Introduction
This following guidelines are for patching and rebooting your Chyron systems, including an outline of best practices to minimize risks and maximize efficiency.
Overall Recommendations
Windows Performance Optimization
Like all open-platform computers using Windows operating systems, Chyron-provided systems are vulnerable to viruses, worms, and other covertly installed destructive software. Chyron endorses these suggestions from Microsoft for all such Windows PC-based systems:
- Server and workstations device drivers should be kept up to date unless communicated otherwise by Chyron.
- Free hard drive disk space needs to be monitored and kept above a certain threshold for smooth operation: at least 5 GB should be kept free on the OS and media drives.
- Disable or minimize the amount of background applications or services run on servers and workstations that are not directly required for Chyron products and dependencies (NVIDIA, Matrox, etc.)
- It is recommended not to run any other application than the strictly required Chyron application on playout machines.
- It is recommended to not run resource-intensive application on Designer and Render system to avoid resource-competition with Chyron products.
Windows Update Policies
Chyron encourages users to stay current on Microsoft-issued patches and updates for Windows operating systems. Chyron users should adhere to an update schedule that permits the rebooting of their machines during downtimes, such as periodic maintenance of live production machines. System software should be updated regularly, at least once a month and preferably once a week. Appropriate updates are available in the Windows Update section at www.microsoft.com. Check for, download, and install operating system updates from Microsoft.
- All standard routine Windows updates can be applied; however it is recommended to check-in with Chyron ahead of applying service packs or major updates.
- Should new issues arise shortly after Windows updates, it is recommended to
- (1) roll-back the update
- (2) and liaise with Chyron in order to seek guidance about the safe path forward.
Microsoft SQL and ODBC
It is recommended to consult with Chyron ahead of any SQL upgrade. Where applicable, ODBC drivers (for databinding) should be kept to version 2013.
Firewalls
Chyron strongly advises using an external firewall in all production environments for Windows-based systems that are connected to an internet network.
- However, "personal firewalls" are not recommended for live TV production or real-time production due to performance issues.
- Chyron does not recommend specific brands of firewalls or configurations.
Antivirus
Chyron products don't come with virus protection. If connected to a network, Chyron recommends adding antivirus software. The product was scanned before shipping and found clean. The scan report, named report.txt, is on the system's C drive.
- For critical live or real-time production, do not enable Auto-Protect on antivirus software to avoid performance issues.
- Schedule virus scans and updates during maintenance periods. Frequent updates are crucial, as antivirus products rely on a current virus database. Rebooting might be required.
- Schedule antivirus updates outside newsroom and control room operations. Exclude the following media file extensions from real-time scanning: .crd, .ppl, .pbx, .cpf, .pbm, .avi, .dv, .mpg, .mpeg, .m2v, .wmv, .mp3, .wav, .log, .cfg, .tga, .bmp, .mxf, .mp4, and any other valid media format used with Chyron products. Do not include Chyron folders in the local scan.
- Chyron doesn't recommend specific brands of antivirus software or configurations. Most corporate antivirus solutions are client-server based and can impact Chyron product performance. Configure antivirus to minimize network interruptions and disable heuristic mode if available.