Why is it important to keep the battery from discharging? Both security and non-security functions take place within media blocks of DCI projection systems. Security functions use the media block’s Private Key to enforce DCI’s digital rights management. When the media server or IMB is turned off for a long time there is a possibility for the battery to fully discharge, causing loss of the Private Key. This can only be repaired by returning the device to GDC with a scheduled Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA).
What should I do to be warned before the battery discharges? If you have shut off your GDC media servers, you should power them up for an hour every 30 days (“Maintenance Power Up”). Maintenance Power Up allows the media server to perform operating system housekeeping along with checking on the battery, licenses, etc. to keep it in good working condition.
What do I do if there is an error or warning message? Please note that some error or warning messages may only appear on newer versions of 9x,10x and SR-1000 software.
Failure to do so within a month of the first warning risks the security keys and certificates to be permanently lost. If any other error/warning shows up, such as an expired server software licenses and/or server warranty during a Maintenance Power Up, you should resolve the error/warning as soon as possible to avoid failure leading to RMA.
What if I own a legacy GDC model server? If your servers are over three (3) years old with batteries well past the rated battery lifespan for your model(s) and the batteries have never been replaced, there is a strong possibility
that an extended time “off” can cause the batteries to go under voltage. In such case, the server will not be able to operate until that media block/IMB is replaced. For this scenario, we highly recommend replacing your servers’ batteries first before shutting down.
Please refer to the table below for battery operating and shelf life for each of the GDC server models.
Model | Avg. powered-on IMB Battery Lifetime | Avg. powered-off IMB Battery Lifetime |
SA-2100A/T | 5 years | 2.5 years |
SX-2000A/T | 5 years | 2.5 years |
SX-2000AR/TR | 3.5 years | 1.5 years |
SX-3000/SX-4000 | 3.5 years | 1.5 years |
SR-1000 | 4.5 years | 4.5 years |
For product technical inquiries, please contact GDC support @ us-support@gdc-tech.com. For battery needs, please contact GDC customer service @ us-orders@gdc-tech.com.
Like most companies, we are taking every precaution to ensure a safe environment for our employees, including working remotely. It might take a bit longer to get back to you, but we are operating daily to support your needs.
Please stay safe and healthy! Your GDC Team