is undone and your local changes are lost. The local file returns to the status
of the MediaCentral Production Management Engine copy.
t No: The local copy remains as it is but the file is not checked out to you anymore.
t Cancel: Cancels the Undo Check Out action.
t (Option) Apply to all items: Applies the Yes or No choice to each item the Undo Check Out
action was selected for. If you do not select Apply to all items, in a multiselection case, the
dialog appears for each item.
6. Click OK.

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The checkout check mark is now removed, along with your checkout comment. If you saved your
changes to your local machine, the icon still appears red, depending on the the Undo Check Out
setting (see "Changing the Undo Check Out Options" below). If you try to check out the file later, you
see a warning that you have a copy on your local machine that is different than the one on the
MediaCentral Production Management Engine.

Changing the Undo Check Out Options

Undo Check Out options are used to set the default handling of the local file after undoing the checkout on
the MediaCentral Production Management Engine.

c The Undo Check Out dialog box has an advanced option for administrators for overwriting the
changes of any user. Use caution when selecting this option.

To change the global Undo Check Out options for file assets:

1. Select (Windows) Preferences > Options or (macOS) Interplay Access > Preferences and select the
Operations tab.

2. Select one of the following Undo Check Out “After undo” options:
t Revert local copies to latest version on server (default): This copies the latest version from the
MediaCentral Production Management Engine on the local system and makes it read-only
again
t Delete local copies when undoing check-out: This deletes the local copy.
t Leave changed local files alone: The local file is not changed. This is useful if you do not want
to lose your changes even though they should not be copied to the MediaCentral Production
Management Engine.
3. Click OK.

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Checking Out a Newer Local File After Undo Check Out

If you selected the option “Leave changed local files alone” for Undo Check Out (see "Changing the Undo
Check Out Options" on the previous page), the changes in the local file are preserved when you undo a
checkout. If you check out the file later, the MediaCentral Production Management Engine version
overwrites the local version by default. You can change this behavior when you check out the file asset.

To keep the local version of a file asset and use it as your working version for a checkout:

1. Select the file asset you want to check out.

2. Do one of the following:
t Select Operations > Check Out.
t Select Check Out from the context menu.
t Press (Windows) Ctrl+O or (macOS) Shift+Command+O
The Check Out dialog box is displayed.
3. Type a check out comment in the box. Be specific to help you track your changes later.
4. Click Advanced and select “Don’t get local copy.”

5. Click OK.
Your local copy is not overwritten and you can check in your changes to the MediaCentral Production
Management Engine when you are done editing.

Checking In File Assets

After you are finished editing an file asset, you need to check it in again in order to make the latest version
available to other team members. Checking a file asset in creates a new version in the version control
history. Your check-in comment should give other users useful information about recent changes, and help
you track your changes.

n The check in process is different for Avid assets (see "Adding Assets to the Production Management
Database" on page 40), but Avid sequences are tracked by version control. For more information, see
"Version History and Archiving" on page 200.

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Performing a Checkin
In most cases, only one user has checked out a file and the check in procedure is straightforward.

You can check in individual files assets, multiple file assets, or folders. Checking in a folder is recursive: that
is, all of its contents and the contents of its subfolders are checked out. You can check out folders from the
folder tree or from the Content view.

To check in file assets:

1. Select a file asset, multiple file assets, a folder, or multiple folders.

2. Do one of the following:
t Select Check In from the context menu.
t Press (Windows) Ctrl+I or (macOS) Shift+Command+I.
t Click Operations > Check In.
The Check In dialog box appears.

3. Add a comment that explains what edits were done for later reference.
4. (Option) To keep working on the asset but save the version to the MediaCentral Production
Management Engine, select Keep Checked Out. Using this option, the new version of this file is saved
on the MediaCentral Production Management Engine and recorded in the asset’s history so you can
later go back to this version.
5. (Option) To change the version policy settings, select Advanced. In the Create Version field, select
one of the following:
t Default - only if the file was modified: Generates an entry in the Version History only if the file
has changed since the last version on the MediaCentral Production Management Engine.
t Yes - even if the file was not modified: Always generates an entry in the Version History even if
the file has not changed.
t No - even if the file was modified: Does not generate an entry in the Version History of the file.
Other users can still get this version from the MediaCentral Production Management Engine,
but you cannot roll back to this version later. This option is useful for large temporary files
because it saves disk space on the MediaCentral Production Management Engine.
6. Click OK.
The files are copied to the MediaCentral Production Management database. The red check mark is
then removed and the comment is displayed in the comment column.
If you selected Keep checked out, the red check mark indicating you have the file locked remains next
to the file icon after check in.
If instead the Merge Dialog opens, a multiple checkout was performed; refer to "Checking In Files
With Multiple Checkouts" on the next page for details on how to proceed.

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Checking In Files With Multiple Checkouts

If a file was checked out by more that one person at the same time, and changes were checked into
MediaCentral Production Management by one user before the next user tries to perform a checkin,
MediaCentral Production Management recognizes the conflict and offers a Merge Dialog so that the work
of one user is not simply overwritten without review. MediaCentral Production Management does not have a
line-by-line comparison merge tool included. Multiple checkouts are allowed for text files only.

The Merge dialog can also appear in a situation where a folder or file with the same name has been created
at the exact same time by different users.

To check in file assets with multiple checkouts:

1. Perform a standard checkin (see "Performing a Checkin" on the previous page).

The Merge Dialog opens.

The top part of the window shows the version that was checked in during the time you had the file
checked out, your version in the middle, and the common ancestor (earlier version) of the file on the
right. The bottom part of the window shows details about the versions. If the bottom window is
empty, click the file icon or file name in the top part of the window.
2. To view the content of any version, select View from the context menu of the version name or
thumbnail.

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3. Select which version you would like to keep and select one of the following from the context menu:
Command Context Menu Description
Location

Use as result Version name Uses the exact version as the merge result
or thumbnail
Use content as Version name Uses the contents of the folder as the merge result.
result or thumbnail
Perform auto- Version name Uses the exact version or contents of the folder as the merge result.
content merge in Merge
Result column
Perform visual Version name Opens an external application for comparing and merging versions.
content merge in Merge Set this application by clicking the Options button. See "Configuring
Result column Interplay Access Options" on page 22.

The result of your choice is updated in the display.

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4. (Option) To cancel your choice but remain in the Merge Dialog, select the Merge Result file name and
select Clear from the context menu.
5. (Option) To cancel your choice and close the Merge Dialog, click the Cancel button.
The item still has to be merged. You can perform an Undo Check Out on the item to resolve the
conflict. See "Undoing a Checkout" on page 144 for details.
6. To perform the merge, click OK.
The version you selected is saved in the MediaCentral Production Management database.

Working with Bundled File Assets

Interplay Access let you add a folder to the MediaCentral Production Management database and manage
it as a single file asset called a bundle. This feature is useful if your workflow involves working with a set of
graphics that you store in a single folder. It is also useful for managing a folder that contains different types
of files in a complex structure, for example, project directories of third-party vendors.

When you drag a folder from your desktop to a folder in Interplay Access, the MediaCentral Production
Management Engine creates a compressed folder that is saved to storage and added to the database as a
single asset. This compressed folder is displayed in Interplay Access as a bundle, and is represented by a
special icon.

Bundles are a convenient way to work with a set of files, because you can manage multiple files in any kind
of folder structure as a single file asset (check in, check out, version history, and so on).

Note the following:

l A bundle preserves the original file structure. You can import a folder and its subfolders as a single
bundle.
l Interplay Access does not display the contents of the bundle as individual file assets. You can view
the contents of the bundle on your desktop by selecting Tools > Explore.
l If the folder contains image files that are in a format recognized by Interplay Access, the first image
in alphabetical order is displayed as preview image.
l When you check out a bundle onto a local machine, the bundle is uncompressed and individual file
assets are copied to a folder in your local path.
l If you check out a bundle, any changes in the desktop folder structure are included in the updated
bundle when you check it in.
l Currently there is no special search capability for bundle files or within bundles.
l On a macOS system, you can import an .app bundle in the same way that you import any other
folder as a bundle. You can then share applications between macOS systems. The application icon is
automatically loaded as the preview image.

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To import a folder of file assets as a bundle:

1. Open Interplay Access and log on to a database.

2. On your desktop, select the folder of file assets that you want to import.
3. Drag the folder to a folder in Interplay Access. You can drag to a folder in the folder tree or in the
Content view.

n Currently you can create a bundle only by dragging a folder onto a folder in Interplay Access.
You cannot use the Import command from the menu bar or context menu to create a bundle.

Interplay Access displays the Import Options dialog box.

4. Click the Advanced button.

Additional options are displayed.

5. Select “Create bundle.”

Interplay Access creates the bundle and displays it in the Content View. Information about the bundle

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is displayed in the Property Inspector.

Updating the Database with Assets That Are Not Checked Out
You might start to check in your asset and realize that you forgot to check your file asset out before you
started working.

n Avid recommends that you check out assets prior to changing them. Only use the method described
here in exceptional cases. Avoid removing the write protection of items manually.

To update the file asset in the database with your local version:

1. Select a file asset, multiple file assets, a folder, or multiple folders.

2. Open the Check Out dialog box by doing one of the following:
t Select Check Out from the context menu.
t Press (Windows) Ctrl+O or (macOS) Shift+Command+O.
t Click Operations > Check Out.
3. Click the Advanced button in the dialog box.
4. Select Don’t get local copy.
5. Type a comment.
6. Click OK to check the file out.
Check the file back in using the check in procedure.

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Using Final Cut Pro with Production Management

You can use MediaCentral Production Management to share sequences between Apple® Final Cut Pro® and
Avid editing applications, such as Media Composer. There are three supported workflows:
l Sharing a sequence created in Final Cut Pro with an Avid editing application
l Sharing a sequence created in an Avid editing application with Final Cut Pro
l Sharing a Final Cut Pro project between Final Cut Pro systems
The following table summarizes these workflows:

Workflow From... To...

Final Cut Pro > Avid Automatic Duck™ Pro Export™ Interplay Access (plug-in)
FCP
l Checks in metadata and media
l Converts XML to AAF
l Converts QuickTime to
MXF
Avid > Final Cut Pro Interplay Access Automatic Duck Pro Import™ FCP

l Exports as AAF l Converts AAF to XML

l Converts MXF to QuickTime or creates a
QuickTime reference movie
Final Cut Pro > Final Interplay Access Interplay Access
Cut Pro
l Checks in a project as a l Checks out a project to Final Cut Pro
file asset l The Project links to media on Avid shared
l Media is accessible on storage.
Avid shared storage

These workflows are described in the following topics:

l "Checking in a Final Cut Pro Sequence to Production Management" on the next page
l "Exporting an Avid Sequence to Final Cut Pro" on page 158
l "Sharing a Final Cut Pro Project Between Final Cut Pro Systems" on page 159 and "Working with
QuickTime Reference Movies in an Production Management Environment" on page 160.

n The procedures described in these topics refer to sequences created in Final Cut Pro, but the
procedures can be adapted for use with any sequences that are saved as AAF files.

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Checking in a Final Cut Pro Sequence to Production Management

In this workflow, a Final Cut Pro user can add a Final Cut Pro sequence to the MediaCentral Production
Management database so that it can be checked out and edited by an Avid editing application user.

Requirements:
l Final Cut Pro v6.x and Automatic Duck Pro Export FCP v4.03 or later.

c Earlier versions of Automatic Duck Pro Export FCP are not supported.
l The system running Interplay Access requires Avid shared-storage client software, with write access
to at least one mounted workspace. You can use Access from a Windows or macOS system.
l The Avid editing system must be an MediaCentral Production Management client and an Avid
shared-storage client.
To check in a Final Cut Pro sequence to MediaCentral Production Management:

1. On a Final Cut Pro system, use Automatic Duck Pro Export FCP to export a sequence to a local or
shared location.

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a. In the Automatic Duck - Pro Export FCP dialog box, select AAF.
b. Click Edit Settings

c. In the Audio area, select “Create externally linked files” and select PCM (.mxf) media.
d. Specify any other settings that you require.
e. Click Save.
The export process converts the FCP XML file to an AAF file, and converts QuickTime media to MXF
media. It creates a folder that holds the .aaf file, a folder with media, and an .html file with
information about the export.

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2. On the system running Interplay Access (macOS or Windows), make sure the shared-storage
workspace on which you want to store the media is mounted.
3. In the Interplay Access folder tree, right-click the folder into which you want to store the Final Cut Pro
sequence and select Check In AAF Sequence.

4. In the Check In AAF Sequence dialog box, do the following:

a. (Option) Add a comment that will appear in Interplay Access for this version of the sequence.
MediaCentral Production Management maintains a version history of sequences.
b. Navigate to the exported folder and select the .aaf file you want to check in.
c. Select the drive (workspace) on which you want to store the media. You do not have to specify
a particular folder.
d. (Option) To set a headframe, click Advanced, then select a graphic file that you created.
5. Click OK.

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The sequence and its related clips are checked into the MediaCentral Production Management
database, and the media is copied to the appropriate Avid MediaFiles folder on the selected shared-
storage workspace. An Avid editing application user can now check out and edit the sequence.

n How effects in a sequence appear in an Avid editing application depends on how they are processed
during the export by Automatic Duck Pro Export FCP.

Exporting an Avid Sequence to Final Cut Pro

In this workflow, an Interplay Access user can export a sequence created by an Avid editing application so
that it can be imported into a Final Cut Pro system.

Requirements:
l Interplay Access (v1.5 or later)
l Final Cut Pro v6.x and Automatic Duck Pro Import FCP v2.07 or later.

n Automatic Duck Pro Import FCP v2.06 cannot find media on Avid shared storage.
l The Final Cut Pro system must be a client in an ISIS environment, with access to the shared-storage
workspace where the media is stored.
To export an Avid sequence to Final Cut Pro:

1. In Interplay Access, right-click the sequence that you want to export and select Export as AAF.

2. In the Export as AAF dialog box, select the location where you want to store the sequence and click
Save.
3. On a Final Cut Pro system, use Automatic Duck Pro Import FCP to import the AAF file.

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a. Navigate and select the .aaf file you exported.

b. (Option) In the Settings area, select “Use existing media.”
If you select “Use existing media,” the import process creates small QuickTime reference
movies that point to the media on the Avid shared storage system. This is a quick way to import
the project if you are connected to shared storage.
If you want to create QuickTime media on your Final Cut Pro system, do not select “Use
existing media.”
c. Click Open.
The sequence is imported into Final Cut Pro and a user can now edit the sequence.

n How effects in a sequence appear in Final Cut Pro depends on how they are processed during the
import by Automatic Duck Pro Import FCP.

Sharing a Final Cut Pro Project Between Final Cut Pro Systems
In this workflow, Final Cut Pro users can import, check in, and check out projects as file assets (non-Avid
assets). Projects are treated like any other file assets.

Requirements:
l Each Final Cut Pro system must be a client in an Avid ISIS environment.
l Each Final Cut Pro system must be running Interplay Access

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These procedures are based on importing and checking out complete QuickTime movies. You can save time
and disk space by working with QuickTime reference movies. Avid recommends using QuickTime reference
movies. For more information, see "Working with QuickTime Reference Movies in an Production
Management Environment" below.

To import a Final Cut Pro project by dragging and dropping:

1. Open Interplay Access.

2. On your system desktop, select the Final Cut Pro project folder.
3. Drag the selection to a folder in Interplay Access.
The Import dialog box opens.
4. Type a comment.
5. Click OK.
The selected files and folders are imported.
To check out a project:

1. Open Interplay Access.

2. Right-click the Final Cut Pro project folder and select Check Out.
The Check Out dialog box is displayed.
3. Type a checkout comment in the box.
4. Click OK.
The files are copied to your local disk. A red check, your username, and the comment beside the item
show you have that file checked out.
To check in a project:

1. Open Interplay Access.

2. Right-click the Final Cut Pro project folder and select Check In.
The Check In dialog box appears.
3. Add a comment that explains what edits were done for later reference.
4. Click OK.
The files are copied to the MediaCentral Production Management database. The red check mark is
then removed and the comment is displayed in the comment column.

Working with QuickTime Reference Movies in an Production Man-

agement Environment
If you work with QuickTime movies in an MediaCentral Production Management environment, you can save
time and disk space by working with QuickTime reference movies. QuickTime reference movies are small
files that point to the original QuickTime movies. Working with QuickTime reference movies saves time and
disk space because you do not need to import large QuickTime movies into the MediaCentral Production
Management database and check them out to a local drive. This feature is especially useful for Final Cut
Pro users and Avid Pro Tools users who use QuickTime as video.

For example, you can use Final Cut Pro to capture footage as a QuickTime movie and store it on playable
shared storage (such as an Avid ISIS workspace). You can then use Interplay Access to create a QuickTime
reference movie and import it into the MediaCentral Production Management Engine database. The import
is fast, because the reference movie is pointing to the original movie. The following illustration shows these
steps in the workflow.

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When you or another Final Cut Pro user wants to work with the QuickTime file, use Interplay Access to
export the QuickTime reference movie to a location accessible to Final Cut Pro. The export is fast, because
Interplay Access is exporting a reference movie. The following illustration shows this step in the workflow.

From Interplay Access, you can export a folder (and any subfolders) that contain QuickTime reference
movies, which lets you maintain the same project organization in the MediaCentral Production
Management database and on your local system. Only QuickTime reference movies are copied when you
use this command. If a subfolder does not include any QuickTime reference movies, the folder is not copied.

Prerequisites
l The original QuickTime movies must be stored on playable shared storage, for example, a workspace
on an Avid shared-storage system.
l The workspace that contains the original QuickTime movies must be available to the user who is
importing or exporting the QuickTime reference movies.
To create a QuickTime reference movie and import it into the Production Management database:

1. Log in to Interplay Access and connect to the database in which you want to create the QuickTime
reference movie.
2. Select the folder in which you want to create the QuickTime reference movie.

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3. Do one of the following:

t Right-click and select Import QuickTime as Reference.
t Select Tools > Import QuickTime as Reference
The Import QuickTime as Reference dialog box opens.
4. Navigate to the location where the QuickTime files are stored and select one or more files.
The QuickTime files must be located on playable shared storage, such as an Avid ISIS workspace.

5. Click Add, then click OK.

The Import QuickTime as Reference options dialog box opens.

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6. (Option) Add a version comment.

7. (Option) By default a copy of the Quick Time Reference file is copied to your working path, which is
set in Interplay Access. If you do not want a local copy, click the Advanced button, select the check
box “Don’t get local copy.”
8. Click OK.
One or more QuickTime reference movies are created and imported as file assets. Each reference
movie points to the original QuickTime movie that is stored on playable shared storage.

To export a QuickTime reference movie and copy it to a folder:

1. Log in to Interplay Access and connect to the database that contains the QuickTime reference
movies.
2. Do one of the following:
t In the folder tree, select a folder that contains QuickTime movies.
t Open a folder, and in the Content tab, select one or more QuickTime movies.
You can export a folder of movies or individual movies. If you select a folder, all subfolders are also
copied. Only QuickTime reference movies are copied. Other files are ignored.
3. Right-click and select Export QuickTime Reference or select Tools > Export QuickTime Reference.
The Export QuickTime Reference options dialog box opens.

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4. Select whether to copy the files to your default working path, as set in Interplay Access, or to another
location. If you want to copy the files to another location, click Browse and navigate to the location
to which you want to copy the files. Select the folder and click Choose (macOS) or OK (Windows)..

The selected path is displayed in the Export QuickTime Reference dialog box.

5. Click OK.
The QuickTime reference movies are copied to the location you selected.

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You can then import the QuickTime reference movie into your application (Final Cut Pro or another
application) and work with them the same way as you work with QuickTime movies.

n You can check out QuickTime reference movies in the same way as you check out and manage
other file assets, but for most workflows it is more efficient to use the Export QuickTime
Reference command.

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7 Deleting Assets
The following topics describe the mechanisms and rules that you use to delete assets (both metadata and
media) from the MediaCentral Production Management Engine:
l "Protecting Assets from Deletion" below
l "Deleting Avid Assets" on page 175
l "Deleting File Assets" on page 190
l "Access Control and Delete Matrices" on page 193
For information on developing a workflow for deleting material from your MediaCentral Production
Management system, see “Developing a Delete Strategy” in MediaCentral | Production Management Best
Practices Guide.

c Avid strongly recommends that you do not delete files directly from the file system because the
relationships between the clip metadata and the specific files that make up the clip are not obvious
from the file system. These relationships are managed by the Avid editing application and
MediaCentral Production Management.

n Delete operations are available only if you have selected Preferences > Full Menus.
Protecting Assets from Deletion
There are three methods you can use to protect assets in the MediaCentral Production Management
environment. These methods are described in the following topics:
l "Assigning User Roles" below
l "Freezing Folders and Content" on page 169
l "Setting Reservations" on page 172

Assigning User Roles

The system administrator uses the Interplay Administrator to assign user roles to groups and to particular
folders. The administrator can also use the Security dialog box in Interplay Access.

User Roles

The following table shows the access levels or user roles that are available. The icon displayed
(Interplay Access only) indicates the user rights the logged-in user has on each item.

Icon User Role

No icon No access
Read rights

Read/Write rights

Read/Write/Delete rights

Administrator rights

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Users without delete rights cannot delete assets (Avid assets or file assets) or perform any tasks that require
delete rights. The following tasks require delete rights:
l Deleting Avid assets and media
l Deleting file assets and files
l Deleting folders
l Deleting metadata
l Moving assets from one folder to another
For a summary of user rights and access control, see "Access Control and Delete Matrices" on page 193

Setting User Roles in the Interplay Administrator

User roles are global settings that apply to the entire database. An administrator assigns user roles in the
User Management window of the Interplay Administrator, and has the option of assigning roles on a folder-
by-folder basis in the Manage Database Roles window.

For example, a user or a group of users might initially have No Access to the database. The administrator
can then add the Read/Write/Delete role for users on a particular folder, so that these users can delete
assets only in that folder.

Permissions are inherited within a folder hierarchy unless set explicitly. For example, users that are granted
Delete access on a folder have Delete access on all of that folder’s subfolders unless different permissions
are explicitly set on one of the subfolders.

Users with Write access in MediaCentral Production Management and on Avid shared-storage workspaces
can create assets. When you create an asset you are the owner of the asset. An administrator can decide
whether users who create media have permission to delete the media they own. In other words, just because
you create an asset does not mean that you can delete it.

The following illustration shows the Manage Database Roles dialog box of the Interplay Administrator. In
this example, the Composer1 user has the Read/Write/Delete role for the Projects folder.

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For more information, see “User Management” in the MediaCentral | Production Management Engine and
Archive Engine Administration Guide and “Setting Up a User Database” in the MediaCentral | Production
Management Best Practices Guide.

Setting User Roles in the Security Dialog Box

The following illustration shows the Security dialog box of Interplay Access. It shows the same information
as the preceding illustration: Composer1 has the Read/Write/Delete role for the Projects folder.

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For more information about using the Security dialog box, see "Viewing and Changing Folder Options
(Administrators Only)" on page 37 and "Changing User Roles on Folders (Administrators Only)" on page 38.

n By default the creator of the folder is the owner of the folder. Administrators can change the default
behavior so that the owner of the new folder is the owner of the parent folder. This can help prevent
unintentional deletion. You can change this behavior in the Ownership Behavior view in the Interplay
Administrator. For more information, see “Setting the Ownership for New Database Folders” in the
MediaCentral | Production Management Engine and Archive Engine Administration Guide.

Freezing Folders and Content

You can protect assets from deletion by setting options for the folder that holds the assets. You can prevent
users from moving and renaming a folder. You can also prevent users from adding items to a folder and
removing items from a folder. Protecting a folder in this way is called “freezing” a folder.

If you have administrative rights, you can set these options when you create a new folder. To change these
options for an existing folder, you need to use the Security dialog box.

When a folder is created, by default users are allowed the following actions:
l Creation of subfolders
l Creation of reservations
l Moving and renaming a folder
l Adding items to a folder and removing items from a folder.
An administrator can view these options by clicking the Advanced button in the New Folder dialog box. The
following illustration shows the New folder dialog box as it appears to an administrator.

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The following settings are checked by default in the New Folder dialog:

The following options can protect assets from deletion:

l “Allow creation of reservations.” This option allows a user to place a reservation on a folder. For more
information, see "Setting Reservations" on page 172.
l “Allow moving and renaming of this folder.” If deselected, the folder cannot be moved or renamed,
and it also implies that the folder cannot be deleted. If this option is deselected, the folder is said to
be frozen (the location is frozen).
l “Allow adding and removing of items directly in this folder.” If deselected, no items can be added to
the folder and the folder contents cannot be deleted. The folder contents are said to be frozen (the
content of the folder is frozen).
If an administrator deselected the second or third option when creating the folder, deletion of the folder or
contents is not possible. The administrator must change the setting in the Security dialog before a deletion
is possible for any user, including the administrator.

n By default the creator of the folder is the owner of the folder. Administrators can change the default
behavior so that the owner of the new folder is the same as the owner of the parent folder. This can
help prevent unintentional deletion. You can change this behavior in the Ownership Behavior view in
the Interplay Administrator. For more information, see “Setting the Ownership for New Database
Folders” in the MediaCentral | Production Management Engine and Archive Engine Administration
Guide.

To freeze an existing folder or its contents (administrators only):

1. Do one of the following:

t Select Operations > Security.
t Select Security from the context menu of the folder.
The Security dialog box opens.

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2. Deselect “Allow moving and renaming of this folder” to freeze the folder location and prevent
deletion.
3. Deselect “Allow adding and removing of items directly in this folder” to freeze the folder contents and
prevent items from being added or deleted.
4. Click Apply.
5. Click Close.
To change the frozen folder settings to allow deletion (administrators only):

1. Do one of the following:

t Select Operations > Security.
t Select Security from the context menu of the folder.
The Security dialog box opens.
2. Select “Allow moving and renaming of this folder” to unfreeze the folder location and allow deletion.
3. Select “Allow adding and removing of items directly in this folder” to unfreeze the folder contents and
allow items to be added and deleted.
4. Click Apply.
5. Click Close.

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Setting Reservations
A reservation is a time-based protection that a user or an Avid editing application can apply to a folder. A
reservation prevents non-administrators from deleting or moving assets from the folder. It provides an
additional layer of protection to help ensure that all of the files and metadata associated with an asset can
be protected against accidental deletion. Reservations can only be applied to folders.

Understanding Reservations
There are two kinds of reservations:
l Manual reservations set by a user on a folder using Interplay Access. See "Creating and Removing
Reservations" on the next page.
l Auto Reservations automatically set by the Avid editing application. See "Working with Automatic
Reservations" on page 175.
In Interplay Access, reservations are indicated by red dots. Information about a reservation is displayed in
the Reservations tab in the Object Inspector.

When a reservation is applied to a folder, the assets in that folder are protected from deletion and moving.
These assets include sequences, master clips, and all the media files and metadata files that are associated
with any Avid assets in the folder. The folder itself is prevented from deletion, moving, and copying.

n An administrator can move or delete assets even when they are reserved. See "Deleting Avid Assets
and Media" on page 176 and "Deleting File Assets" on page 190.

The following rules apply to reservations:

l By default, there are no reservations on any folders.
l Read/Write permission on a folder protects the Avid asset links (metadata) in the folder but does not
protect the associated media files. You must apply a reservation to a folder to protect the associated
media files.
l Only the owner of a reservation or the administrator can remove the reservation or delete or move the
contents of a reserved folder.

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l If you move an asset from a reserved folder (administrators only), it is no longer reserved and loses its
protection. To protect it in its new location, place a reservation on the new folder. An exception is that
sequences and subclips in reserved folders protect the media files of referenced master clips, even if
the master clips are in a non-reserved folder. For example, Sequence A uses Clip 1, and both are in a
reserved folder. If you move Clip 1 to a non-reserved folder, and try to delete both the master clip
(metadata) and media for Clip 1, you can delete the master clip, but the media remains protected. If
the master clip is the last link to the media, the link is moved to the Orphan Clips folder and the
master clip and media remain protected (see "Deletion, Multiple Links, and Reservations" on
page 179).
l Reservations are inherited from the folder to the asset. So an asset might be protected by a
reservation added to a folder several levels above it in the folder hierarchy as well as by the folder
where the asset resides.
l Folders can have reservations set by multiple users with multiple end dates.
l If two users share an asset in a folder and both have a reservation on this folder, neither user can
delete or move the asset. Unless one of the reservations expires or is revoked by the user who created
it, only the administrator can move or delete the asset. However, either user can copy the asset to
another folder if the user has Read/Write rights.

n If you move a sequence or subclip to another folder, right-click the original folder and select Refresh
Referenced Clips. This ensures that any referenced clips associated with the moved link are removed.
See "Refreshing Referenced Clips" on page 93.

Creating and Removing Reservations

To create a reservation:

1. Select a folder in Interplay Access.

2. Do one of the following:
t Select Reservation from the context menu.
t Select Tools > Reservation.
The “Reserve all media in/used by this folder” dialog box opens.

3. In the Reserved column, click the check box to create a reservation.

The box turns green and shows a check mark.

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4. Use the arrows or click the calendar to set the date for the reservation to end.
5. Click OK.
Production Management adds a red dot to the folder icon and to all of the assets in the folder,
indicating that they are reserved.
To remove a reservation:

1. Select a folder in Interplay Access.

2. Do one of the following:
t Select Reservation from the context menu.
t Select Tools > Reservation.
The “Reserve all media in/used by this folder” dialog box opens.
3. In the Reserved column, click the check box to remove the check mark.
4. Click OK.
An Interplay Administrator can click the Remove All button to remove all reservations on the folder.
To show reservation information:

1. Select a folder or asset.

2. Select the Reservation tab in the Object Inspector.
3. Right-click a reserved folder and select Reservations.
To search for reserved items:

1. Click the Search tab and then click the Extended tab.
2. Select Reserved from the Attribute Name list.
3. (Option) Select a user other than anyone as the user who made the reservation from the User list.
4. Do one of the following:
t Select “is reserved” from the value menu.
t Select “ends after” or “ends before.” In the time box to the right, click the up and down arrows
or calendar to adjust the reservation time frame.
To search for items which were previously reserved, select “is expired” instead.
5. Click Search.
To enable reservations on a folder (Administrators only):

1. Do one of the following:

t Select Security from the context menu of the folder.
t Select Operations > Security.
The Security dialog box opens.
2. Select “Allow creation of reservations.”
3. Click Apply.
4. Click Close.

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To remove all reservations on a folder (Administrators only):

1. Select the folder that includes the reservation.

2. Do one of the following:
t Select Remove Reservations from the context menu.
t Select Tools > Remove Reservations.
A confirmation box asks if you want to remove all reservations on the selected folder.
3. Click Yes.
Working with Automatic Reservations
An Avid editing application can automatically reserve a folder for a specific amount of time. There are two
situations that trigger an automatic reservation:
l Capturing a master clip to the Production Management Window
l Checking in a new or modified asset from a bin
The administrator can specify the Auto Reservation time in the Application Database Settings window in the
Interplay Administrator application. The default duration is 24 hours. This setting applies to all Avid editing
applications. For more information, see the MediaCentral | Production Management Engine and Archive
Engine Administration Guide.

n After the automatic reservation expires, the assets in the folder are no longer protected.
Deleting Avid Assets
The most efficient and safest way of deleting Avid assets is through Interplay Access. One advantage of
using Interplay Access is that you can use the Search feature to find and display the assets you want to
delete.

The following topics provide more information about deleting Avid assets:
l "Deleting Avid Assets and Media" on the next page
l "Deletion, Multiple Links, and Reservations" on page 179
l "Using the Orphan Clips Folder" on page 180
l "Restricted Deletion of Referenced Assets" on page 181
l "Deleting Orphan Clips Created by Resync" on page 182
l "Safely Deleting Media When Working with Consolidated Subclips" on page 182
l "Deleting Offline File Locations for Avid Assets" on page 189
For information on deleting file assets, see "Deleting File Assets" on page 190.

Tables summarizing options for deleting are listed in "Access Control and Delete Matrices" on page 193.

For information on developing a workflow for deleting material from your MediaCentral Production
Management system, see “Developing a Delete Strategy” in the MediaCentral | Production Management
Best Practices Guide.

c Avid strongly recommends that you do not delete files directly from the file system because the
relationships between the clip metadata and the specific files that make up the clip are not obvious
from the file system. Those relationships are managed by the Avid editing application and
MediaCentral Production Management.

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Deleting Avid Assets and Media

You use the Delete dialog box to select Avid assets for deletion. You have the option of deleting the assets
only, the media only, or both assets and media. For example, if you want to delete a set of clips, but you
know that the media files are referenced by other clips, you have the option of deleting only the clips (one
set of metadata for the media). If you want to delete media but keep the associated clips (for example to
recapture the media), you can delete only the media.

n If you delete all master clips (metadata) that reference a set of media files, the media files become
unreferenced, and the MediaCentral Production Management Engine moves the last link to the Orphan
Clips folder. See "Using the Orphan Clips Folder" on page 180.

If you select a sequence for deletion, the Delete dialog box displays referenced-only assets, that is, assets
referenced by the sequence that are not explicitly checked-in or copied to the same Production
Management folder as the sequence (see "Referenced Assets and Referenced-Only Assets" on page 68).
You can delete the sequence and all its referenced assets, but you cannot delete referenced assets unless
you also delete the sequence that references them (see "Restricted Deletion of Referenced Assets" on
page 181).

n Referenced assets that are explicitly checked in or copied to a folder are not included when you select
a sequence for deletion. You need to individually select these assets for deletion.

If your facility works with the Dynamic Relink feature, a clip can be associated with multiple media files.
This situation occurs when you are working in a MultiRez environment or working with consolidated subclips
(see "Safely Deleting Media When Working with Consolidated Subclips" on page 182). The Delete dialog box
includes an option that lets you delete only the media created with a clip while preserving the media
associated through Dynamic Relink (this is the default setting). For more information, see "Deleting Only
Media Created with a Clip" on page 184.

To delete Avid assets:

1. In the Content view, select the assets you want to delete.

You can select multiple folders or clips for deletion. You can also delete folders by selecting them in
the tree structure in the Folders pane.
2. Do one of the following:
t Right-click and select Delete.
t Press the Delete key.
The Delete dialog box opens, displaying the items that you selected, including referenced assets. It
also displays the amount of disk space that would be freed if you delete the media files. No items are
selected for deletion until you select them in the Delete dialog box.

n Delete operations are available only if you have selected Preferences > Full Menus.
The following illustration shows the results of selecting a folder for deletion. The folder contains nine
sequences, six master clips, and their media files. The master clips and are referenced-only assets.

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3. Select the items you want to delete.

t You can select clips or other Avid assets, associated media files or both clips and media.
If you select media files for deletion, the amount of data that will be deleted is listed.

n The number of media files and the amount of data that will be deleted are affected only
by the option “Delete only media created with the selected clip or clips.” This information
is not affected by your selections in the Media Resolutions or Media Workspace sections
of the dialog box.
t If you select a folder that contains one or more file assets, you can select file assets for
deletion. For more information about deleting file assets, see "Deleting File Assets" on
page 190.
t You can select a folder for deletion or keep it for further use.
t To select all items, including metadata and media, click Select All.
t To select only metadata, click Select Metadata Only.
4. If you want to delete referenced assets without deleting the asset that references them, select
“Delete all selected assets, even if they are referenced from another asset.” For more information, see
"Restricted Deletion of Referenced Assets" on page 181.
5. If you selected media for deletion, specify the media that you want to delete.

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a. (Option) If you are working with clips that have two or more sets of media files associated
through Dynamic Relink, and you want to delete all associated files, deselect “Delete only
media created with the selected clip or clips.”
See "Safely Deleting Media When Working with Consolidated Subclips" on page 182.
b. Select the resolutions you want to delete.
The Media and AMA Resolutions section of the dialog box lists all video resolutions and audio
formats for the clips you selected, including media associated through the Dynamic Relink
feature. All resolutions are selected by default. Deselect the resolutions you want to keep. If a
clip has separate media files for audio and video, you can select only audio media or only
video media for deletion.
c. Select the media format for the media files you want to delete: both MXF and OMF, only MXF,
or only OMF.
These options are displayed only if they are enabled by an administrator, and both MXF and
OMF are selected by default. See “Setting Options for Deletion” in the
MediaCentral | Production Management Engine and Archive Engine Administration Guide.
d. Select which workspaces you want to delete media from.
All workspaces that contain the selected media are listed and are selected by default.
e. Select whether to force the deletion of media files locked by an editor or to skip deletion of
locked files.
These options are available only if the user has administrative rights or if they are enabled by
an administrator. “Skip locked media” is the default. See “Setting Options for Deletion” in the
MediaCentral | Production Management Engine and Archive Engine Administration Guide.
6. (Option) Click Details to determine if any clips are reserved.
The Assets Reserved dialog box opens. Any assets with reservations are listed, along with information
about the assets. If you have the proper privileges, you can override the reservations. Otherwise, click
Cancel.

7. When you are ready to delete the files, click OK in the Delete dialog box.

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The Delete in Progress dialog box displays the status of the deletion.

8. When the delete operation is completed, click Done.

Deletion, Multiple Links, and Reservations

If you have more than one link to an Avid asset, you need to delete each link, along with the media, to
completely delete the asset.

When you check a master clip (or other Avid asset) in to MediaCentral Production Management, Production
Management stores the original asset in the database and creates a visible link to the original asset. This
link is displayed in the Interplay Access window.

This same link is displayed in the Production Management window.

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When you create a copy of a master clip (for example, by copying the clip to another folder), the system
creates a copy of the link. If you want to delete this master clip, you need to delete each link.

Each individual link to an asset has its own access control or permissions. This means that it is possible to
have Read/Write/Delete rights for an asset in folder A, but only Read rights for another instance of the
same asset in folder B. It is also possible to have one instance of an asset in a reserved folder and one in a
non-reserved folder. For example, assume that a master clip is visible in two folders, one with a reservation
and one without. If you delete the master clip in the non-reserved folder, the master clip in the reserved
folder (and the related media) is not deleted.

n If a master clip is used in a reserved sequence, the master clip’s media is protected from deletion, even
if the master clip is in a non-reserved folder. This protection also applies to subclips that are used in a
sequence.

When the last visible link to an asset is deleted, the asset itself is deleted. The only exception to this is if the
media for the asset still exists. In that case the link to the asset is moved to the Orphan Clips folder.

Using the Orphan Clips Folder

Interplay Access maintains a special folder called Orphan Clips. This folder contains Avid assets that have
online media, but do not have any visible links in other folders. If you delete all master clips that reference a
set of media files, but do not delete the media files, the media files become unreferenced (or “orphaned”).
MediaCentral Production Management then moves the last link to the media files to the Orphan Clips
folder, to a subfolder named Kept Media.

When a clip is deleted from the Orphan Clips folder, the media is deleted automatically. If the media cannot
be deleted, the metadata remains in the Orphan Clip folder, in a subfolder named Failed to Delete.

By default, only an administrator can view the contents of the Orphan Clips folder. The administrator can
change the permissions for this folder.

The Orphan Clips folder contains links for assets deleted from Production Management folders whose
media files were also deleted. This change enables an Interplay administrator to schedule the most load-
demanding part of deletion operations during times of low activity. For more information, see the
MediaCentral | Production Management Engine and Archive Engine Administration Guide.

The Kept Media folder and Failed to Delete folder make it easier to browse and search in a large Orphan
Clips folder.

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The Orphan Clips folder might also include a subfolder named Resync\workspace_name. For more
information, see "Deleting Orphan Clips Created by Resync" on the next page.

For information on including the orphan clips folder in a workflow for deleting material from your
MediaCentral Production Management system, see “Developing a Delete Strategy” in the
MediaCentral | Production Management Best Practices Guide.

To view the contents of the Orphan Clips folder:

t Double-click the Orphan Clips folder in the tree structure in the Folders pane.
Restricted Deletion of Referenced Assets
By default, you cannot delete referenced assets unless you first delete the asset that references it. This
feature was introduced to prevent deletion of referenced assets that were still in use, and because most
customers prefer keeping consistency between a sequence and its referenced assets.

n This restriction also applies to referenced assets that have been explicitly checked in or copied to the
same folder as the asset that references them. When you try to delete the metadata for these assets,
their explicitly checked in or copied status is removed, but the assets remain in the folder as
referenced-only assets. See "“Is Referenced” and “Is Explicitly Checked In” Flags" on the next page.

The Delete dialog box includes an option to override this restriction: “Delete selected clip or clips, even if
they are referenced from a composition mob.” Select this option to allow the deletion of referenced assets.
See "Deleting Avid Assets and Media" on page 176.

c By enabling this option, it is possible to delete assets that are still in use by a sequence. If the deleted
assets are moved to the Orphan Clips folder, media might be unintentionally deleted, resulting in
offline media.

If you attempt to delete a referenced asset in Interplay Access without deleting the asset that references it,
a message is displayed in the summary dialog: “n assets are referenced” and the referenced clips are not
marked for deletion. This behavior also applies to emulated rendered effects (see "Emulated Rendered
Effects" on page 106).

c An administrator or a user with the proper rights can always delete media, even for referenced clips
that are still in use. You should use reservations and access rights to protect media. See "Protecting
Assets from Deletion" on page 166.

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“Is Referenced” and “Is Explicitly Checked In” Flags

In the MediaCentral Production Management database, an asset can have one or both of the following
flags:
l Is referenced
l Is explicitly checked in
Note the following:
l When determining if an icon is displayed as gray, Interplay Access gives the “is explicitly checked in”
flag higher priority than the “is referenced” flag. If the asset has both flags, it uses a standard black
icon.
l The “is referenced” flag always protects the asset from metadata deletion.
l The “is explicitly checked in” flag can be deleted (by deleting the asset), but if the “is referenced flag”
is still applied, the metadata itself is protected. In this case, the assets remain in the folder as grayed
out referenced assets.
The following table summarizes these options.

Is Referenced Is Explicitly Checked In Grayed Out What Gets Deleted

No Yes No Asset
Yes No Yes Nothing
Yes Yes No “Is Explicitly Checked In” flag

Deleting Orphan Clips Created by Resync

Under some circumstances, clips might be missing their video or audio tracks. When the Resync process
identifies a clip with a missing audio or video track, it creates a special master clip and stores it in the
Orphan Clips folder. This master clip has the following characteristics:
l The clip is stored in the Orphan Clips folder, in a subfolder named “resync/workspace_name.” Only
administrators logged into Interplay Access can view this folder and its contents.
l The clip name begins with the prefix “_Orphan_Media_Do_Not_Use_” This indicates that the clips are
not useful master clips.
l The clip has limited information, such as the clip name, media size, and workspace properties. It does
not contain AAF information and cannot be checked out or used for editing or playout.

c These clips do not contain valid metadata. Their sole purpose is to represent media files that should be
deleted. If a user attempts to use them in a Production Services or Transfer operation, the operation
will fail.

Safely Deleting Media When Working with Consolidated Subclips

You can use the Avid editing Consolidate feature to create a short clip from a longer one. For example, if
there is a one-hour clip and you only want to use 30 seconds of that clip, you can create a subclip for the
material you want and consolidate that subclip to create a new clip and new media. Then, when you no
longer need the original one-hour clip, you can delete the original clip and media and free up storage
space. However, in an MediaCentral Production Management environment, you need to select an option to
delete only the media that was created when the original clip was created. Otherwise you might also delete
the media created with the consolidated subclip.

The following topics describe how to manage deletion of original clips and media and consolidated clips
and media:

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l "Original Clips, Consolidated Subclips, and Dynamic Relink" below

l "Deleting Only Media Created with a Clip" on the next page
l "Limitation: Media Files Displayed as Online but Not Available for Deletion" on page 187
Original Clips, Consolidated Subclips, and Dynamic Relink
The MediaCentral Production Management Engine recognizes a special association between a clip and the
media created with the clip. This original association is sometimes referred to as an affinity association, and
the media created with the clip is referred to as affinity media. This association is important to be aware of
when you are working with multiple resolutions (MultiRez). It can also apply to consolidated clips.

The following illustration shows two clips that share a source ID, a timecode span, and the same resolution.
Clip 1.new was created as a subclip of Clip 1, and was then consolidated to create a new master clip with
new media. The solid lines indicate the original (affinity) associations and the dashed lines indicate the
additional associations, which were created through the Dynamic Relink feature.

Dynamic Relink can create associations from a clip to any media created from the same source and sharing
the clip’s timecode. These associations are created according to the Dynamic Relink method that is selected
and which media is available at the time of the relink.

A problem can arise if you select either the original clip or the consolidated subclip for deletion in Access. In
the Delete dialog box, two sets of media might be selected and displayed: the media created with the
original clip and the media created when the subclip was consolidated. An option in the Delete dialog box
lets you delete only the media created with the selected clip.

One way to check if a clip has multiple associations is through the File Locations tab of Interplay Access.
The following illustration shows that the MediaCentral Production Management database includes two
video files associated with Clip 1.

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You can also see if there are associations in the Avid Timeline. If a sequence includes the original clip, and
Clip Names are enabled, you can see where Dynamic Relink substitutes the consolidated subclip.

If you are not sure which media files are displayed in the Delete check box, the safer approach is to keep the
default setting “Delete only the media that was created with the selected clip or clips.”

Deleting Only Media Created with a Clip

If you created a consolidated subclip from an original clip, the MediaCentral Production Management
Engine recognizes associations between
l The original clip and both sets of media
l The consolidated subclip and both sets of media
See "Original Clips, Consolidated Subclips, and Dynamic Relink" on the previous page for more information.
If you select either the original clip or the consolidated subclip for deletion in Access, both sets of media
might be listed in the Delete dialog box.

If you want to delete the original clip and its directly associated media, select the option labeled “Delete
only the media that was created with the selected clip or clips” (the default setting). If you select this
option, dynamically associated media (in this case, the media from the consolidated subclip) is preserved.

The option also applies if you select the consolidated subclip. In this case, media for the consolidated
subclip is deleted and media for the original clip is preserved.

The following procedure includes an example in which you want to delete a master clip and its directly
associated media files. The original clip (Clip 1) had one video and two audio tracks, as does a shorter clip
(Clip 1.new) consolidated from the original clip, for a total of six media files. The following illustration shows
the associations for the original clip.

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Keep in mind that if you select the consolidated subclip, it will also display six media files in the Delete
dialog box. But in this case, the directly associated media is the media created when you created the
consolidated subclip.

The option to delete directly associated media exists only in Interplay Access.

If you are not sure which media files are displayed in the Delete check box, the safer approach is to keep the
default setting “Delete only the media that was created with the selected clip or clips.”

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To delete only media directly associated with a clip:

1. Select the clip that you want to delete.

2. Right-click and select Delete.
The Delete dialog box opens.

In this example, the option “Delete only media created with the selected clip or clips” is selected, and
the dialog box shows that the clip you selected has three media files that resulted from the original
media creation.
The following illustration shows the result if you deselect the option “Delete only media created with
the selected clip or clips.” The dialog box shows that six associated media files will be deleted:

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– Three that are directly associated with the clip and result from the original media creation
– Three that are dynamically linked to the clip and result from consolidation of the subclip

Only one video and one audio resolution is displayed, because both sets of media use the same
resolutions.
3. In the Delete dialog box, select the master clip, its associated media files, the media resolutions, and
the option “Delete only media created with the clip or clips.”
4. Click OK.
The selected clip and its directly associated media are deleted. The dynamically linked media is
preserved.

n The number of media files and the amount of data that will be deleted are affected only by the option
“Delete only media created with the selected clip or clips.” This information is not affected by your
selections in the Media Resolutions or Media Workspace sections of the dialog box.

Limitation: Media Files Displayed as Online but Not Available for Deletion
If you are working with consolidated subclips or consolidated sequences, you might have a situation in
which Access shows that the media files are online, but you cannot delete the media because it is not
displayed in the Delete dialog box.

n Some workflows might regularly show media as online, while media files are shown as offline in
Interplay Access. This situation is a problem only if you want to delete the media files or view them in
Interplay Access for some reason.

This situation can occur in the following way:

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1. Ingest Clip1, composed of media files V1, A1, A2.

2. Create a subclip from Clip 1, and then consolidate the subclip. This results in a new subclip and new
master clip (Clip1.new) with media files V2, A3, and A4. (See "Original Clips, Consolidated Subclips,
and Dynamic Relink" on page 183.)
Consolidating a sequence also results in new master clips.
3. Delete the media files for the consolidated clip (V2, A3, and A4) but do not delete the clip itself. Media
files V2, A3, and A4 are offline.
The original clip and media files (Clip1, V1, A1, A2) are still online. Because of Dynamic Relink,
Clip1.new is associated with these original media files. The following illustration shows media files V2,
A3, and A4 as offline.

4. Update the status from Media Indexer. The status of Clip1.new is displayed as online (green dot), even
though the original media files were deleted, because Media Indexer recognizes the association of the
consolidated subclip with the original media files.
5. Select Clip1.new, right-click, and select Delete.
The Delete dialog box does not display any media files that can be deleted. No media files are
displayed as online in the File Location tab of the Object Inspector.
To display and delete the media files:

1. In the Avid editing system, use Dynamic Relink to link the consolidated subclip (Clip1.new) with the
original media files. For example, for the option “If no match is found” select “Use closest media.”
2. Check in Clip1.new to the Production Management database.
3. In Access, select Clip1.new, right-click, and select Delete.
The Delete dialog box shows the media files as available for deletion.
4. Deselect the option “Delete only media created with the selected clip or clips,” select the media files
for deletion, and click OK.
Additional Information

The Delete functionality in Interplay Access can delete only media files that are listed in the File Locations
tab of the Object Inspector. The File Locations tab shows only files that were checked in through a checkin
operation. This checkin can be performed from any MediaCentral Production Management component

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(such as an Avid editing system, DMS service, or MediaCentral Transfer).

In a workflow that includes Dynamic Relink and consolidated subclips, Media Indexer keeps track of a clip
and its associated media files. Interplay Access, however, does not automatically associate a consolidated
subclip with the original media files. To create the association, you need to check in the consolidated
subclip when it is linked to the original media files.

Deleting Offline File Locations for Avid Assets

You might want to delete unneeded offline file locations for Avid assets. These offline file locations could be
created if you use archiving and partial restore in a multi-res workflow.

You can delete the unneeded offline file locations in the File Locations tab of the Object Inspector.This
action deletes only metadata for a selected Avid asset. It does not delete media.

This action deletes only metadata for a selected Avid asset. It does not delete media.

c Deleting an offline file location through this method is immediate and irreversible. If you deleted file
locations by mistake (for example, media files for the asset were only temporarily offline), you can
restore the asset by checking it in again.

To delete offline file locations for Avid assets:

1. In the Assets pane, select an Avid asset.

2. If the Object Inspector is not displayed, select View > Show Object Inspector Pane.
3. Click the File Locations tab.

4. Select one or more file locations that are displayed as offline (a red X in the Online column), right-
click, and select Delete Offline File Location.
This option is available only from the context menu.

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Deleting File Assets

When you delete a file asset, you have the choice of deleting the local copy, the server copy, or both.

See the tables in "Access Control and Delete Matrices" on page 193 for a summary of deletion rights on file
assets. Your local version of a file asset can always be deleted regardless of assigned user rights.

n Delete operations are available only if you have selected Preferences > Full Menus.
To delete the local copy of a file asset:

1. Select one or more file assets.

2. Do one of the following:
t Press (Windows) Ctrl+L or (macOS) Shift+Command+L.
t Select Delete Local Copy from the context menu (if this is not shown, you do not have a local
copy).
t Select Operations > Delete Local Copy (if this grayed out, you do not have a local copy).
The local copy is deleted.
To delete the MediaCentral Production Management Engine copy (server copy) of a file asset:

1. Select one or more file assets.

You can select a folder of file assets. If the folder contains an Avid asset, additional options are
displayed in the Delete dialog box. See "Deleting Avid Assets and Media" on page 176.
2. Do one of the following:
t Press the Delete key.
t Select Delete from the context menu.
t Select Operations > Delete.
The Delete dialog box opens. The following illustration shows the result of selecting a folder that
contains three file assets. (The size of the data to be deleted is listed only for Avid assets).

3. Select the items that you want to delete.

You can select a folder for deletion or keep it for further use.
4. (Option) Click Details to determine if any assets are reserved.

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The Clips Reserved dialog box opens. Any assets with reservations are listed, along with information
about the assets. If you have the proper privileges, you can override the reservations. Otherwise, click
Cancel.
5. When you are ready to delete the files, click OK in the Delete dialog box.
The Delete in Progress dialog box displays the status of the deletion.

6. When the delete operation is completed, click Done.

The asset is moved to the Deleted Items folder. From here, you can restore it or it can be permanently
deleted by an administrator. See "Using the Deleted Items Folder" below.

Using the Deleted Items Folder

The Deleted Items folder serves as a recycle bin for file assets, so a user can restore deleted items from this
folder. Only an administrator can permanently delete (destroy) files from the Deleted Items folder. The
folder is created the first time you delete non-Avid assets from the MediaCentral Production Management
database.

Users without administrator rights see only the items that they deleted. An administrator sees all items
deleted by all users.

Special icons are used in the Deleted Items folder and the My Deleted Items in Database dialog box.

Icon Meaning

Deleted file (pending destruction

Deleted folder (pending destruction)

To view your deleted items, do one of the following:

t (All users) Select View > Show My Deleted Items.
The My Deleted Items in Database dialog box opens, showing all the items deleted by the user who is
logged in.

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t (Non-administrators) Click the Deleted Items folder in the tree view.

The Deleted Items folder shows items deleted by the user who is logged in. The results are organized
by the date they were deleted.

To view all deleted items (administrators only):

t Click the Deleted Items folder in the tree view.
Administrators see the deleted items for all users. The results are organized by the date they were
deleted.
To restore a deleted item, do one of the following:
t Expand the tree structure of Deleted Items until the item is displayed. Then select the item and select
Undelete from the context menu.
t If the item was deleted by you, Select View > Show My Deleted Items. Then select the item and select
Undelete from the context menu.
The deleted file is restored to its previous location.

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To empty the Deleted Items folder and destroy all items (administrators only):

1. Click the Deleted Items folder in the tree.

2. Select Empty Deleted Items Folder from the context menu.
The Empty Deleted Items dialog box is displayed to confirm the deletion.
3. Select Yes to confirm the permanent removal of the items.
4. (Option) Select Apply to all items.
5. Click OK.
The next time you log in to Interplay Access, the Deleted Items folder will be gone.
To destroy an individual item (administrators only):
t In the Deleted Items folder or in the My Deleted Items dialog box, select the item and choose Destroy
from the context menu.

Access Control and Delete Matrices

Whether or not you can delete a file in MediaCentral Production Management depends on the following:
l What type of assets you have access to (Avid assets versus File assets)
l What user rights or access control you have
l Whether you are the owner of the file
l Whether there is a reservation on the file and whether you are the owner of the reservation
l Whether the folder and its contents are frozen

n A frozen folder or frozen folder contents are always protected from deletion, even by the
administrator, until the security setting is changed. After the item is unfrozen, the following tables
apply.

The following tables show the actions that users with different roles can perform on assets.

Access Control for Assets without Reservations

User Roles Read Copy/link Move Modify Metadata Delete asset and
media

Read only Yes Yes No No No

RW Yes Yes No Yes No
RWD Yes Yes Yesab Yes Yesa

Owner Yes Yes Yesab Yes Yesa

Administrator Yes Yes Yesab Yes Yesa

a. If role on parent is RWD, Owner or Administrator.

b. If role on target is RW, RWD, Owner or Administrator.

Access Control for Assets with Reservations Set by User

User Roles Read Copy/link Move Modify Metadata Delete asset and
media

Read only Yes Yes No No No

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 7 Deleting Assets

User Roles Read Copy/link Move Modify Metadata Delete asset and
media

RW Yes Yes No Yes No

RWD Yes Yes Yesab Yes Yesac

Owner Yes Yes Yesab Yes Yesac

Administrator Yes Yes Yesab Yes Yesac

a. If role on parent is RWD, Owner or Administrator.

b. If role on target is RW, RWD, Owner or Administrator.
c. As the owner of the media, you can delete the asset and media if you click Yes on the Override Reservation button.

Access Control for Assets with Reservations Set by Different User

User Roles Read Copy/link Move Modify Metadata Delete asset and
media

Read only Yes Yes No No No

RW Yes Yes No Yes No
RWD Yes Yes No Yes No
Owner Yes Yes No Yes No
Administrator Yes Yes Yesab Yes Yesac

a. If role on parent is RWD, Owner or Administrator.

b. If role on target is RW, RWD, Owner or Administrator.
c. As the owner of the media, you can delete the asset and media if you click Yes on the Override Reservation button.

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 8 Communicating Using the Messenger

8 Communicating Using the Messenger

With the Messenger mail browser in Interplay Access, you can send messages to other users listed on your
MediaCentral Configuration Server, and receive messages from those users as well.

Opening the Message Browser and Reading Messages

To open the Message Browser and read messages:

1. Select a database in the tree view.

2. Do one of the following:
t Double-click the Show Messages icon in the upper right corner of Interplay Access.

t Select View > Show Messages.

t Press (Windows) Ctrl+B or (macOS) Shift+Command+B.
The Message Browser opens.

By default, the Inbox is selected and displays messages you have received for the selected database.
3. Select a message.
The contents are displayed in Content pane and any attached links are displayed in the Attachments
pane.

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You can toggle between Text view, Storyboard view, and Frame view in the Attachments pane by
pressing F7. You can also sort and customize your view in the same way that you customize the
Content tab display. For more information, see "Using the Assets Pane" on page 70.
4. If the message includes an attachment, double-click the attachment to view it or select another
action from the context menu.

Writing New Messages

You can open the Message Browser and write a new message, or you can start by attaching a link and then
writing the message.

To write a new message:

1. Open the Message Browser.

2. Do one of the following:
t Select Operations > New Message.
t Press (Windows) Ctrl+N or (macOS) Shift+Command+N.
t Click the New Message button.

3. Click the To button to open a dialog box showing all the users and user groups listed in your Central
Configuration Server. Select a user or user group and click OK.
4. Type a subject in the Subject text box and then type the text below.

5. (Option) Format the text of the message using the formatting tools. You can also cut, copy, and
paste text.
6. (Option) Include a link to a database item, shortcut, or saved search by doing one of the following

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t Click the item and drag it to the text area.

t Click Add/Remove Links, which opens the Attach Links to Message dialog box.

Select the link to the database item (file or folder), shortcut, or saved search that you want to
attach, click Add, and click OK.
7. (Option) To remove attached items, selecting one or more items in the Attachments pane in the
Message Composer and click Remove or Remove all.
8. When you have finished editing your message, click Send.
If the recipient’s Interplay Access is open, the Show Messages icon in the upper right corner of
Interplay Access blinks red and a new mail notification message slides in and out in the lower-right of
the screen.
9. (Option) To view messages you sent, click Sent Items.

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 8 Communicating Using the Messenger

To attach a link and create a new message:

1. Click the item you want to attach.

2. Do one of the following:
t Right-click and select Messenger > Send Link to.
t Press (Windows) Ctrl+S or (macOS) Shift+Command+S.
A New message window opens.
3. Complete the message and click Send.

Deleting Messages
To delete a message:

1. Open the Message Browser.

2. Click the Inbox icon or the Sent items icon.
3. Select one or more messages that you want to delete in the Inbox or Sent Items pane.
4. Do one of the following:
t Select Delete Selected Messages from the context menu.
t Select Operations > Delete Selected Messages.
t Click the Delete Selected Messages button.

Replying to a Message
To write a reply to one or more users:

1. Open the Message Browser.

2. Click the Inbox icon or the Sent items icon.
3. Select the message you want to reply to in the Inbox or Sent Items pane.
4. Do one of the following:
t Select Reply or Reply All from the context menu.
t Click the Reply or Reply All button.

The Message Composer opens.

5. Type your reply directly under the incoming text.

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6. (Option) You can also remove or attach links as described in "Writing New Messages" on page 196.
7. Click Send.
If the recipient’s Interplay Access is open, the Show Messages icon in the upper right corner of
Interplay Access changes and blinks red and a new mail notification appears. The message also
appears in the Sent Items pane.

Forwarding a Message
To forward a message:

1. Open the Message Browser.

2. Click the Inbox icon or the Sent items icon.
3. Select the message you want to forward in the Inbox or Sent Items pane.
4. Do one of the following:
t Select Operations > Forward.
t Select Forward from the context menu.
t Click the Forward button in the Mailbox window.

5. (Option) You can remove or attach links as described in "Writing New Messages" on page 196.
6. When you have finished editing your message, click Send.
If the recipient’s Interplay Access is open, the Show Messages icon in the upper right corner of
Interplay Access changes and blinks red and a new mail notification appears. The message also
appears in the Sent Items pane.

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 9 Version History and Archiving

9 Version History and Archiving

The MediaCentral Production Management Engine keeps a history of versions of file assets and sequences
in the database. These versions can be accessed easily while they are part of an online database. Versions
of assets that do not need to be at-hand can be archived on an MediaCentral Production Management
Archive Engine.

n Beginning with Interplay Access v3.0, folders are no longer version controlled.
Using Version History Features with Sequences
All file assets are versioned and have a logged history. Sequences created by Avid editing applications are
also versioned with a logged history. Other Avid assets are not versioned.

Most of the history options apply to sequences, with the following exceptions:
l There is no differencing (comparison) tool for sequences.
l To add a label to a sequence, use the Version History dialog box. This is the only way to add a label to
a sequence for this release.
l When you add a label to a sequence, the system also sets the label on copies of the sequence. This
does not happen when you apply a label to a file asset.

Viewing the Version History

The Version History dialog box lists all versions of a file asset or sequence with additional information like
user name, action, date of the action, and type of action, such as import or check out.

To view the history of an item:

1. Select the item.

2. Do one of the following:
t Select Operations > History.
t Press (Windows) Ctrl+H or (macOS) Shift+Command+H.
t Select Version Control > History from the context menu.
The Version History dialog box opens.

3. (Option) To view labels, select Show Labels.

4. (Option) To view structural changes, select Show Structural Changes.

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History and Label Icons

The Version History dialog box contains icons that indicate file versions, structural changes, and labels.

For File Assets and Sequences

File Version: Appears when you import a file, create a new file, and each time you check in a file after a
change. The versions are sequentially numbered, starting with 001.
Labels: Shown only if the Show Labels option is checked. A green tag icon indicates that a label was
set on a parent item and the label is inherited. A pink tag icon indicates that the label was set directly
on the item.

For Files Assets Only

Move: This icon indicates that a file or folder was moved. Shown only if the Show Structural Changes
option is checked.
Rename: This icon indicates that the file or folder was renamed. The comment shows both the old and
the new name. Shown only if the Show Structural Changes option is checked.
Delete: This icon shows the time when a file or folder was deleted. Note: the Delete icon appears only if
the item was later undeleted.
Undelete: This icons shows the time when a file or folder was undeleted. Shown only if the Show
Structural Changes option is checked.

Viewing a File Version

n View Version works only for file assets.
To view a file version:

1. Select an item.
2. Do one of the following:
t Select Operations > History.
t Press (Windows) Ctrl+H or (macOS) Shift+Command+H.
t Select Version Control > History from the context menu.
The Version History dialog box opens.
3. Select the file version in the Version History dialog box.
4. Do one of the following:
t Select Version Control > View Version from the context menu.
t Click the View Version button.
The associated application opens and displays the file.

Comparing Two Versions in the Version History

The Show Differences feature lets you view two versions of an asset.

n Show Differences works only for graphics files unless you set an external differencing tool. For more
information, see "Configuring Differencing" on page 203.

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 9 Version History and Archiving

To show the differences between two versions of a file:

1. Select the asset.

2. Do one of the following:
t Select Operations > History.
t Press (Windows) Ctrl+H or (macOS) Shift+Command+H.
t Select Version Control > History from the context menu.
The Version History dialog box opens.
3. Do one of the following:
t Select a version you want to compare with the current version.
t Select two versions in the version list that you want to compare.
4. Click the Show Differences button.
The Image Differencing window opens so you can compare the two versions in detail.

Comparing the Current Database File and the Local File

You can view the differences between the version of a file on your local system and the version stored in the
MediaCentral Production Management database. This allows you to see the changes you made to a file
since you checked it out, or differences between your local version and the database version in the case of
multiple check outs on the same file.

n Show Differences works only for graphics files unless you set an external differencing tool. For more
information, see "Configuring Differencing" on the next page.

To show the differences between the database file and the local file:

1. Select the asset.

2. Do one of the following:
t Open the context menu and select Version Control > Show Differences.
t Press Ctrl+D.
t Select Operations > Show Differences.
The Image Differencing window is displayed so you can compare the two versions in detail.

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Configuring Differencing
For the Differencing feature, you have the choice between using the built-in Image Differencing and using
External Differencing. With the built-in Image Differencing, the two versions of an image are shown next to
each other in a window. With External Differencing, the two versions of an image are shown in an external
application.

To use External Differencing:

1. Select (Windows) Preferences > Options or (macOS) Interplay Access > Preferences.
The Options dialog opens.
2. Click the Asset Types tab and select the Asset Type for which you want to configure an external
application (for example, image/jpeg).

3. In the Commands section, select Difference and click New/Edit.

The Edit Command dialog box opens.

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4. From the Command Handler list, select External Application.

5. Specify a path to the external application by typing it in the Parameters text box or clicking the File
button and navigating to the application executable file.
6. Click OK.
7. In the Options dialog box, click OK.
For more information about configuring asset types, see "Configuring Interplay Access Options" on
page 22.

Retrieving Older Versions Using Get Version

You can retrieve older versions of files and folders from the Production Management database and add
them to your database using the Get Version function.

n For this release, Get Version only works for file assets.
To get an older version of a file:

1. Select the item.

2. Do one of the following:
t Select Operations > History.
t Press (Windows) Ctrl+H or (macOS) Shift+Command+H
t Select Version Control > History from the context menu.
The Version History dialog box opens.
3. Select the older file version you want to retrieve and do one of the following:
t Click the Get Version button in the Version History dialog box.
t Select Version Control > Get Version from the context menu.
The Get Version dialog box opens.

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4. Do one of the following:

t Keep the original file name by leaving the name as is in the Get as box. This option replaces the
current version of the file with the older one. The item then appears with the “server copy
newer” icon because the local copy (a copy of an older version) is older than the newest
version on the MediaCentral Production Management Engine. To work with the file again and
make it the latest version, do a check out with the Advanced option “don’t update local copy”
checked, and then perform a check in.
t Type a new file name in the Get as box, or use the Browse (...) button, to copy the older version
into another location in the workspace as a private or local-only item. You can then import it
back into your database.
5. (Option) Click Advanced and select one of the following:
– Ask before overwriting: You should be asked before overwriting writable files.
– Overwrite writable files: Writable files should be replaced automatically.
– Never overwrite: Writable files should never be overwritten.

6. Click OK.
The file or folder is copied to the location you chose and you can now work on it and import it back
into your database, if necessary.

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Undoing Checked In Changes Through Rollback

You can also retrieve an older version of a file and make it the current version through an action called
rollback. This undoes the changes made since the point you roll back to and restores the original version.
Rollback is an easy way to retrieve the old version from the database and make it the current file version
you are working with.

n Rollback is a not a “structural” rollback. That means, for example, if a file was renamed or deleted
between the selected time or label and the current time, the old content is not retrieved. The same
holds true for rollback on sequences, but additionally, the clips and other referenced assets are in their
current state, and not the state at the time specified for the rollback.

To roll back a file:

1. Select the item.

2. Do one of the following:
t Select Operations > History.
t Press (Windows) Ctrl+H or (macOS) Shift+Command+H.
t Select Version Control > History from the context menu.
The Version History dialog box opens.
3. Select the file version to be rolled back to and do one of the following:
t Select Version Control > Rollback from the context menu.
t Click the Rollback button.
The Rollback dialog box opens.
4. Type a comment.
It is important to do this as it helps you track the changes.
5. (Option) To change the default settings, click the Advanced button.
An extended dialog box appears with the option “Get local version after rollback.” By default this
option is selected. Deselect this option if you do not want to copy a version to your local workstation.
6. Click OK.
The desired version becomes the current file. By default, this version is copied from the MediaCentral
Production Management Engine to your local workstation.

Identifying Milestones and Significant Versions by Setting Labels

When you check items in, a regular comment usually is sufficient to note the work done on the files for later
reference. However, when you reach important milestones in a project or want to denote file versions for a
specific use, you might want to set a label on an entire database, folder, or file for easier tracking. Labels
are displayed in the Version History dialog box if you select the Show Labels option.

n Labels placed on individual files or folders rather than an entire database are sometimes referred to as
pins in other software packages.

For more information, see:

l "Assigning a Label to an Item" on the next page
l "Modifying or Removing a Label" on page 208

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Assigning a Label to an Item

A label defines the database state at a specific time, such as Beta, or Master. Labels can be set for assets,
files, or folders, or globally for a complete database. You can use the Get or Rollback commands at a later
date to return an item to that state.

n You must have write permissions to assign labels.

To add a label:

1. Select the folder or file.

2. Do one of the following:
t Select Operations > Add Label.
t From the context menu select Version Control > Add Label.
t From the context menu select Version Control > History. Select a version and click Add/Modify
Label.
The Add Label dialog box opens.

3. Type a name for the label and a comment.

4. (Option) To set the date of the label other than the current date, click the calendar icon next to the
date field. This opens a calendar dialog box, from which you can select another date for the label.

n If you are just marking the files or folder for later reference or possible retrieval, you normally
use the current date and time for the label. In special cases, however, you might want to alter
the label time to affect how Production Management Get functions work on the labeled items.
See "Getting the Latest Version of a File Asset" on page 139 and "Retrieving Older Versions Using
Get Version" on page 204 for details.

5. Click OK.
The label is assigned as shown in the Version History dialog box, and a label icon (pink tag) appears
next to the item. If you set a label on a folder or the database root, all items below inherit the label

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from their parent asset (green tag).

n If the label icon and label are not showing, make sure that Show Labels is selected.
Modifying or Removing a Label
You can change or delete a label by using the Add/Modify Label button, the Remove Label button, or
context menu entries in the Version History dialog box. Before modifying the label time, see references to
labels in "Getting the Latest Version of a File Asset" on page 139 and "Retrieving Older Versions Using Get
Version" on page 204.

To modify a label:

1. Select a folder or file.

2. From the context menu, select Version Control > History.
The Version History dialog box opens.
3. Select the label and click Add/Modify Label.
4. Change the label information and click OK.
To delete a label:

1. In the Version History dialog box, select the label.

2. Click Remove Label.
3. (Option) Select Remove Globally to remove the label from all assets.
4. Click OK.

Archiving from Interplay Access

You can archive assets from Interplay Access by using the MediaCentral Archive service. For information
about creating profiles and archiving from Interplay Access, see the Interplay | Production Services Setup
and User’s Guide. For information about the MediaCentral Production Management Archive Engine setup,
configuration, and workflow, see MediaCentral | Production Management Best Practices Guide.

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 10 Screenshots and Printing

10 Screenshots and Printing

You can print a snapshot of your entire screen or just one area of Interplay Access. You can also export a
screenshot or print area.

Creating and Printing a Screenshot

You can print a picture of the entire screen currently displayed on your desktop monitor, for example, a
maximized Interplay Access window. You can also export the picture as a PDF file (see "Exporting a
Screenshot or Print Area" on the next page).

To create and print a screenshot:

1. Select File > Screenshot.

The Print Preview window opens and displays the entire screen of the monitor.

Before the window opens, you might see two messages, informing you that the screenshot cannot be
saved as HTML or TXT.
2. (Option) Select File > Page Setup and select any desired options.
3. Select File > Print.
The Print dialog box is displayed.
4. Select any desired options and click OK.
For information about saving the screenshot, see "Exporting a Screenshot or Print Area" on the next page.

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Creating and Printing a Print Area

You can use the Print command or the Print Preview command to print an area of the Interplay Access
window.

To select and print an area:

1. Set up the page for printing:

a. Select File > Page Setup.
b. Click the Export tab and select Printer as the default export type.
c. Select any other desired options.
d. Click OK.
2. Select File > Print or File > Print Preview.
A dialog box opens with instructions on how to select an area for printing.
3. (Option) To avoid seeing the instructions dialog in the future, select the “Don’t show this dialog
again” option.
4. Click OK.
5. Hold the mouse over the area you want to print.
If the area is supported for printing, it is highlighted in orange.
6. Click the selected area.
If you selected Print, the Print dialog box opens.
If you selected Print Preview, the Print Preview window opens. Select any desired options and click
the Print button. The Print dialog box opens.
7. Select any desired options and click OK.
Press ESC to cancel printing.

Exporting a Screenshot or Print Area

You can export a screenshot or print area as a file. Interplay Access lets you select the PDF, HTML, or TXT
format. Only tables selected as print areas (for example, assets listed in the Content tab or Search tab) can
be exported in HTML or TXT format.

n To export data for frame locators, select File > Export Locators. For more information, see "Exporting
Locators" on page 111.

There are two ways to export a screenshot or print area:

l For screenshots, export from the Print Preview window
l For print areas, export from the Print Preview window or by setting an export format for the Print
command
To export a screenshot or print area from the Print Preview window:

1. Do one of the following:

t Select File > Screenshot.
t Select File > Print Preview and select the area for printing.
The Print Preview window opens.
2. Select File > Export.

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3. Click one of following file types:

– PDF
– HTML
– TXT
If a format is grayed out, it is not supported for the selected area. The Save As dialog box opens.
4. Navigate to the destination location and type the file name.
5. Click Save.
To export a print area by using the Print command:

1. Select File > Page Setup.

2. Click the Export tab, select a default export type, and click OK.
3. Select File > Print and select the area for printing.
The Save As dialog box opens.
4. Navigate to the destination folder and type the file name.
5. Click Save.

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 A Keyboard Shortcuts

A Keyboard Shortcuts
The following table lists keyboard shortcuts that you can use to navigate through the panes of the main
window.

Keyboard Shortcuts: Focus in Application

Action Focus Keyboard Shortcut Keyboard Shortcut

(Windows) (macOS)

Select next pane (from the top to the bottom of Any Ctrl+Tab Ctrl+Tab
a column)
Select previous pane (from the bottom to the Any Ctrl+Shift+Tab Ctrl+Shift+Tab
top of a column)

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 B Interplay Access Menus

B Interplay Access Menus

This topic provides information about the commands on the Interplay Access menus.

n Some menu items are not available or are grayed out when you are logged on as a user who does not
have administrative rights. Which menu items are available also depends on the object that you
selected.

Interplay Access Menu (macOS Only)

The Interplay Access menu contains standard macOS commands. The following commands specifically
relate to the Interplay Access application. Commands in this menu are always displayed.

Command Description Shortcut

About Opens a dialog box showing the MediaCentral Production Management Mnemonic: A
Interplay version number and the copyright information.
Access
Options Opens the Options dialog box. Mnemonic: O

Options for each operation are explained in the section about the
operation.

File Menu
The File menu contains the commands listed in the following table. Bold face commands are available in the
simple menu. To show all commands, select Preferences > Full Menus.

Command Description More Information Shortcut

New Folder Adds a new empty folder in See "Creating New Folders" on Mnemonic: N
the database structure. page 34.
(Windows) Ctrl+N

(macOS)
Shift+Command+N
Export Exports the locators in a See "Exporting Locators" on
Locators format for use in another page 111
application.
Connect to Connects you to the See "Connecting to a Database" Mnemonic: C
Database MediaCentral Production on page 18.
Management database.
Remove Removes the database from See "Removing a Database from Mnemonic: R
Database(s) the list shown in the tree the Tree Structure" on page 20.
structure.
Logon Logs you on to the See "Starting Interplay Access" Mnemonic: L
MediaCentral Production on page 16 and "Changing Your
Management database. Password" on page 20.
Logout from Logs you out of the See "Logging Out and Exiting" on Mnemonic: O
Database database. page 21.
Change Opens a dialog box for See "Changing Your Password" Mnemonic: H
Password changing your password. on page 20.

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 B Interplay Access Menus

Command Description More Information Shortcut

Page Setup Allows you to configure the See "Screenshots and Printing" Mnemonic: U
page setup for printing. on page 209.
Print Preview Shows a preview of the input See "Screenshots and Printing" Mnemonic: V
to be printed. on page 209.
Print Prints a UI component that See "Screenshots and Printing" Mnemonic: P
you select after selecting on page 209.
Print.
Screenshot Creates a screenshot of the See "Screenshots and Printing" Mnemonic: E
whole screen. on page 209.
Exit Closes Interplay Access. Mnemonic: X

(Windows only) Ctrl+Q

Edit Menu
The Edit menu contains the commands listed in the following table. Commands in this menu are always
displayed.

Command Description More Information Shortcut

Cut Removes the reference to the asset in the folder. See "Cutting, Mnemonic: T
Copying, and
Pasting Assets" on (Windows) Ctrl+X
page 48.
(macOS)
Command+X
Copy Copies the reference to the asset to another See "Cutting, Mnemonic: C
folder. Copying, and
Pasting Assets" on (Windows) Ctrl+C
page 48.
(macOS)
Command+C
Paste Moves or duplicates the reference to the asset in See "Cutting, Mnemonic: P
another folder. Copying, and
Pasting Assets" on (Windows) Ctrl +V
page 48.
(macOS)
Command+V
Move to Opens a dialog in which you can select where to See "Moving Mnemonic: M
move the item to. Assets into
Folders" on
page 47.
Rename Changes the name of the asset. See "Renaming an Mnemonic: N
Asset" on page 52.
(Windows and
macOS) F2
Create Creates a shortcut for the current database. You See "Using Mnemonic: S
Shortcut do not see the shortcut if you switch to another Shortcuts for
database. Browsing" on
page 50.

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 B Interplay Access Menus

Command Description More Information Shortcut

Edit For file assets, opens the dialog box to check files See "Opening a Mnemonic: E
or folders out from the MediaCentral Production File for Editing in
Management database and opens the associated One Step" on
application. page 144.
View For file assets, opens the asset in an associated See "Viewing File Mnemonic: V
application. Assets" on
page 143.
Search Activates the Search panel to search the entire See "Simple Mnemonic: A
database. Searching" on
page 113. (Windows) Ctrl+F

(macOS)
Command+F

View Menu
The View menu contains the commands listed in the following table. Bold face commands appear in the
simple menu. To show all commands, select Preferences > Full Menus.

Command Function More Information Shortcut

Reload Monitor Reloads the asset Mnemonic: R

displayed in the Monitor.
(Windows) Ctrl+R

(macOS) Command+R
Refresh Refreshes current view to Mnemonic: E
reflect recent actions and
changes. (Windows) F5

Browsing Displays Browsing view. See "Browsing the (Windows) Ctrl+1

Database" on page 62.
(macOS) Command+1
Full-Screen Monitor Enlarges the Monitor so See "Displaying the Full- (Windows) Ctrl+4
that it fills the window. Screen Monitor" on
page 30. (macOS) Command+4

Show Shortcuts Pane Displays the Shortcuts See "Using Shortcuts for Mnemonic: P
pane in the current view. Browsing" on page 50
(Windows) Ctrl+Shift+F1

(macOS)
Shift+Command+F1
Show Categories Displays the Categories See "Organizing Assets (Windows) Ctrl+Shift+F2
Pane pane in the current view. Using Categories" on
page 49. (macOS)
Shift+Command+F2
Show Saved Searches Displays the Saved See "Saving Your Search" Mnemonic: R
Pane Searches pane in on page 132.
Browsing view only. (Windows) Ctrl+Shift+F3

(macOS)
Shift+Command+F3
Show Object Displays the Object See "Using the Object Mnemonic: S

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 B Interplay Access Menus

Command Function More Information Shortcut

Inspector Pane Inspector pane in Inspector" on page 87. (Windows) Ctrl+Shift+F4

Browsing view only.
(macOS)
Shift+Command+F4
Show Monitor Pane Shows or hides the See "Showing and Hiding Mnemonic: T
Monitor in any view. the Monitor" on page 30.
(Windows) Ctrl+Shift+F5

(macOS)
Shift+Command+F5
Toggle Extended Switches between regular See "Using Extended View Mnemonic: E
Mode mode and extended Mode" on page 86.
mode. (Windows) Ctrl+F7

(macOS)
Shift+Command+F7
Toggle View Mode Switches the views See "Changing to Mnemonic: V
between Text, Storyboard, Storyboard or Frame View"
and Frame. on page 85. (Windows) F7

Toggle Thumbnail Switches the thumbnail See "Changing Thumbnail Mnemonic: T

Size size between small, Size in the Storyboard and
medium, and large Frame Views" on page 86. (Windows) F8
(64x64, 128x128,
256x256).
Close View Closes the selected view. (Windows) Ctrl+F4

(macOS)
Shift+Command+F4
Show Messages Displays the Messenger See "Opening the Message (Windows) Ctrl+B
Mail Browser. Browser and Reading
Messages" on page 195. (macOS)
Shift+Command+B
Send Link to Opens the Messenger Mail See "Writing New Mnemonic: N
Composer with an Messages" on page 196.
automatically created link (Windows) Ctrl+Y
to the file that was
(macOS)
selected when Send Link
Shift+Command+Y
to User was selected.
Avid Workgroup Displays the Avid Service Mnemonic: A
Properties Framework application
Workgroup Properties.
This is especially useful on
an Avid editing
application running on a
macOS system, because
you cannot install the Avid
Service Framework on a
macOS system.
Avid Service Displays the Avid Service Mnemonic: V
Configuration Framework application

216
 B Interplay Access Menus

Command Function More Information Shortcut

Service Configuration.
This is especially useful on
an Avid editing
application running on a
macOS system, because
you cannot install the Avid
Service Framework on a
macOS system.
Interplay Transfer Displays the MediaCentral See the Mnemonic: F
Status Transfer window showing MediaCentral | Transfer
progress and providing Setup and User's Guide for
management tools. details.
Interplay Production Opens a tool for See the Interplay Mnemonic: M
Services Status monitoring the Production | Production Services Setup
Services status. and User's Guide for
details.
Go to Changes the global See "Navigating Through Mnemonic: G
selection and forces the Assets" on page 75.
tree to navigate to the (Windows) Ctrl+T
asset (or parent folder if a
(macOS)
file is selected and the
Shift+Command+T
view filter for files is on).
Show Lists any clips in the See "Finding Shared Clips Mnemonic: C
Shared/Unshared selected folder that are and Unshared Clips" on
Clips used at least twice in the page 136.
database, or conversely,
can show clips that are
not referenced.
Tracking Details Displays a tab that shows Mnemonic: A
the status of assets across
workgroups.
Preview Opens a floating Preview See "Showing a Preview of Mnemonic: I
window displaying your an Item" on page 94.
local version of the (Windows) Ctrl+R
selected file if checked out
(macOS)
and a local version is
Shift+Command+R
available. If not, the
MediaCentral Production
Management Engine
version is used.
Show My Deleted Shows the Deleted Items See "Using the Deleted Mnemonic: D
Items folder for the currently- Items Folder" on page 191.
logged on user.

Operations Menu
The Operations menu contains the commands listed in the following table. The Operations menu and
commands appear only if you select Preferences > Full Menus.

n Most of the operational commands are available only for file assets.
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 B Interplay Access Menus

Command Description More Information Shortcut

Check Out Loads the asset from the See "Checking Out File Assets" Mnemonic: O
MediaCentral Production on page 143.
Management Engine to (Windows) Ctrl+O
your local workstation
(macOS)
and allows editing. The
Shift+Command+O
asset is locked for other
users while it is checked
out.
Check In When you have finished See "Checking In File Assets" Mnemonic: I
editing a file, uploads the on page 147.
new version onto the (Windows) Ctrl +I
MediaCentral Production
(macOS)
Management Engine and
Shift+Command+I
release the edit lock.
Undo Check Out Allows you to check a file See "Undoing a Checkout" on Mnemonic: U
back in to the database page 144.
and release the lock (Windows) Ctrl+U
without transferring any
(macOS)
changes to the
Shift+Command+U
MediaCentral Production
Management Engine.
Get Latest Updates your local file See "Getting the Latest Version Mnemonic: G
with the master version of a File Asset" on page 139.
stored in the database. It (Windows) Ctrl+G
copies the latest checked
(macOS)
in version to your local
Shift+Command+G
workstation. It also can
be used to update a
folder if someone has
imported a new file into
the database system. It
does not place a lock on
the MediaCentral
Production Management
Engine-side files.
Import Adds new files to the See "Importing Files or Folders" Mnemonic: M
database if you have the on page 40.
rights assigned to your (Windows) Ctrl+M
user identity.
(macOS)
Shift+Command+M
History Opens the History dialog See "Viewing the Version Mnemonic: H
box, which displays History" on page 200.
information regarding (Windows) Ctrl+H
the various versions of
(macOS)
the selected item (file
Shift+Command+H
assets and sequences
only).
Get Version Opens the Get Version See "Retrieving Older Versions Mnemonic: V
dialog box, which Using Get Version" on

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 B Interplay Access Menus

Command Description More Information Shortcut

displays information page 204.

regarding the available
various versions of the
selected item (file assets
and sequences only) you
can copy to your local
workstation.
Rollback Opens the Rollback See "Undoing Checked In Mnemonic: R
dialog box, which Changes Through Rollback" on
displays information page 206.
regarding the available
various versions of the
selected item (file assets
and sequences only) you
can replace the current
version with.
Add Label Opens the Add Label See "Assigning a Label to an Mnemonic: B
dialog box (file assets Item" on page 207.
and sequences only) in
which you can tag a
significant milestone.
Show Differences When executed on a file, See "Comparing Two Versions Mnemonic: D
creates side-by-side in the Version History" on
thumbnails of the local page 201. (Windows) Ctrl+D
and MediaCentral
(macOS)
Production Management
Shift+Command+D
Engine versions of
selected graphics file.
Refresh Referenced Update the display after See "Refreshing Referenced Mnemonic: E
Clips you work with Avid Clips" on page 93 and
assets. "Understanding Reservations"
on page 172.
Delete Deletes the selected See "Deleting File Assets" on Mnemonic: D
asset unless there are page 190.
reservations or (Windows) Delete key
dependencies, or the
(macOS)
user does not have
Command+Delete key
appropriate rights.
Delete Local Copy Deletes the local copy of See "Deleting File Assets" on Mnemonic: L
a file asset. page 190.
(Windows) Ctrl+L

(macOS)
Shift+Command+L
Advanced > Set Changes the location See "Setting the Working Path Mnemonic: A > W
Working Path where the local copies of for a Folder" on page 27.
database files are stored
for the selected folder
and the logged-in user.

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 B Interplay Access Menus

Command Description More Information Shortcut

Advanced > Get/Set Administrators only. Gets Use only as instructed by Avid Mnemonic: A > G
Property or sets a property for the support.
selected item.
Advanced > Change Administrators only. See "Changing Text Color Mnemonic: A > C
Asset Color Changes the text display (Administrators Only)" on
color for metadata of the page 53.
selected item in all
Interplay Access
displays.
Set AutoArchive Administrators only. See Interplay | Production Mnemonic: S
Services Setup and User’s
Guide for details.
Set AutoCopyMedia Administrators only. See Interplay | Production
Services Setup and User’s
Guide for details.
Set AutoTranscode Administrators only. See Interplay | Production Mnemonic: C
Services Setup and User’s
Guides for details.
Set AutoTransfer Administrators only. See MediaCentral | Transfer Mnemonic: T
Setup and User’s Guide for
details.
Metadata Override Administrators only. See MediaCentral | Production
Management Best Practices
and MediaCentral | Production
Management Engine and
Archive Engine Administration
Guide for details.
Send to Workgroup Sends the media See the MediaCentral Transfer Mnemonic: W
metadata to another Setup and User's Guide for
(local or remote) details.
workgroup location
specified by the
Administrator in the
MediaCentral Transfer
Settings (Site Settings)
section of the Interplay
Administrator.
Resync Administrators only. See "Resyncing Media Files Mnemonic: Y
Resyncs the workgroup with Avid Shared-Storage
with the Avid shared Workspaces (Administrators
storage. This should not Only)" on page 45.
be used too often as it Functionality not available in
effects the performance the macOS client.
of the entire database.
Security Administrators only. See "Changing Ownership of
Displays a dialog box Folders and Assets
which displays the owner (Administrators Only) " on
of the item, the private page 36, "Viewing and

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 B Interplay Access Menus

Command Description More Information Shortcut

and public availability, Changing Folder Options

subfolder and (Administrators Only)" on
reservation allowances, page 37, and "Changing User
renaming and moving Roles on Folders
allowances for the folder, (Administrators Only)" on
adding and removing page 38.
allowances for items in
the folder, and the roles.
Administrators can alter
these options.

Tools Menu
The Tools menu contains the commands listed in the following table. Bold face commands appear in the
simple menu. To show all commands, select Preferences > Full Menus.

Command Description More Information Shortcut

Explore Administrators only. Opens Mnemonic: E

(Windows) Windows Explorer or the
Finder at the selected (Windows) Ctrl+E or
Show in Finder location for viewing your Shift+double-click
(macOS) private file structure.
(macOS)
Shift+Command+E
Update Status Starts the status update See "Updating the Media Mnemonic: U
from Media from the Media Indexer. Status" on page 66.
Indexer
Update Status Updates the status of assets See the Avid Interplay Mnemonic: P
from Archive in an archive. Production Services Setup and
User's Guide for details.
Update Asset Updates the status of assets See "Viewing the Status of Mnemonic: D
Tracking across workgroups. Assets Across Workgroups
(Asset Tracking)" on page 94.
Delivery Opens a dialog box that lets See the Interplay | Production Mnemonic: L
you transfer a clip and its Services Setup and User’s
media files or only the Guide for details.
portion that is used in a
subclip or a sequence.
Check In AAF Checks in an AAF sequence, See "Checking in a Final Cut Mnemonic: I
Sequence such as one created in Final Pro Sequence to Production
Cut Pro. Management" on page 155. (Windows): Ctrl+Shift+I

(macOS)
Command+Shift+I
Export QuickTime Copies a QuickTime See "Working with QuickTime (Windows):
Reference reference movie to your Reference Movies in an Ctrl+Shift+G
working path or a folder you Production Management
select. Environment" on page 160. (macOS)
Command+Shift+G
Import QuickTime Creates a QuickTime See "Working with QuickTime Mnemonic: M

221
 B Interplay Access Menus

Command Description More Information Shortcut

as Reference reference movie and imports Reference Movies in an (Windows):

it into the MediaCentral Production Management Ctrl+Shift+M
Production Management Environment" on page 160.
database. (macOS)
Command+Shift+M
Transcode Performs a transcode See the Interplay | Production Mnemonic: T
operation. Services Setup and User’s
Guide for details. .
Move Opens a dialog box to move See "Moving Media to Another Mnemonic: O
media to another Workspace" on page 58for
workspace. more details.
Copy Opens a dialog box to copy See "Copying Assets and Mnemonic: C
assets and media to another Media to Another Workgroup"
workgroup. on page 55 for details.
Archive Sends the selected item to See the Interplay | Production Mnemonic: V
the pre-configured archive Services Setup and User's
location. Guide for details.
Restore Restores the selected item See the Interplay | Production Mnemonic: S
from an archive. Services Setup and User's
Guide for details.
Reservation Sets a reservation on the See "Setting Reservations" on Mnemonic: R
selected folder. page 172 for details.
Remove (Administrator only) See "Creating and Removing Mnemonic: M
Reservations Removes all reservations Reservations" on page 173.
from the selected folder.
Duplicate Makes a copy of the asset "Duplicating Avid Assets" on Mnemonic: I
with all of the same page 49.
metadata (relatives,
properties, and so on), but
which is independent from
the original asset.
Open Interplay Opens See the Mnemonic: A
Administrator Interplay Administrator. MediaCentral | Production
Management Engine and
Archive Engine Administration
Guide for details.
Open in Interplay Opens the selected clip in See "Opening an Avid Asset in Mnemonic: N
Assist Interplay Assist Interplay Assist" on page 32.
Import to Pro Lets you import a sequence For more information about Mnemonic: G
Tools® into a Digidesign Pro Tools using Pro Tools with (Windows) Ctrl+Shift+P
session. MediaCentral Production (macOS)
Management, go to the Command+Shift+P
Knowledge Base page titled
“Avid Interplay Requirements
with Pro Tools.”
Export Sequence Opens a dialog box that lets See "Using Final Cut Pro with Mnemonic: X
as AAF... you export the selected Production Management" on
sequence as an AAF file. page 154 for details.

222
 B Interplay Access Menus

Preferences Menu
The Preferences menu contains the commands listed in the following table. Commands in this menu are
always displayed.

Command Description Shortcut

Full Menus Displays all menu commands, including the Operations commands Mnemonic: M
Hide Locators in Hides the locator icons in the timeline of the Monitor. Mnemonic: H
Monitor
Options (Windows Opens the Options dialog box. Mnemonic: O
only)
Options for each operation are explained in the section about the
operation.

On macOS systems, select Interplay Access > Preferences.

Debug Menu
The Debug menu contains the commands that are used by Avid development and support. To display this
menu, select Preferences > Options (Windows) or Interplay Access > Preferences (macOS), click the View
Settings tab, and in the Debug Menu section select Enabled.

Help Menu
The Help menu contains the commands listed in the following table. All commands appear in the simple
menu and the full menu.

Command Description Shortcut

Documentation Opens the User Information Center, a collection of PDF manuals and Mnemonic: D
Website on Server web links.
Interplay Access Opens the help module for the selected Interplay component. Mnemonic: I
Help Mnemonic: N
Interplay Mnemonic: T
Administration Help Mnemonic: E
Interplay Production
Services Help
Interplay Transfer
Help
About (Windows Opens a dialog box showing the MediaCentral Production Mnemonic: A
only) Management version number and the copyright information.

On macOS systems, select Interplay Access > About Interplay Access.

223
 C System Metadata Properties

C System Metadata Properties

Metadata is textual data you can use to identify and describe the creation, contents, and disposition of the
clip or shotlist you are logging. MediaCentral Production Management comes with an extensive list of
system metadata.

The administrator determines some of the metadata properties that can be viewed in Interplay Access as
headings in the Content View and Object Inspector, and also used in Production Management searches.
Some metadata properties are always available and cannot be disabled.

By default, the MediaCentral Production Management Engine includes default sets of properties for
Broadcast, Post and Film layouts, as described in the following table.

Broadcast Post Film

Content Inspector Content Inspector Content Inspector

Default Default Default Default Default Default

Comments Comments Comments Comments Camroll Camroll

Created By Duration Created By Created By Comments Comments

Creation Date Media File Creation Date Creation Date Duration Duration
Format
DRM DRM Duration End End
Name
Duration Duration Media File KN Dur KN Dur
Video ID Format
Format Format KN End KN End
Tracks Name
Media Status Media Status KN Start KN Start
Tape
Modified Date Modified Date Name Name
Tracks
Name Name Pullin Pullin

Video ID Tape Pullout Pullout

Tracks Tracks Start Start

n Text for system metadata is limited to 32,000 characters.

The following table lists all system metadata properties.

n Properties can be added to the MediaCentral Production Management database if they were created
in Media Composer and assets with those properties were checked in to MediaCentral Production
Management.

Heading Description Search Values and Hints on Searching

All Custom All custom properties defined in the Searches for all the custom properties that are
Property Layout of the Interplay set.
Administrator.
Access Rights The access level or user role assigned
to a particular folder or asset. The
column displays an icon that
represents the type of access.

224
 C System Metadata Properties

Heading Description Search Values and Hints on Searching

AFD Value for Active Format Description

(AFD) in an ancillary data track.
AMA Media Status Indicates if an asset is linked to AMA Values are:
media. Values are:
has AMA media linked
has AMA media linked
has only AMA media linked
has only AMA media linked
has native media linked
no AMA media linked
AudioBitDepth Audio bit depth used when you work Type a value or use the arrows to select a
with audio files: 16 bit or 24 bit. value.
AudioFormat Audio format of master clips (AIFF-C,
SDII, or WAVE).
AudioSR Audio resolution (sample rate).
Auto Transcode Shows if an auto-transcode job is
Status complete or not.
Auto Transfer Shows if an auto-transfer job is
Status complete or not.
AuxTC24 Original HDTV sources (1080p/24) or Type numbers only in the four colon-separated
audio DATs created for PAL feature film entry fields displayed.
productions that use in-camera
timecode.
Auxiliary Ink Auxiliary ink format settings allow you
to display an additional type of ink
number. This lets you track additional
types of film information for different
film gauges. Used for 24p projects, 25p
projects, and matchback projects only.
Auxiliary Ink is the starting frame for
the clip.
AuxiliaryTC1 You can type an auxiliary timecode or Type numbers only in the four colon-separated
through TC5 another timecode for editing film or entry fields displayed.
audio timecode for film.
AuxInkDur Length of the clip, expressed in the Type numbers only in the four colon-separated
auxiliary ink number. entry fields displayed.
AuxInkEdge Type of edgecode used in the auxiliary
ink number.
AuxInkEnd Ending auxiliary ink number for the Type numbers only in the four colon-separated
clip. entry fields displayed.
AuxInkFilm Film gauge for the auxiliary ink
number.
Cadence Type of pulldown present on the source
NTSC tapes when in a 23.976 or 24p
project.
Camera Camera used to film this clip. This

225
 C System Metadata Properties

Heading Description Search Values and Hints on Searching

feature is used in multicamera shoots.

Camroll Camera roll containing this clip. Used
for 24p projects, 25p projects, and
matchback projects only.
Category Assigned category. Categories are Set to Ignore by default, change to a category
defined by the administrator in the name to search only for items assigned to that
Configure Categories view of the category.
Interplay Administrator.
CFPS Captured frames per second. Type a value or use the arrows to select a
value.
Closed Captions The time an asset that has closed
Modification Time captions created or edited in
MediaCentral UX was modified.
Color The text display color for metadata of Returns items of selected color found. The
the selected item in all Interplay Access search does not find items colored only by
displays. inheritance (only the parent is returned).
Comments Displays any comments added as Type text.
metadata to the media file when it was
originally ingested or captured. You
can edit this field in Interplay Access.
Created by Displays the name of the user who
created the shotlist.
Creation Date When the asset was created. The Select a time range and a particular date (for
format of the date and time depends example, 12/4/04 or 12/4/2004) or a time
on the local language and regional period from the pop-up menu. Click the
options of the operating system and calendar to get clickable calendar.
the Java software.
Current Video Last resolution checked in with the
Resolution asset.
Current/Last User Last user that checked the asset in or
out.
Data Format Data format AAF or OMF. Select Is and then either AAF or OMF.
Database The MediaCentral Production
Management database that contains
the asset.
Database The last time the asset was modified in The Modified Date property refers to the last
Modification Time the MediaCentral Production time the asset was modified in the Media
Management database Composer bin.
Date Deleted (Orphan Clips folder only) Displays the When used as a search criteria, produces
date and time the last links was results only for those assets that are still in the
deleted. Orphan Clips folder or its subfolders.
Deleted By (Orphan Clips folder only) Displays the When used as a search criteria, produces
user name of the person who deleted results only for those assets that are still in the
the last link. Orphan Clips folder or its subfolders.
Disk Label Displays the XDCAM disk label created

226
 C System Metadata Properties

Heading Description Search Values and Hints on Searching

when you import XDCAM media. (This

value is not currently displayed in
Interplay Access.)
DPX Frame-counting field for Digital Picture
Exchange, a SMPTE standard
describing frames scanned from film.
The format is the following: a
descriptor of up to 32 alphanumeric
characters, followed by a hyphen (-),
followed by a six-digit frame count, for
example, DPXChildDocu-023657.
DRM Digital Rights Management property. Depending on the search flags, this search can
Has the special operators Has DRM retrieve links to the assets, assets or links and
and Does not have DRM. assets which have at least one DRM protected
media somewhere in the structure. Searches for
DRM should return all of the sequences,
subclips, rendered effects, and so on that use a
restricted master clip. DRM is referred to as
“restrictions” in Interplay Assist, and Avid
editing systems.
Duration The length of the asset in hours, Type numbers only in the four colon-separated
minutes, seconds, and frames. entry fields displayed.
End Timecode of the clip’s tail frame. Type numbers only in the four colon-separated
entry fields displayed.
FilmTC Timecode used on film. Used for 24p Type numbers only in the four colon-separated
and 25p projects only. entry fields displayed.
Format The format of a clip or sequence as
determined by the project type, such
as 30i NTSC or 1080i/59.94. This is
especially useful if you have both SD
and HD clips in the same bin.
FPS Play rate: the number of frames to be Type a value or use the arrows to select a
displayed each second. The default is value.
29.97 for NTSC and 25 for PAL for
video. The play rate can also be 24 or
23.98.
Frame Chase Expected length of a clip captured by Type numbers only in the four colon-separated
Expected Duration the Frame Chase Editing method. entry fields displayed.
Frame Chase Current length of a clip being captured Type numbers only in the four colon-separated
Known Duration by the Frame Chase Editing method. entry fields displayed.
Has Closed An asset that has closed captions Criterion is Closed Captions, values are “has
Captions created or edited in MediaCentral UX. Closed Captions” or “does not have Closed
Captions.”
In Use (Search only) If Is in use, asset is Select Is in use or Is not in use.
referenced by a sequence also in the
database.
IN-OUT The length of the marked segment of a Select an operator and then type numbers only

227
 C System Metadata Properties

Heading Description Search Values and Hints on Searching

clip, if any. in the four colon-separated entry fields

displayed.
Initial Checkin Date that the asset was first checked Select a time range and a particular date (for
Date in. example, 12/4/04 or 12/4/2004) or a time
period from the pop-up menu. Click the
calendar to get clickable calendar.
InkDur Length of the clip, expressed in ink Select an operator and then type numbers only
number. Used for 24p projects, 25p in the four colon-separated entry fields
projects, and matchback projects only. displayed.
You cannot modify this number.
InkEdge Type of edgecode used in the ink
number.
InkEnd Ending ink number for the clip. You Select an operator and then type numbers only
cannot modify this number. in the four colon-separated entry fields
displayed.
InkFilm Film gauge for the ink number.
InkNumber Ink number for the clip. Used for 24p
projects, 25p projects, and matchback
projects only.
Is Multigroup If an asset is a multigroup clip, a green Perform an extended search by using the
check mark is displayed in Assets view attribute name “MultiGroup” and the attribute
and “True” is displayed in Object value “Is Multigroup” or “Is Not Multigroup.
Inspector.
KN Dur Length of the clip, expressed in feet Select an operator and then type numbers only
and frames. Used for 24p projects, 25p in the four colon-separated entry fields
projects, and matchback projects only. displayed.
KNE nd Ending key number for the clip. Used Select an operator and then type numbers only
for 24p projects, 25p projects, and in the four colon-separated entry fields
matchback projects only. displayed.
KN Film Key number film gauge.
KN IN-OUT Mark IN and Mark OUT key number for
the clip. Used for 24p projects, 25p
projects, and matchback projects only.
KN Mark IN Key number for the IN point, if you set Select an operator and then type numbers only
one for the clip. Used for 24p projects, in the four colon-separated entry fields
25p projects, and matchback projects displayed.
only.
KN Mark OUT Key number for the OUT point, if you Select an operator and then type numbers only
set one for the clip. Used for 24p in the four colon-separated entry fields
projects, 25p projects, and matchback displayed.
projects only.
KN Start Starting key number for the clip. Used Select an operator and then type numbers only
for 24p projects, 25p projects, and in the four colon-separated entry fields
matchback projects only. displayed.
Labroll Labroll containing the clip.

228
 C System Metadata Properties

Heading Description Search Values and Hints on Searching

Last Checkin Date Date when the asset was last checked Select a time range and a particular date (for
in. example, 12/4/04 or 12/4/2004) or a time
period from the pop-up menu. Click the
calendar to get clickable calendar.
LUT File name of the color look-up table
used for the series of clips or frames.
Mark IN Timecode for the IN point, if you set Select an operator and then type numbers only
one for the clip. in the four colon-separated entry fields
displayed.
Mark OUT Timecode for the OUT point, if you set Select an operator and then type numbers only
one for the clip. in the four colon-separated entry fields
displayed.
Master Dur Length of the final master sequence, Select an operator and then type numbers only
expressed in feet and frames. You in the four colon-separated entry fields
cannot modify this number. displayed.
Master Edge Type of edgecode used in the final
master sequence.
Master End Ending key number for the final master Select an operator and then type numbers only
sequence. You cannot modify this in the four colon-separated entry fields
number. displayed.
Master Film Gauge of the final master sequence.
Master Start Starting key number of the final master Select an operator and then type numbers only
sequence. Used for 24p projects, 25p in the four colon-separated entry fields
projects, and matchback projects only. displayed.
Media File Format Clip media format. MXF or OMF.
Media Size Media file size. Specify KB, MB, GB and type a number. Note
that this specification cannot be saved in a
Saved Search.
Media Status Online, offline, or partially offline Select is/is not, and then online, offline, partial,
status, or exists on another workgroup. or nearonline.
Mob ID Media Object ID
Modified Date When the asset was last modified Select a time range and a particular date (for
(from the bin). example, 12/4/04 or 12/4/2004) or a time
period from the pop-up menu. Click the
calendar to get clickable calendar.
Name The name of the asset. Type text (not case sensitive; spaces
permitted).
Original Bin Name of the bin where the media for
this asset was originally captured.
Original Machine Name of the computer where the
Name media for this asset was originally
captured.
Original Path (Orphan Clips folder only) Displays the When used as a search criteria, produces
folder path for an asset whose last link results only for those assets that are still in the

229
 C System Metadata Properties

Heading Description Search Values and Hints on Searching

was deleted. Orphan Clips folder or its subfolders.

Original Project Name of the project under which the Project name (dropdown list).
media for this asset was originally
captured.
Path Path to assets in the MediaCentral Meant to be used in conjuction with other
Production Management database. search conditions to narrow the area where the
results are coming from: for example, combine
a search for all masterclips that have been
updated in the last 10 minutes and that are in
path "/Projects/MyName/MyBin2.”

Select is or is not, then click the Select button

and choose a path from the tree. Alternately,
select contains or does not contain and type
text.
Perf Film edge perforations format used for
3-perf projects. Used for projects
brought forward from earlier releases
only; now superseded by the film size
and perf options available in Ink Film,
AuxInk Film, KN Film, and Master Film.
Pullin Telecine pulldown of the first frame of
the clip (pulldown phase). Pullin can
have the values A, B, X (matchback
only), C, or D. Used for NTSC 24p
projects and matchback projects only.
Pullout Telecine pulldown of the last frame of
the clip. Pullout can have the values A,
B, X (matchback only), C, or D. Used
for 24p projects and matchback
projects only. (NTSC only)
Record Complete Indicates whether the capture
operation is finished for this asset.
Reel # Source reel number. Used for 24p and
25p projects only.
Reservation Indicates whether there is a reservation
applied to this asset.
Reserved (Search only) Indicated item is reserved Select a user and then select a time frame.
for specified timeframe by specified
user.
S3D Alignment Displays whether or not the media has Criterion for Extended Search in Access
already been aligned by a third-party
application. Presently, this is just an
indicator for the editor. There are no
software functions associated with this
field.

None (Default)

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 C System Metadata Properties

Heading Description Search Values and Hints on Searching

Full: Indicates that media has been

pre-aligned by an external application.
S3D Channel Displays which channel this master clip Criterion for Extended Search in Access
will deliver into the stereoscopic clip.
(Left eye, right eye and monoscopic
are full frame channels, while Side by
Side and Over/Under are frame
compatible channels.)

Left Eye: Indicates that the contents of

this clip are to be used as the Left eye.

Right Eye: Indicates that the contents

of this clip are to be used as the Right
eye.

Over/Under: Indicates that this is

frame compatible media in an
over/under format.

Side by side: Indicates that this is

frame compatible media in a side by
side format.

Monoscopic: Indicates that this is a

standard 2D clip (not stereoscopic).
S3D Clip Name Displays the name that was used to Criterion for Extended Search in Access
name the stereoscopic clip when it is
created. The name only needs to be set
for one of the contributing master
clips. If no name is entered for any of
the contributing clips, then the S3D
Group name will be used instead.
S3D Contributors Lists the S3D Channels (master clips) Criterion for Extended Search in Access
(master clip only) that feed into the stereoscopic clip.
S3D Eye Ordering Only available if the media is in a Criterion for Extended Search in Access
frame compatible format with the S3D
Channel set to either Over/Under or
Side by Side.

Specifies which half of the image the

eye is displayed.

Left-Right:

For Side by Side format, the Left eye is

on the left, the Right eye is on the right.

For Over/Under format, the Left eye is

in the top half of the image, Right eye
is in the bottom.
Right-Left:

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 C System Metadata Properties

Heading Description Search Values and Hints on Searching

For Side by Side format, the Right eye

is on the left, Left eye is on the right.

For Over/Under format, the Right eye is

in the top half of the image, Left eye is
in the bottom.
S3D Group name A common name used to identify all Criterion for Extended Search in Access
master clips originating from the same
stereoscopic footage. The group name
is used by the application to create a
single stereoscopic clip that references
these master clips. Therefore, this
name must be exactly the same for all
clips that need to be grouped into a
stereoscopic clip.

When material is captured from tape,

this field is automatically populated for
all the left and right eye master clips.

When material is imported/linked from

file, this data may not be present. If so,
you can select the clips in the bin and
request for auto-population of the
group name.

If an S3D Clip name is not specified,

then the group name is used to name
the stereoscopic clip when it is created.
S3D Inversion Displays if and how the contents of this Criterion for Extended Search in Access
clip should be inverted before being
used.

This is useful when beam-splitter rigs

are used during filming, and a mirror is
used to create the image for one of the
eyes. In this case, one of the eyes will
be inverted so it needs to be corrected

None: Leaves the image as is.

Horizontal: Inverts the image

horizontally.

Vertical: Inverts the image vertically.

Horizontal/Vertical: Inverts the image

horizontally and vertically.
S3D InversionR Only available if the media is in a Criterion for Extended Search in Access
frame compatible format with the S3D
Channel set to either Over/Under or
Side by Side.

Displays how the part of the image

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 C System Metadata Properties

Heading Description Search Values and Hints on Searching

that provides the right eye should be

inverted before being used.

None: Leaves the image as is.

Horizontal: Inverts the right eye image

horizontally.

Vertical: Inverts the right eye image

vertically.

Horizontal/Vertical: Inverts the right

eye image horizontally and vertically.
S3D Leading Eye Displays which eye image should be Criterion for Extended Search in Access
(master clip only) used when editing with the leading
eye.

This is useful in scenarios where a

beam-splitter rig was used during
filming. In such a case, the leading eye
is typically the non-reflected image.

Left: (Default) Indicates that the left

eye image is the leading eye.

Right: Indicates that the right eye

image is the leading eye.
Scene Scene number of the clip. Type text.
ShootDate Date the footage was shot.
Slip Number and direction of perfs for
subclips (audio clips only).
SoundTC Timecode for audio. Select an operator and then type numbers only
in the four colon-separated entry fields
displayed.
Soundroll Sound roll this clip came from. Used for
24p projects, 25p projects, and
matchback projects only.
Source File The source file name (from Media
Composer)
Start Timecode of the clip’s head frame. Select an operator and then type numbers only
in the four colon-separated entry fields
displayed.
Synced Project A unique identifier for a synced project
GUID
Synced Project One of the following:
Type
Project: contains folders and bins

Folder: contains folders and bins

Bin: contains assets

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 C System Metadata Properties

Heading Description Search Values and Hints on Searching

Take Take number of the scene. Type a number.

Tape Source tape name (from the bin). Type text (not case sensitive; spaces
permitted).
TC24 24-fps timecode. Select an operator and then type numbers only
in the four colon-separated entry fields
displayed.
TC25 25-fps timecode, no pulldown. Used for Select an operator and then type numbers only
24p and 25p projects only. in the four colon-separated entry fields
displayed.
TC25P 25-fps timecode with PAL pulldown. Select an operator and then type numbers only
Used for 24p and 25p projects only. in the four colon-separated entry fields
displayed.
TC30 30-fps timecode with 2:3 pulldown. Select an operator and then type numbers only
Used for 24p and 25p projects only. in the four colon-separated entry fields
displayed.
TC30NP 30-fps timecode with no pulldown Select an operator and then type numbers only
(frames 00 through 29). in the four colon-separated entry fields
displayed.
TC60 60-fps timecode. Used for HD projects. Select an operator and then type numbers only
in the four colon-separated entry fields
displayed.
Text Search only Combination of Name, Tape, User Attributes,
Comments, and Annotations attributes. Allows
you to search for text in all attributes at once.
Type text (not case sensitive; spaces
permitted).
Track Formats Multichannel audio tracks for master
clips and audio clips.
Tracking Displays colored icons that indicate
the status of shared assets across
workgroups. For more information, see
“Viewing the Status Assets Across
Workgroups (Asset Tracking).”
Tracks All tracks used by the asset (from the Select Video, Audio, Data, or Timecode
bin)
Transfer Frame-counting field for sources that
have been prepped for transfer. The
format is the following: a descriptor of
up to 32 alphanumeric characters,
followed by a hyphen (-), followed by a
six-digit frame count, for example,
TransferChildDocu-023657.
Type Type of asset. Select an operator and then an asset type from
the dropdown list.
UNC Path Universal Naming Convention that
specifies the location of resources on a

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 C System Metadata Properties

Heading Description Search Values and Hints on Searching

server. The location you type becomes

a hyperlink to that location. Ctrl+click
the cell, and then type the location.
Version Comment For file assets, the version comment for
the last version checked in, or a check
out comment if the asset is checked
out.
VFX Frame-counting field for visual effects.
The format is the following: a
descriptor of up to 32 alphanumeric
characters, followed by a hyphen (-),
followed by a six-digit frame count, for
example, FXChildDocu-023657.
VFX Reel Source reel identification for the FX
shot.
Video ID Lists the identification number created
to track a clip in a broadcast
environment. This ID is equivalent to
the Tape ID in Avid editors. You can
edit this field in Interplay Access.
VITC Vertical interval timecode.
Workspace Name of an Avid shared-storage Type the name of the workspace.
workspace

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 D Production Management Character Support

D Production Management Character Support

The following table lists the valid and invalid characters (also known as special characters) for
MediaCentral Production Management.

Allowed Not Allowed

Avid asset names Characters: / \ |
File asset names and All characters Characters: * ? : / \ " < > |
MediaCentral Production allowed for
Management database files in Names ending with a dot
folder names Windows
Names used as DOS devices (LPT1, com1, .., .,, for
example)
Property names (metadata Characters: / \ |
field names)
Video ID (Tape ID) The only characters allowed are letters, numbers,
metadata field underscores, and hyphens.

The Video ID metadata property in Interplay Access is

editable and accepts any character. However, valid
characters are enforced in Send to Playback
operations.
Users and user groups Characters: / \ |" '

Although the following characters are valid for users and user groups in MediaCentral Production
Management, they are not supported when naming projects, bins, and users on Avid editing systems:

:*?<>

Do not use these characters in MediaCentral Production Management user names or group names.

n When you name a macOS computer, use single-byte ASCII characters without spaces.

236