FAQs About Batteries for GDC Media Servers and IMBs

FAQs About Batteries for GDC Media Servers and IMBs

FAQs About Batteries for GDC Media Servers and IMBs


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.

  • If your servers are under warranty and a “battery low” warning shows up during Maintenance Power Up, you should contact GDC Support as soon as possible to arrange for a battery replacement.
  • If your servers are out-of-warranty, please contact GDC Customer Service or your preferred dealer for options.

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


Do You Have Questions?

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.


We’re Here to Serve Your Needs

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




    • Related Articles

    • GDC Server Shutdown Technical Notice

      This document has been provided by GDC for guidance.  It is provided here for your convenience. GDC Digital Cinema Server Maintenance Notice for Closed Theatres This document provides important information for the media block and IMB of your GDC ...
    • GDC Battery Replacement Reminder

      Maintenance Matters Critical Reminder: It’s Time to Check IMB Batteries One of the most common calls to GDC Technical Services is how and/or when to replace batteries in GDC servers. This is a friendly reminder it’s time to check the server IMB ...
    • GDC SX-xxxx server showing X at the top of the screen.

      On a GDC SX or SA series server (SX-2000, SX-2100, SX-3000, SX-4000) the information button (i) is replaced with an X.  This is a warning recently implemented in a software upgrade and generally means that the battery (batteries) in the media block ...
    • GDC Server Shutdown Technical Notice

      This document provides important information for the media block and IMB of your GDC digital cinema servers if your theatre is closed or will be closing for an extended period of time. The major concern is the life of server batteries. Please make a ...
    • GDC Tech Bulletin G4 IMB Battery Replacement Procedure v10

      Document 126 G4 IMB Battery Replacement Procedure Products: SX-2000(A/T)R, SX-3000 Software: All versions This article documents how to remove and replace the batteries on a G4 IMB. Please read the COMPLETE document very carefully before starting the ...