Return Process for Epiphan Pearls

Epiphan Pearls go through a complex process when they return from events to ensure that all recordings are processed properly and that each Pearl is ready to go on the shelf for its next event. Understanding this process will make you better prepared to properly handle a Pearl that missed the normal return process.

On Show Site

If you are using Pearls on show site, there are some steps that Event IT recommends taking before and during strike in order to avoid unnecessary difficulties in the return process.

• Please ensure that the correct power supply/cord is packed in the case with the Pearl. All Pearl kits include one (1) CAT5 patch cable in addition to power. No other cables or devices are included with the Pearl.
• If you are using a static IP address with touch screen/button control disabled, please revert one of these settings prior to turning off the Pearl, as this combination of settings greatly complicates the return process.

Inspection and Creative Services

Like other pieces of equipment that carry recordings, Epiphan Pearls returning to HQ are automatically placed in QC when they are scanned by Inspection. This alerts Inspection that these items need to go to the Creative Services department instead of returning immediately to the shelf. 

When an Epiphan arrives at Creative Services, its recordings are copied to recording archive and removed from the device. Typically, the Pearl's channels are also deleted by Creative Services, requiring a preset to be loaded before the device can be used. The device is then taken out of QC and placed on a special return shelf in Event IT, reserved for returns from Creative Services. To prevent accidental loss of recordings, any Epiphan suspected of having bypassed Creative Services is placed on the Creative Services cart in Inspection.

Event IT Return Process

Epiphan Pearls offer a rich set of configuration and customization options, allowing technicians a great deal of freedom to use them in the way that best suits the event and their preferences. To ensure that no configuration decisions made by one technician for one show affect another, all Pearls are reset to the same default state before being returned to circulation. The steps in this process are outlined below:

• Check that DHCP is enabled, and enable it if necessary. All subsequent steps rely on a LAN connection between the Epiphan and a computer.
  
• Find the Pearl's IP address in System Status and enter it into a browser on a computer. Use the username "Admin" with no password to access the admin dashboard.
• Check that the Pearl's storage is properly formatted and is empty. If recordings are still present, return the Pearl to Creative Services.
• Under Configuration -> Media, delete any media left over from past shows.
• Under Configuration -> Firmware Upgrade, ensure that the Pearl is up to date.
• Under Configuration -> Maintenance, remove any extra presets left over from past shows. These presets often reference a specific show in their names, whereas the Markey's stock presets' names describe their inputs. 
  
• Apply the first Markey's preset in the list of presets. Once the Pearl successfully reboots, it can be turned off and put on the shelf.