Installing AST-Link 1.x for Windows

Closed Captioning with CaptionSync allows you to upload batches of files using AST-Link 1.x. This article shows how to install it.

Please note that this version is no longer available to be installed. If you're still using it, please upgrade to AST-Link 2.x for Windows.

This tutorial shows you how to install AST-Link 1.x on Windows. AST-Link 1.x is a light-weight client-side application that allows you to drag-and-drop media files to the CaptionSync server. It provides a convenient method of uploading large batches of files. Note that your CaptionSync account must be enabled for AST-Link - learn how below.

Tutorial

AST-Link 1.x is a light-weight software application that allows you to submit large files, or large groups of files, to CaptionSync. It offers a simple drag-and-drop interface that allows you to quickly and easily upload large batches of files. AST-Link 1.x uses an encrypted communication link to the CaptionSync server to ensure security of your account and of your content. This tutorial will walk through the steps to install and setup AST-Link 1.x for Windows; this setup process needs to be done only once.

Installing AST-Link 1.x:

1. Log into your CaptionSync account, click Settings tab -> Account Features, select Enable my account for AST-Link from the Account Feature to Add drop-down menu. Finally, click the Request Account Feature button. You will receive an email with the next steps. Note that if you can't see AST-Link on the "Account Feature to Add" drop-down menu, then it's already enabled.

2. Once you're notified of the new AST-Link status by email, open the AST-Link_Install .zip file.

3. Run the Setup.Exe -- you will find this file in the Install zip folder. Follow the prompts in the setup program to complete the installation.

Setting up AST-Link 1.x:

1. When the installation is complete, you’ll see an AutomaticSync folder in your Programs menu. Go to that folder and select the PuTTY Gen application. This application will generate the encryption key pair for AST-Link. You can use any key generation software you wish, but PuTTY Gen is provided with AST-Link for convenience.

2. When PuTTY Gen opens, set the Parameters by selecting the SSH-2 RSA radio button, and enter 2048 for the number of bits. Click Generate and the Key generation will begin.

3. When the Key generation is complete, save the Private part of your key on your local computer using the Save Private Key button. Do not assign a passphrase to this key for use with your AST account. Make sure you save this key in a secure location and make a note of where you save it (you will need to know this in a moment). It is not necessary to save the Public part of your key, but you may do so if you wish.

4. Back in the PuTTY Gen window, the public key text appears in the upper pane on the window -- select all of it and copy it to your clipboard with Ctrl-C.

5. Now, we will enroll your public key in CaptionSync. Log in to your CaptionSync account and select the Settings tab. Now select the SSH Keys link on the left side. This is where the public keys associated with your CaptionSync account are stored and managed. Click Add Another Key to enroll your new key. Paste the key from your clipboard into the new key window; add some text in the Note window that will allow you to later identify the key. Click Add Key when you are done. Each computer that you plan to use AST-Link 1.x from will have its own key. You may enroll as many keys as you need in your CaptionSync account and enable/disable them as you need.

6. Once you add your key, it will appear in the key list with a status of Pending. It takes about 5 minutes for the key to change to the Ready status. You will need to wait for the key to become Ready before starting AST-Link 1.x.

7. While waiting for your key to be enrolled, let’s take this time to review the default settings on your account. AST-Link 1.x allows you to control only a small subset of the caption settings that appear on your CaptionSync account. For most of the settings, CaptionSync will use the default settings on your account for requests submitted via AST-Link 1.x -- so it is important to review and configure these settings appropriately. Go to the Caption/Transcribe tab on your CaptionSync account and click the Advanced Settings button. Review the settings on each tab of the Advanced Settings window. Make your changes and check the box Save as Default and then Apply Changes. Once you’ve made the settings for your submissions and saved them as default you can load your submissions without having to revisit the Settings each time.

8. Note that if you have multiple application types enabled for your CaptionSync Account (e.g. Caption and Transcribe), then you will need to visit the Advanced Settings for each application type to ensure they are properly set.

9. Now, return to the SSH Keys screen (on the Settings Tab) and check if your new key now has the status of Ready. When it does you can log out of your CaptionSync account and start the AST-Link 1.x application.

10. The last step in configuring AST-Link 1.x is to enable it to connect to CaptionSync. When you first start AST-Link, you will see a red status line at the top saying Server Login Not Configured.  Select Configure Server Login from the Server menu. Enter your CaptionSync username (same one you use to login to your CaptionSync account) and provide the path to the private key you saved earlier. Click OK. Note that your username is that you use to log into CaptionSync. Make sure it is lowercase.

11. At this point, AST-Link 1.x will attempt to connect to the CaptionSync server. If this is the first time you have ever connected to CaptionSync, you may get a warning message asking you if you want to connect. Go ahead and verify that you wish to connect -- this warning will only occur on your first connection. Once it connects, the AST-Link window will show a status of Server Ready, and you are all set to go.

Make sure you follow the instructions on the Using AST-Link 1.x for Windows tutorial to learn how to use the AST-Link app.