How It Works

The dax|D3 Web Application

Workflow & Collaboration

dax|D3 has full workflow capabilities that simplify collaboration, distribution and media transformation logistics. dax|D3 enables the delivery of footage, either streaming, editorial or broadcast quality, through the same system. This means creative execs can view dailies and cuts; labs can distribute DNX and MXF files to editorial suites; and sound and music facilities can receive ADR and Protools files – all through the same system, from anywhere in the world.

dax|D3 has a robust workflow engine (BPEL) where both simple and complex workflows can be set up in the system. Users can structure pre-defined workflows, such as one group of users having to review and approve content prior to releasing it to another group of users (like legal or marketing). Examples include a director reviewing a rough-cut prior to releasing it to a television network; or an online publicity executive at a studio selecting a clip from a movie for an online distributor and submitting it to franchise marketing and legal for approval. Other workflow actions could include transcoding a file into a variety of different formats or resolutions, or distribution of files to predefined set top boxes.

The system will also send out notifications to subscribed users once an event has started and/or been completed. All content metadata and associated files will still be associated with the original content after a workflow event and authorized users can release content to multiple categories (or user groups) concurrently at once.

Notes and annotations can be attached to any content stored in dax|D3 (such as rough cuts, dailies and photography). For video, comments can be associated to SMPTE time code and users can set in and out points relating to their annotation. Notes can also be made public, kept private between select users, or posted on a message board.

Assessing and approving publicity stills, location photos, EPK materials, demo reels, music and interviews has never been easier – evaluators can view, provide comments and approve when it’s convenient for them, from anywhere dax|D3 can be accessed. All approvals are logged in the metadata so it’s easy to know status. dax|D3 can also generate reports that provide a “global view” of a project and the status of all work in progress materials.

Unique dax|D3 Features

  • Screening Room - The dax|D3 Screening Room is for watching video within the system. The Screening Room enables the following:
    • Digital Dailies® Workflows – the system allows users to skip ahead from take to take (bang on slate) without buffering or delay. Fully integrated with Flex Files, ALEs and EDLs, The Screening Room operates similar to a DVD by allowing non-linear skipping through chapter points – all bang on slate.
    • Create Clips – users can select in and out time code points and create clips of media that can be saved in the system as a unique file. The Clip Creator can also export an EDL, XML or ALE of the file so it can be automatically matched back to a video master in any near-line or off-line editorial environment (Avid, FCP).
    • Playlist Creation - users can select video clips in the system, assemble them into a playlist and save as a unique file. Complete with drag & drop capabilities, users can drag scenes and takes from multiple reels; create clips of reels or footage; and/or merge several pieces of media into a bin that can be saved into a unique playlist and made available to other users. Users can name playlists, organize clips in a sequential order, re-shuffle clips, and add notes and comments associated to SMPTE time code. Users can essentially perform loose edits of materials.
    • Video Controls – Viewing content in The Screening Room enables users to freeze each frame; advance forward/backward frame by frame; scrub frame by frame; go full screen or playout to a monitor with the click of a mouse.
  • Photo Module – The dax|D3 Photo Module enables “iPhoto” like capabilities where you can navigate through photos by clicking an arrow; compare up to 4 photos side by side; zoom; move; rotate; rate; and create slide shows. Like video, you can create workflows that enable users to approve/reject and add comments in the photo module. All approvals are tracked as metadata in the Asset Manager.
  • Batch Upload/Download with Bandwidth Acceleration - dax|D3 has functions like Batch Upload/Download that let you upload/download bandwidth intensive media files and multiple assets concurrently. Built as a separate client applet, it lets you continue working, while being able to monitor the status of asset upload, network performance and throughput. The Batch Upload feature also has Bandwidth Acceleration tools maximizing available bandwidth and increasing transfer rates – GB sized files can be transferred cross-continentally in minutes.
  • Shared Files - Assets can also be copied/aliased into categories within the same project or even another project without increasing storage allocation.
  • Transcoding - dax|D3 has transcoding for both video and images. Users can watermark; change formats; resolutions and file sizes on the fly prior to download.
  • Version Control – all files uploaded to the system are time stamped and contain associated metadata clearly identifying version number. Files can also be linked back to originals to ensure consistency.
  • File Compatibility - dax|D3 is completely file format agnostic, meaning it accepts any kind of document, graphic, audio and video files – including leading script, editing, budgeting and accounting, basic office and audio-video media player formats.
  • Central Audit, Tracking and Notification System - The system can also send out automated e-mail notifications to alert you when a file has been uploaded or a specific action occurred. Notifications can be generated at the User, Category or Asset level. The system also has an audit trail of all site activities.
  • Search – Powerful search and sorting tools help users find what they need quickly and effectively.
All of dax|D3’s video features work in both standard and high-definition (depending on available bandwidth), and support such formats as Windows Media, QuickTime, H.264 and MPEG 2/4 formats.

Administrative Controls

With dax|D3, you are always in complete control over who has access to what content and when. dax|D3 gives you the ability to create and define user access privileges at both the individual and group level – you can set up Users with access as finite as just one file or as broad as multiple projects. dax|D3 has pre-defined User Profiles (editor, marketing exec, etc.) and Users Groups (production, finance, etc.) making adding and changing profiles easy and fast with drag & drop capabilities.

A Content Expiration feature lets you set windows of time or numbers of downloads/views in which individual users can access specific elements - you can make a file available for 24 hours, 10 days, indefinitely or for five views.

dax|D3’s Central Audit and Logging System tracks all site activities and provides detailed reports. The system has full activity search and sort capabilities, searchable by user, action or date.