Mica 1000 1ME HD Video Switchers Operators Manual Mica Software Version 2.1 Broadcast Pix V2.
Warranty on all Mica Switchers The Products will be of a professional quality, meet the specifications set forth in the Product descriptions and are warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of fourteen (14) months from shipment from Manufacturer. Broadcast Pix will repair or, at its sole option, replace any component found to be faulty on any system returned to the service center of Broadcast Pix in the USA for repair.
Table of Contents Section 1 1.1 1.1.1 1.2 1.3 1.3.1 1.3.2 1.4 1.4.1 1.4.2 1.4.3 1.4.5 1.4.6 1.5 1.5.1 1.6 1.7 1.7.1 1.8 1.9 1.10 1.10.1 1.10.2 1.10.3 1.11 1.
Table of Contents Section 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.4.1 2.4.2 2.4.3 2.4.4 2.4.5 2.5 2.5.1 2.5.2 2.5.3 2.5.4 2.5.5 2.5.6 2.5.7 2.5.8 2.5.9 2.6 2.6.
Table of Contents Section 3 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.5.1 3.5.2 3.5.3 3.5.4 3.5.5 3.5.6 3.5.7 3.5.8 3.5.9 3.5.10 3.5.11 3.5.12 3.6 3.7 3.7.1 3.7.2 3.7.3 3.7.4 3.7.5 3.
Table of Contents Section 4 4.0 4.0.1 4.1 4.1.1 4.1.2 4.2 4.2.1 4.2.2 4.2.3 4.2.4 4.3 4.3.1 4.3.2 4.3.3 4.3.4 4.3.5 4.4 4.4.1 4.4.2 4.4.3 4.4.4 4.4.5 4.4.6 4.4.7 4.5 4.5.1 4.5.2 4.5.3 4.5.4 4.6 4.7 4.7.1 4.7.2 4.7.3 4.8 4.8.1 4.
Table of Contents Section 4 4.10 4.10.1 4.10.2 4.11 4.11.1 4.11.2 4.11.3 4.11.4 4.11.5 4.11.6 4.11.7 4.11.8 4.12 4.12.1 4.12.2 4.12.3 4.13 4.13.1 4.13.2 4.13.3 4.13.4 4.13.5 4.13.6 4.13.7 4.13.8 4.13.9 4.
Table of Contents Section 5 5.1 5.1.1 5.2 5.2.1 5.2.2 5.3 5.3.1 5.3.2 5.3.3 5.3.4 5.4 5.4.1 5.4.2 5.5 5.5.1 5.5.2 5.5.3 5.5.4 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9 5.9.1 5.9.2 5.9.3 5.9.4 5.9.5 5.9.6 5.9.7 5.9.8 5.9.
Table of Contents Section 6 6.1 6.1.1 6.1.2 6.1.3 6.1.4 6.1.5 6.2 6.2.1 6.2.2 6.3 6.3.1 6.3.2 6.3.3 6.3.4 6.3.5 6.3.6 6.3.7 6.3.8 6.3.9 6.3.10 6.4 6.4.1 6.5 6.5.1 6.5.2 6.5.3 6.5.4 6.5.5 6.5.6 6.5.
Table of Contents Section 7 7.1 7.2 7.2.1 7.3 7.3.1 7.3.2 7.4 7.4.1 7.5 7.5.1 7.5.2 7.6 7.7 7.7.1 7.7.2 7.7.3 7.7.4 7.7.5 7.8 7.9 7.10 7.10.1 7.10.2 7.10.3 7.11 7.11.1 7.11.2 7.12 7.12.1 7.12.2 7.13 7.13.1 7.14 7.14.1 7.15 7.15.
Table of Contents Section 7 7.16 7.16.1 7.16.2 7.16.3 7.16.4 7.17 7.17.1 7.17.2 7.17.3 7.17.4 7.17.5 7.18 7.18.1 7.18.2 7.18.3 7.18.4 7.18.
Table of Contents Appendix A.1 A.2 A.3 A.4 A.5 Upgrading the Broadcast Pix Software Installing System Options Control Panel Internal Operation Mica System Specifications Broadcast Pix Contact Information Broadcast Pix V2.1 install - concepts - PixMaster - switcher - CG - clips - controls - team - appendix 0.
Section 1: Installation and Getting Started Thank you for purchasing a Broadcast Pix Mica Video Production System, soon you will be experiencing how we have redefined the video production switcher. Take note to which model and/or option you have purchased and refer to that section in this manual prior to using your Broadcast Pix Switcher. Please refer to the Quick Start Guide for preliminary installation of your system, which is included inside the Mica System box in the ‘Open Me First’ envelope.
1.1 Mica Switcher The Mica System consists of an integrated design, which includes both a Server and Video Switcher, as shown below. All Mica Systems have 8 HD/SD-SDI inputs, plus 1 Key Cut input and 6 HD/SD-SDI outputs, plus 2 DVI-D outputs. Live video sources can be synchronous and/or asynchronous, and auto detect 1080i/59.94, 720p/59.94,1080i/50, 720p/50, 486i/29.97 and 576i/25. The Mica Switcher supports the standards: SMPTE 296M, SMPTE 274M, ITU-R BT601-5, SMPTE 259M and SMPTE 292M.
1.1.1 Mica Server The Mica Server is the host machine that runs the BP Switcher application and the Fluent Workflow Software on an embedded version of Microsoft Windows XP. All graphics, animations, clips and show files are stored on the Server. All graphics, animations and show files live on the Systems C hard drive, which is the removable tray in the front of the unit, and all the clips live on the Video D drive, which is mounted internally in the system.
1.2 Mica System Installation The Mica System is a 4 Rack Unit (RU) frame and can be mounted in a standard 19” rack from the front. The supplied rack ears can be used to secure the system into a rack. It is highly recommended to use a rear support/shelf or use the available sliding rack rails to provide the proper rear support when attached with multiple/heavy cables. In addition there are 4 rear feet, which may be used to stand the unit up right without harming the rear BNC connections.
1.3 Broadcast Pix Mica 1000 1.3.1 Mica 1000 System Contents The Broadcast Pix Mica 100 is comprised of the following standard components: Broadcast Pix Software, Showing the Multi-View Software: BPswitcher V2 Inscriber TitleMotion GS HD Character Generator Microsoft Windows XP FES, SP3 (Monitor not included ) Broadcast Pix SoftPanel Broadcast Pix 1ME Control Panel Mica System Keyboard and mouse Broadcast Pix V2.1 install - concepts - PixMaster - switcher - CG - clips - controls - team - appendix 1.
Broadcast Pix Mica 1000 System Includes: Hardware 1 M/E Control Panel Mica System Inscriber USB Dongle, installed internally in the Server at the factory USB Keyboard USB Mouse Network Crossover Cable (to connect panel to Server) Software Broadcast Pix Software V2 Inscriber TitleMotion GS Character Generator Microsoft Windows XP FES Service Pack 3 Requirements To install a system you will also need: At least one computer monitor (at least 1280x1024 resolution) Broadcast Pix V2.
1.3.2 Wiring Diagram for Mica 1000 Top I/O Live Inputs Auto-Detect HD/SD-SDI (Cameras, tape decks, etc.
1.4 Tally/GPIO on the Mica Switcher The Mica Switcher has a total of 8 Tally outputs for the 8 switcher inputs plus 8 General Purpose Outputs (GPOs) and 8 General Purpose Inputs (GPIs) through one DP-25 pin connector. The standard tallies are open collector driver circuits that can either sink current or provide a TTL level logic interface. The tally outputs are triggered when sources are sent to Program (red) on the switcher.
1.4.1 Optional Tally Box on the Mica 1000 There are 2 tally box options for Mica Switchers to provide a contact closure/relay connection in addition to the standard open collector tally on the Mica Switcher. The tally boxes are stand-alone: Sense & Switch 8 and a Measurement Computing USB-ERB24 that plug into the Server via a USB connection. Up to 11 external tally/GPIO boxes may be connected along with the build in tally/GPO on the Granit Switcher for a maximum 96 GPIs and 288 GPOs.
1.4.2 Installing the Optional 8 Port Tally Box: Run a set of wires from each terminal in the Tally Box to each terminal on your camera/ camera unit, one to Program and the other to the Ground, as shown below. ‘NO’ (Normally Open) goes to Program and ‘C’ (Common) goes to Ground. ‘NC’ (Normally Closed) is not used. The Tally box uses one of the Servers USB ports, and needs to be plugged into an electrical socket with the supplied power supply.
1.4.3 Installing the 24 Port Tally Box: The Measurement Computing USB-ERB24 tally box provides 24 relay contacts for up to 24 camera/sources. It fits into a standard 19” wide rack and comes standard with racking ears and uses convenient screw terminals that accepts cable from 12 to 22 AWG. Each contact is rated a 6 amps at 240 volts AC. The box uses one of the Servers USB ports, and needs to be plugged into an electrical socket with the supplied power supply.
1.4.4 Installing Optional Tally Box Drivers When the tally box option is purchased it may be plugged in and connected, as the drivers are already pre-loaded on all Mica systems from the factory. However, it is recommended that you start the InstaCal Program and test the tally box prior to using it with your system, see steps 6 – 9 below. In addition you will need to install an option code, as described in section A.
1.4.5 Installing Multiple Tally Boxes A standard system usually uses one tally box, however multiple tally boxes may be installed on a Broadcast Pix system. Multiple tally boxes expands the number tally outputs as well the number of General Purpose Inputs and Outputs (GPIOs), which can be used with Fluent Macros. Installation is the same, as described in section 1.4.4, however each tally box must be assigned to a specific board number. To assign multiple tally boxes: 1.
1.5 Audio I/O All Mica systems do not do any internal audio mixing, all mixing needs to be done externally. For automated control of external audio mixers, see section 7.14. One clip store and 2 animation stores are included on all Mica Systems. The clip store and 1 animation store can be used with or without audio. Output 1 is used for Clip store out and Output 2 is used for Animation store channel 1 out. The 4 XLR output connectors on the Mica Switcher are analog audio with a balanced line level signal.
1.5.1 Audio Output Control The audio output on all Mica Systems conforms to the SMPTE RP155 specifications, where -20dBFS = 0dB = +4dBu. Depending on the external equipment you are attaching the output to and depending on how your clips have been encoded, the audio output may have to be attenuated for proper sounding audio. For reference Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere for the most part use -12dBFS as 0dB, clips rendered from these applications may sound louder if the output is not attenuated properly.
To advance the audio output: 1. In BPswitcher, click on Setup and a drop down window will appear, then select System Settings… as shown on the right. The System Settings window will appear, as shown on the bottom right. 2. In System Settings window, click on the Audio Tab, which will bring up the various audio settings. 3. In the Clip audio advance text box, enter a number from 0 to 15 frames. The number entered will advance both the Clip Store and Animation Store.
1.6 Running a Show Broadcast Pix has a concept of shows, which contain custom I/O settings and specific content for each of your own productions. To run the switcher a show file needs to be running from the Broadcast Pix Switcher application. To create or modify a show see section 3 of this manual, which talks about PixMaster Show Editor. A show can be set to auto-load when the Switcher application is started and the Switcher application can be set to auto-start when the Server is turned on.
4. To not have the Welcome Screen appear on each application launch, place a check mark next to Ignore Welcome Screen at next startup. 5. Click on the Close Welcome Screen button, as shown on the right. 6. The Load Show window will appear listing the available shows, as shown on the right. Select on one of the listed shows, on a new system select the Sample Show 60 or 50 Hz, based off the Video Standard selected in the previous steps. 7. Click on the Open button.
1.7 Mica I/O Assignments The Mica IO Assignments window is used to configure each input and output. Inputs 1-8 on the Mica Input board are general purpose video inputs that may be used for cameras, VTRs, and feeds from servers and other external video devices. Any input/output connected to the I/O cards on the Mica Switcher needs to be configured with this assignment window to ensure proper operation.
5. For each input select the Input Name, which will determine what name appears on the top line of the source monitor on the Multi-View and the Label, which will determine what name appears on the bottom line of the source monitor on the Multi-View and what name will appear on the PixButton on the control panel. Use the drop down menus to select from the pre-defined names in the list. 6. To assign a custom Name and/or Label, click on the Manage Custom Names… button, as shown on the right.
7. For each input select Icon Type, which will determine which icon will appear on the Control Panel and SoftPanels. Select the drop down menu and select either: Camera, VTR, None, Router, Computer, Server, DVD, Satellite or Truck, as shown on the right. Note that only Input 9/K may be used as the Key Cut signal, and Input 8 as the Key Fill signal. If no External Keyer is used, then Input K may not be used as another live input, however Input 8 can. 8.
To Assign the Mica Output Assignments: 1. Repeat steps 1 through 3 above, to open the Mica I/O Assignments window. 2. Click on the Output Assignments button, as shown on the right, and the Mica Output Assignments window will open, as shown above. 3. For SDI Outputs 3 & 4 select the desired format for the Program MD and Cleanfeed MD outputs either: 1080i - 16:9, 720p - 16:9, 486i/576 - 16:9, 486i/ 576 - 4:3, None, 486i/576 - 4:3, Box or 486i/576 4:3, Crop 4.
1.7.1 AutoAspect Inputs AutoAspect solves the many challenges of mixing 4:3 and 16:9 content in the same production. It enables 16:9 and 4:3 inputs to be used interchangeably and mixed together in the same live production, while maintaining the native aspect ratio of each element rather than stretching them. Each input can be set to one of 4 aspect treatments, three of which preserve the native aspect ratio.
1.8 Troubleshooting The default Multi-View always displays a status bar with an indicator light, as shown below. If it is green all is OK, if not (Red) click on the status light, which will bring up the Status Tab on the Multi-View and the following detailed status window will appear.
1.9 Input Timing Reference The Broadcast Pix Switcher can auto-detect external reference, either analog blackburst or Tri-Level sync in these formats: 480i29.97 (NTSC), 720p59.94, 1080i59.94, 1080p29.97, 1080PsF29.97, 576i25 (PAL), 720p50, 1080i50, 1080p25, 1080PsF25. If no reference is connected, the Mica Switcher can generate internal sync. In this mode the Ref I/O connection can be set to output blackburst to external equipment.
System Delay All Mica Systems have extremely low delay, below is a grid of the maximum total system delay in milliseconds, depending on which formats are used. Usually delay can be compensated in a studio environment with an audio delay. In image magnification (IMAG) productions, it is important to have the least amount of delay possible. The values below include mixing inputs formats, using DVEs, playing clips and graphics; no delay is added when using these features.
1.10 System Settings 1.10.1 Changing the Startup Show When the system ships from the factory it is not set to load any show. You can turn on auto-loading, or after you create more shows, you can change the system to auto-load a different show. If you turn off auto-loading, then Broadcast Pix Switcher will still open, but you need to then Load a Show as described above. To change which show auto-loads: 1.
1.10.2 Selecting between 60 and 50 Hz As described in section 1.6, when first launched the Welcome Screen allows you to setup the system with the correct video standard (NTSC / 60 Hz in most of the Americas and Japan and PAL / 50Hz in Europe and other countries). The system may be switched between 1080i/59.94 Hz and 1080i/50Hz at any time. To change between 60 / 50 Hz: 1. In BPswitcher, click on Setup and a drop down window will appear, then select System Settings… as shown on the right.
1.10.3 Changing the Output Settings The Mica Switcher is a multi-definition switcher allowing for both SD and HD signals to be mixed and outputted. If SD sources are being used, a details option is also available to enhance the SD outputs. SD filtering applies a very light filter to all the SD outputs. Checking it on is meant for HD sources outputting to SD to eliminate aliasing. No check preserves the most detail of an SD source.
1.11 Control Panel Installation The 1ME Broadcast Pix control panel, on a Mica 1000 are usually used on a tabletop, which provides a better viewing angle in most light conditions, especially to view the PixButtons. The panel may also be recessed into a hole cut out of a table top or console. If a cut out installation is desired, then the following dimensions should be used to cut the hole in the console top.
1.12 Back-Up Software All Broadcast Pix systems are equipped with Paragon Drive Back-Up software. The Paragon Back-Up software allows users to create manual back up points onto a Linux partition on the System drive. In this type of backup, if the system should get corrupt or infected with a virus the user can revert to an earlier restore point and continue using the system. The Paragon software only backups the System C drive and not the Video D drives.
7. Click on the Save data to the Backup Capsule radial button, as shown on the right. If desired you may save the back up onto DVDs or a network drive, by selecting one of the other radial buttons and following the on screen menu options. 8. Click on the Next button. 9. Enter a backup name in the Archive name text field and click on the Next button. 10. In the following window, select the Back up now radial button and then click on the Next button. 11.
14. When the back is complete the Overall Progress window will read out 100% and report that all operations have been finished. Click on the Close button, as shown on the right. 15. The backup point has been saved onto the Backup Capsule on the System C drives. Close the home window of Paragon by clicking the Red X at the top right corner. To restore a backup in Paragon: 1. Quit all applications, including Broadcast Pix Switcher. 2. Double-click the yellow Paragon icon on the desktop.
6. In the What to restore window, click on Local Disk (*) icon, as shown on the right. Then click on the Next button 7. In the Where to restore window, click on the Next button. Since there is only one system drive in the system there wont be any other choices in this window. 8. In the Restore results window, ensure that the Assign the following drive letter is set C. Then click on the Next button. 9. In the Completing the Restore Wizard window, click on the Finish button. 10.
11. In the Drive Backup pop-up window, click the Restart the computer button, as shown on the right. This will reboot the system and begin the restore process. During the restore process a Paragon screen will appear showing the overall progress. It is important not to restart or shutdown the Server during this process as data may be lost. The restore is now taking place. This process will take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the amount of files being restored. 12.
4. In the What to Restore screen, select a restore point from the capsule, as shown on the right. If no restore points have been made, the factory default labeled arc_BP_Install_Ship may be used. 5. Click on the Next button. 6. In the Image properties window, click on the Next button. 7. In the Select the destination window, click on the Next button. Since there is only one system drive in the system there wont be ay other choices in this window. 8.
To delete a restore point in Paragon: Since the Backup Capsule on the System drive is only 125GB, the capsule may fill up with multiple restore points. 1. Quit all applications, including Broadcast Pix Switcher. 2. Double-click the yellow Paragon icon on the desktop. If the icon is not on the desktop navigate to The Start Menu, All Programs, Paragon Drive Backup 9 Personal, Paragon Drive Backup. 3. Click on the Archives Tab, on the top of the application, as shown on the right. 4.
Section 2: Broadcast Pix Concepts 2.1 Broadcast Pix Features Integrated Broadcast Studio w/ Fluent Workflow Software Contains an entire control room of devices including: switcher, clip store, character generator still stores, logos, animations, DVEs, Multi-View monitoring, Macros, optional audio, camera and external DDR control. Pristine SDI Video Create superb digital high-definition video with 3 keyers (upgradeable to 6 keyers), background video, and a second background when transitioning.
2.2 PixButtons for Executing with Confidence Much of the versatility of the Broadcast Pix system is due to its unique picture buttons, called PixButtons. Each has a small computer VGA display built into the button, which has a resolution of 36x24 pixels. PixButtons show Information at a Glance All PixButtons on the Broadcast Pix panel show information at a glance. They all contain a device icon in their upper portion which shows which device is currently active in that PixButton.
PixButtons Streamline Selection PixButtons streamline the selection of content for all devices, such as the uses illustrated below, plus CG, Animations, Stills, Effects or a Keyer. Clips Effects DVE boxes Five Kinds of PixButtons A total of 28 PixButtons are used in 5 different areas of the Broadcast Pix control panel: 1. 12 in the PixPad To select content within a device, and for modifiers 2. 9 Sources To see what is on each source, and selection without preview 3.
2.3 Devices The Broadcast Pix panel can control a studio of devices. Each device performs one function. In a traditional live television studio, many of these devices are in a separate box with its own operator. The Broadcast Pix panel provides flexible control over a wide range of devices, by using the device controls. When a device is selected the entire bank of device controls are assigned to that device, including a Joystick, 3 knobs, motion buttons, and a PixPad of 12 PixButtons.
List of Devices, Continued Effects: Over 150 transitions. DVE transitions include push-offs and squeezes. Wipe transitions include horizontal, circles, stars, clocks, and many more. Keys 1-3: Each Key supports a standard 2D DVE Box (Picture-in-Picture), sizing, cropping, border controls and Chromakeys/Luma Keys. Keys 4-6: Keys 4-6 are an option. Each key supports a DVE Box (Picture-in-Picture), sizing, cropping, border controls or optional Chromakeys/Luma Keys.
List of Devices, Continued External Video Server Control (DDR): An option which enables up to 4 channels of an external video server to be controlled from the panel through a serial connection using the VDCP Protocol, having its clip name appear in the PixPad. Currently 360 Systems, Harris Nexio and Omneon Mediadeck are supported. ViewCast Streamer Control: A standard feature which enables control of external ViewCast streamers/ encoders through TCP/IP. Control the starting and stopping of up to 12 groups.
2.4 Device Controls Device Controls is the portion of the control panel that can be assigned to whichever device you wish to control, i.e. clips, graphics, keyers, etc. The upper half of the panel is comprised of the device controls, as shown in the illustration below. The remainder of the panel is comprised of the fixed controls, which are described in section 4.
2.4.1 Assigning the Device Controls The entire bank of device controls can be assigned by any of 15 buttons: 4 Content Devices The device controls are assigned to all the standard devices by using the four permanent device selection buttons. The 1st channel of CG, Clips, Stills and Animations are accessed by selecting the device button, the 2nd channel is access by selecting [Shift] followed by the device button or through the Wildcard Device buttons.
2.4.2 PixPad Navigation The PixPad is a versatile part of the Device Controls that is used to access content and many fast action controls. It has several navigation aids that streamline its use. For most PixPads (other than control modifiers), the top nine PixButtons are to select which content element, effect or memory you want.
2.4.3 Multi-View PixPad In the upper right corner of the Multi-View is a PixPad of thumbnails which correspond to the active PixPad on the control panel, called the Multi-View PixPad. As the panel changes its PixPad to a content device, the Multi-View displays the thumbnails associated with the device. Content devices are Clips, Stills, CG and Animations. In the illustration below, the PixPad is set to Stills 1.
9 Content Selection Buttons Buttons 1-9 on control panel To move back to previous PixPad Button 10 on control panel To move ahead to the next PixPad To move down to the Controls PixPad Button 12 on control panel Button 11 on control panel Broadcast Pix V2.1 install - concepts - PixMaster - switcher - CG - clips - controls - team - appendix 2.4.
2.4.4 PixPad Order Controls To change the order in which the PixPad tabs appear across the top of the PixPad: 1. On the Panel drop down menu select Panel settings. 2. In the following menu select Reorder PixPad, and the PixPad order window will appear. 3. Use the up and down arrows to move the highlighted selection to where on the list you want it to appear. Highlight other items and them move them with arrows as for the first item. 4. Click OK. Now the order will appear as you prepared it.
2.4.5 Floating PixPads In addition to the Multi-View PixPad in the top right corner of the Multi-View, you can create additional floating PixPads. These can be used on another portion of a large screen, or on dual monitor systems can be opened on a the second monitor where they are helpful as either additional info for a solo operator, or dedicated info for a graphics operator.
2.5 Multi-View The default 1ME Multi-View supports 4 sizes of computer (VGA/DVI) monitors in a widescreen resolution and 1 in a 4:3 resolution: 1280x1024, 1360x768, 1440x900, 1680x1050 and 1920x1080. The system automatically will open the correct layout based off the primary monitor set in Windows, see section 2.6.1 to change the desktop screen resolution.
2.5.1 Overview of the Multi-View Depending on the screen resolution, the default layout may appear slightly different. However, the basic concepts apply to all of Multi-View layouts. Menu Button Status Bar/Indicator Preview Monitor Keyer Windows Timer/Countdown Program Monitor Input Sources Digital Clock Multi-View PixPad Clip/Animation Counters Broadcast Pix V2.1 install - concepts - PixMaster - switcher - CG - clips - controls - team - appendix 2.5.
2.5.2 Sources on Multi-View Each source monitor shows the following information: Thumbnail Input Name / Device Name Label / Content Name Indicates Chromakey is applied & hue of Chromakey Indicates Luma key is applied ME 1 Tally Program ME 1 Tally Preview ME 2 Tally Preview ME 2 Tally Program To view more sources above the sources shown, you may create your own custom layout and float up to 18 inputs. See section 2.5.8.
2.5.3 Keyer Windows on the Multi-View The Multi-View shows the contents and status of all 6 keyers. Just as with source monitors, a keyer monitor displays the thumbnail of the content that is currently loaded into the keyer as well as the device name, content name and tally status for Program/ Preview. Similar to the source monitors, each individual keyer window can be independently positioned and sized. Modifiers applied to a Key are also shown on the Multi-View in the keyer windows.
2.5.4 Program/Preview Overlays on the Multi-View If desired, the Program and/or Preview monitors on the Multi-View may show safe zone overlays, as shown below. These overlays are useful when aligning Keyers and shot compositions, when adding graphics to ensure visibility on tube monitors and when producing a 4:3 output in a 16:9 show to ensure no video/graphics are cut off.
2.5.5 Counters Counters for the animation stores appear on the Multi-View for each channel. There are 4 different floatable counters. Either individual Clips Counter, Animation Ch 1 Counter, Animation 2 Counter or a Clip/Animation combination counter, as shown below. They display the clip counter with both a number and a moving blue bar. They can be set to either count up and show elapsed time (runtime), or they can be set to count down, to show the remaining time in an animation or clip.
2.5.6 Basic Switching on Multi-View The Multi-View is interactive and can be used to switch a show, or as a complement to a panel (SoftPanel or physical control panel). This can be done with a mouse or with a touch screen monitor for a more tactile interface. Basic Moves To take Preview to air/Program: Click on the Preview monitor. To select a source: Click on the source thumbnail and it goes to preview. To change to a different device: Click on the tabs at the top of the PixPad.
2.5.7 Advanced Switching on Multi-View You can access even more switching capabilities on the Multi-View by floating the Switcher Window, as described in section in 2.5.8. These switcher controls work exactly the same as on the control panel. For more switcher controls beyond these, like to change key and transition rates or effects, open a SoftPanel from the Panel, Soft Panel drop down menu. To float the Switcher Window: 1. In BPswitcher select the Panel drop down menu. 2.
2.5.8 Floating Monitors In addition to the default layouts, more windows on the Multi-View can be floated, which serves two purposes when working on a multi-monitor system. Either create your own custom Multi-View on a large secondary monitor of any resolution, to replace the default layout that is supplied or float selected windows for a secondary graphics or slo-mo operator. Up to 4 copies of Program, Preview, Clean Feed and PowerAux and up to 3 copies of each source monitor can be floated and sized.
4. To align or size monitors right-click on the monitor and select which source you would like to copy its attributes from, as shown on the right. You may also size all the sources to each other by selecting the Multi-View menu, then Size All Sources to, as shown on the right. A similar option is available for sizing all Key Windows, select Size all Keys to in the same menu. 5.
To change the frame color around each window, select the Set Window Frames Color…, as shown on the right, and a similar color picker will appear. In the Set Window Frames Color window select a color by using either the Web or Custom tab. As a color is selected the Multi-View will update to display the color in the window frame. To apply the color select the OK button. The Use Mica option applies a subtle glow effect behind each window.
Once a layout has been created and or modified, they can be saved as a template for later recall in the system. To save a custom layout: 1. Select the Multi-View drop down menu from the Menu Bar. 2. Then select Multi-View Layouts, and then select Save layout… in the right column. The Save Layout window will appear as to the right. 3. Enter the name you wish to give the layout in the Layout name field. You may also save layouts in different sub-folders.
2.5.9 Clocks on the Multi-View There are 3 types of clocks on the Broadcast Pix Multi-View: an Analog Clock, a Digital Clock and a Timer. All three options are floatable and resizable, as described in the previous section and all three can be floated at the same time. The analog clock provides a graphical analog clock with a seconds hand in both 12-hour and 24hour formats and allows for time-shifting and color settings.
To operate a Countdown Timer: 1. Activate the Timer window and set it as a Countdown timer, as described above. 2. Right-click anywhere on the timer window and and a pop-up menu will appear. 3. Select Set countdown time… from the available list. This will open the Set timer time window. 4. In the pop-up window enter the hours, minutes and/or seconds, as shown to the right. 5. Click on OK to save and exit the window. The time that you entered will now appear in the Countdown timer window. 6.
To customize an Analog Clock: 1. Float the Analog clock, as described above. A blue analog clock window appear, drag and resize to your liking. 2. Right-click on the clock, and a menu will appear as shown to the right. 3. Click on Settings… and the Clock Setting window will appear. 4.
2.6 List of Screen Resolutions Computer monitors should always be square pixels, and the display resolution should have the same ratio as the aspect of the screen. The aspect of screen should never be compensated for, this would distort text and images making them look too wide or skinny. Below is a list of Monitor Resolutions with their native aspect ratios for easy reference. If your monitor is “wide-screen” use a 16:9 or a 16:10 resolution. For normal square screens use a 4:3 resolution.
Section 3: PixMaster Show Editor The Broadcast Pix System is designed for the real-time production of live shows to a live audience, or recorded live for viewing later on DVD or other medium. In both scenarios, the PixMaster show editor delivers comprehensive pre-production capabilities, enabling you to stage all of your assets for a smooth production experience. As with most other endeavors, the more preparation, the better.
3.1 Creating a New Show You can create a new show one of two ways, either by launching PixMaster from its desktop icon or from within the BPswitcher application under the File menu. A new show must always reference an existing show as a starting point. For this reason it is recommended to create a “Generic Show” that has all inputs/sources mapped to the switcher, and all devices pointed to the correct folders. To Create a New Show: 1.
3. Select a starting point for this show by selecting one of the previous shows, which could include the Sample Show that shipped with your system. When you select it, it will highlight, as shown at the right. The starting point determines how your sources are mapped to the switcher, as well as the content assigned to each source. You can then edit from that starting point. You may want to create one or more default shows as your universal starting point. 4.
3.2 Selecting an Existing Show to Edit There are two ways to launch PixMaster to edit an existing show, either from the desktop or from within BPswitcher. From PixMaster: 1. Double-Click on the PixMaster icon on the Desktop, as shown above, and the PixMaster Start window will appear, as shown at the right. 2. Double-click on the Show you wish to open, and it will open in PixMaster as shown in section 3.3. (You can also single-click on the show name and then press the “Choose Show” button.
3.3 Editing a Show When you select a show to edit, it will open in the PixMaster window for that show. In the illustration shown below, a show called Sample Show has been opened for editing. The primary source row for this show will be shown, complete with the exact PixButtons. In general, there are three things you can do from here: 1. Select which devices’ content to edit by clicking on its name or PixButton. 2.
3.4 Editing a Show’s Content Select the device whose content you wish to edit by clicking on its PixButton or name below the PixButton and its content window will open. For example, if you click on Clips 1 its Content Window for this show will open. Content Window: The content window, in this case for the “Clips 1” clip store, enables you to: Reorder the clips in the show Import new clips into this show (and into the library from anywhere on your system or network.
3.5 Reordering, Adding, or Removing Content The flexibility of PixMaster allows you to have many different shows, each with their own unique content. So a “news” show could have its own clips and graphics separate from a “sports” show, allowing for greater ease of use and reassurance that the content will not go on-air in the wrong show. In addition, you can manually sort your content in the order in which it will be played out during the show, again allowing for ease of use.
3.5.2 To Reorder a Group of Content In addition to moving one file up and done the list, you can also move an entire group of elements at once. To move a group manually: 1. Select the first item you wish to move with your mouse, and it will highlight. 2. Press Shift on your keyboard, and hold it down. 3. Select the last item you wish to move, and all the ones in between will highlight: 4. Then click the up or down button one time for each position that you want the selected group to move.
3.5.3 1. Adding Content From the Central Library Click on View entire library button in the content window. This will open the complete library/folder that your device is pointing to, as shown below. To have PixMaster automatically show the entire library, check the Always show entire library check box. NOTE: the Refresh List button is used if you edit a library using Microsoft Windows, then changes made can be seen by clicking on refresh list (or reopening PixMaster). Broadcast Pix V2.
2. Select the clip you wish to move into the show by left-clicking on it (it will highlight). Items already in the show are grayed out in the library, while the items not displayed in the show are black. 3. Select where you wish to insert the new clip into the show by clicking on the show’s content list on the right side. In the illustration below Hurricane is selected, and so the 04 Milwaukee Weather clip will be inserted after the Hurricane clip. 4.
3.5.4 Adding a Group of Content from the Central Library You don’t have to add content one at a time, you can bring in any contiguous group from the library list all at once. 1. Click on the first item of the group you wish to move, and it will highlight 2. Hold down shift on the keyboard 3. Click on the last item of the group you wish to move and it and all the ones in between will highlight. 4. Then, select the area in the show list into which you want to insert the selected group of clips. 5.
3.5.5 Manually Importing Content In addition to adding clips and graphics to the show from the central clip library, you can also import clips from other locations on the Server, such as from a hard drive, CD, DVD, external disk, USB flash memory, a computer network, etc. 1. To import a clip into the example Clips 1 store shown on the previous page, click on the Import Content button This will open the Import Options window. 2.
3.5.6 Importing Content into a Subfolder When importing, if you want to identify a subfolder for this clip or group of clips then fill in its name on the blank line before you press OK. This is handy for remembering a series of related clips, especially when it comes time to clean excess media off your drives (remember, uncompressed clips take up lots of space on your drive…approximately 1.4MB per frame!). Sample In this example we created a subfolder called “Sample.
3.5.7 Fluent Watch Folders Fluent Watch Folders enables content (clips and graphics) to be added to any show automatically, even when on air in a production. Similar to the previous section, clips and graphics can be imported from any location on the Server, such as from a hard drive, CD, DVD, external disk, USB flash memory, a computer network, etc. Once files are copied to the Watch folder, the content is automatically added to your show and loaded into the end of the content PixPad, ready for use.
4. If files have already been added to a show or if a file of the same name is in the central library, the Overwrite existing files option allows for content to be replaced. The default for this option is on. This option may be useful when using generic files that may update over time, like an “Open” or “Bumper”. 5. For graphic content, the Update live files option allows for graphic content only to be updated even if the content is on the air. The default for this option is off.
Once all the watch folders have been enabled in PixMaster, the C and D hard drives will show the enabled Broadcast Pix shows in a series of folders. Inside of each show folder will be the active folders, as shown below in the 6pm News show example: D:\watch\(show name)\ C:\watch\(show name)\ To Add Content with Watch Folders: 1. For adding graphics, in Windows XP, navigate to C:\watch\, as shown on the right. For adding clips, navigate to D:\watch\. 2.
3.5.8 Resizing and Softening Images When content is imported it can either come in as is, or the images can be resized and softened upon import. This is particularly useful when you are treating graphic images such as PowerPoint slides for video presentation or when importing photos from a digital camera. To Resize and Soften: 1. Click on Import Content button, and the “Import options” window will appear. 2. To resize and soften click on Resize and soften images, as shown below. 3.
3.5.9 Previewing Content At any time you can see a large thumbnail of any content element in any device. This is handy if the filename doesn’t represent what the content is and you would like to verify if the content is correct. All thumbnails are still images, the thumbnail for a clip or animation will show you the first frame of video. To preview content: 1.
3.5.10 Renaming Content From within PixMaster you can also rename any file at anytime. This lets you change a file to ensure the correct name of the content matches the file and to shorten/modify a name to make the name fit on PixButtons and the Multi-View. To rename content: 1. Make sure that your are viewing the Entire Library by selecting the View Entire Library button. 2. Select the item you wish to rename in the Entire Library section of the window. 3.
6. If leadings numbers are being used on content, you have the option to not view the number on the PixButton. When active, this option allows for more characters to be used on the PixButton, instead of space being taken up by numbers. However the number will still appear in the display and Multi-View for your convenience. This setting is not selected as a default. To activate the option, in the content side of the window select the check box labeled Use leading numbers on PixButtons, as shown below. 3.5.
3.5.12 Permanently Deleting Content from the Library The best way to ensure that all media and pointer files are deleted properly from the library/hard drive is from within PixMaster. Even though you may manually delete files off the hard drive using Windows, not every file may be deleted, and it is not recommended. To Delete a Clip or Graphic from the Library : 1.
. Show Content Summary 3.6 The Content Summary allows you to see, save and print a handy list of all your show’s content. To View a show’s Content Summary: On the PixMaster window for the desired show, click on View show contents. The View Show Contents window will open. To Save the Content Summary: You can save this by clicking on Save List. It is saved as a text delineated file, which can then be opened in columns with a program like excel.
3.7 Edit Show Settings In addition to the content in a show, you can also edit its settings and setups To access the show settings, click on Edit Show Settings and the Settings Windows for the Show will appear. The Show Settings window enables you to edit: Switcher Sources for re-mapping, adding and removing sources as well as assigning a fail-safe source. More Devices for assigning devices to the three wildcard PixButtons, i.e. camera control.
3.7.1 Switcher Sources Assignments Each show can have unique switcher source assignments. To change them: 1. On the Show Settings window, click on the Switcher Sources button. The Switcher source assignments window will open showing all 18 mapable input sources. 2. Select the source number you wish to change by clicking on its name. A drop down menu will appear with all your available source names, created in the Mica Input Assignments window, in addition to all the internal clip and graphic channels.
3.7.2 Adding Wildcard Devices The Broadcast Pix system has four standard content devices with four dedicated control panel buttons: Clips (ch 1), Stills (ch 1), CG (ch 1) and Anim (ch 1). In addition, Anim (ch 2), Stills (ch 2) and CG (ch 2) can be accessed through the [Shift] function and then selecting Anim, Stills or CG.
3.7.3 Show Memories The Integrated Memories on the Broadcast Pix enables panel setups to be saved that contain all the classic switcher settings, like key settings, DVEs, sources, etc. as well as the exact content in clip and graphic stores, complete with attributes, like mark points, auto-start, crawl speed, etc. For more on creating memories, see section 4.11. In addition to SnapShot Memories, Macros may also be added and sorted in this menu, if a Macro has a leading number applied to it. See section 4.
To add, remove or re-order Memories in a Show In the show’s memory window, click on View all memories, which will expand the memory window to include the central library of all memories. For moving memories into a show and organizing them, this window works same way as the clip or still content window (see section 3.5). The only difference here is that as you select each memory you can see its PixButton in the upper right corner. Broadcast Pix V2.
3.7.4 Global Naming of Memories Caution: memory naming is a global function and will affect all memories in all shows. Whatever name and PixButton image you choose will be used on all shows. To name a memory: 1. Navigate to the expanded Memory window shown on the previous page. 2. Click on Edit memory. The Edit Memory window opens. 3. Fill in the name you wish to give the Memory, in the Name for memory x field. 4.
3.7.5 Custom Images on Memory PixButtons In the Edit memory window, If you uncheck Use name of PixButton, then you can assign a Custom PixButton by clicking on Custom button. This will open the ‘Choose custom PixButton image’ window, where you can navigate to find a custom image created by the Draw PixButton application, as shown below. To create a custom PixButton image: 1. Double-Click the Draw PixButton application, which can be found on the desktop. And the application will launch, as shown below. 2.
3.8 Tally Remapping In some larger installations, where multiple signals from many different sources are feeding into the Broadcast Pix Switcher, the tally outputs may need to be reassigned to accommodated other equipment upstream/downstream of the Broadcast Pix system. For example, a large ‘house’ router may feed not only the Broadcast Pix system but as well as other studio equipment, where source locations can easily be varied.
Section 4: Digital Production Switcher The Broadcast Pix Mica system contains a powerful production switcher. The switcher’s operation is described in this section, including sources, transitions, keyers and fail-safe operation. Operation works the same way from either a physical control panel or a SoftPanel. Many switching functions can also be run from the Multi-View, see section 2.5.6. 4.0 Switcher Controls When you launch Broadcast Pix Switcher and a show is loaded, see section 1.
4.0.1 Tally Broadcast Pix uses tally to identify at a glance what has been selected. Tally is displayed simultaneously on the panel, Multi-View and Mica Switcher tally output. If the optional tally box is installed, the program tally is also sent out.
4.1 Video Sources Video sources include external video sources, plus internal video sources for Clips, Stills, CGs, Animations and Black. The 9 most active video sources are selected with the three rows of 9 buttons in the lower left portion of the control panel, as illustrated below. These 9 sources are arrayed in columns of 3 buttons each. The same source is assigned to all three buttons in each column.
Program Row The Program Row Indicates which source is on the air, which will always be illuminated red. Other available sources will be illuminated green, and buttons with no video source assigned will not be illuminated. The PixButtons used in this row indicate the contents of the source, including what device is currently assigned, as well as the currently selected content element on the device.
4.1.1 Accessing Inputs 10-18 with Shift For shows that consist of more than 9 inputs, the [Shift] button is used to access sources 10-18. This enables the Broadcast Pix panel to control twice as many sources as there are buttons for. These “shifted sources” are typically used for sources that are used less frequently than the first 9 sources, such as black or a rarely used extra tape deck. To access a source in the 10-18 range on the Control Panel or SoftPanel: Shift Trans Pvw 1.
4.1.2 Lock Shift The previous section described how to access more sources with the Shift button. The default mode for shift is that it turns off after the first use, called one-shot shift. During some productions it may be desired to access the shifted sources more rapidly without the need of selecting shift every time, for these occasions the shift function may be locked. To turn on Lock Shift from the control panel: 1.
4.2 Transitions A transition is a change from one picture to another picture. There are three types of transitions: • Cut A cut is an instantaneous switch from one video picture to another, and is by far the most common type of transition. • Mix A mix, also known as a cross fade or a dissolve, is a transition in which one picture dissolves into the next. • Effect An effect is a transition that uses a pattern or special effect to transition from one picture to the next.
4.2.1 Transition Preview Transition Preview adds confidence by showing the end state of the transition on the Preview Monitor. This is useful when you have keyers on-air, and want to keep them on-air or take them off-air. The Transition Preview button acts as a reminder, notifying you exactly what layers will be on air in the next transition. It can also be used to frame your shots in the preview monitor, just in case a keyer or graphic is covering up something important in your shot.
4.2.2 Background Cut Transition A cut is a ‘hard’ transition that instantaneously switches from one video picture to another. To perform a cut: 1. The background transition button must be on and illuminated. If it is not already on, press [Bgr] and it will illuminate orange. 2. On the preview bus, select the source you wish to transition to by pressing its button. The button will light orange and the selected source is displayed in the preview monitor.
4.2.3 Background Mix Transition A mix is a ‘soft’ transition that dissolves between two images. To perform a Mix: 1. The background transition button must be on and illuminated. If it is not already on, press [Bgr], and it will illuminate orange. 2. On the preview bus, select the source you wish to cut to by pressing it button. The button will light orange and the selected source is displayed in the preview monitor. Bgr Mix 3. If not already lit, press the [Mix] button, which will illuminate orange.
4.2.4 Background Effects Transition To execute an Effect transition, including wipes and DVE effects: 1. The background transition button must be on and illuminated. If it is not already on, press [Bgr], and it will illuminate orange. 2. On the preview bus, select the source you wish to transition to by pressing its button. The button will light orange and the selected source is displayed in the preview monitor. 3. If not already selected, press the [Effects] PixButton, which will illuminate orange.
4.3 Transition Effects The Transition Control section will execute whichever effect is currently selected, as shown both on the effects PixButton and on the LED display. You can also select a different effect or modify an effect then use the Effects Device Controls. To select a different Effect: 1. Assign the device controls to effects by pressing the [Effect] PixButton.
3. To view additional effects, press the [Next] PixButton, and the next 9 will appear. 4. To see the 9 beyond that press the [Next] PixButton again. You may press the [Next] button until the PixPad runs out of assigned pages. 5. To back up and look at the previous PixPad, press the [Back] PixButton 6. To return the the home or first page of the Effect PixPad, press the [Effects] PixButton. Broadcast Pix V2.1 install - concepts - PixMaster - switcher - CG - clips - controls - team - appendix 4.
4.3.1 Effects Styles and PixButtons The Broadcast Pix Switcher has over 150 effects. Each effect has a unique number, name and PixButton icon image. The PixButton icons are intended to show the effect style at a glance. The conventions used for these PixButtons are: Black shows the foreground, while the background video is blank. For example, in the horizontal wipe, the new foreground enters from the left. (It can also be reversed, see section 4.3.5).
5. Gradient Wipes Gradient wipes have a pattern and enable a soft-edge to be applied, as described in section 4.3.5. Some of the many gradient wipes are: 6. Clock Wipes and Arcs Many of the wipe patterns are circular clock wipes, which start in one position and then move in a circle. Their icons show a black region where the foreground begins to enter, and then a curved or diagonal arrow with the direction of the clock movement.
4.3.2 Selecting a New Effect by Number 1. On the Effects PixPad, press the [Controls PixButton], which will bring up the effects controls PixPad 2. Press the [numeric keypad] PixButton, and the PixPad will change to the following numeric keypad: 3. Enter the effect [Number] you wish using the numeric keypad. As you enter each number it will appear in the display. For example Fx # 122, as shown below.
4.3.3 Changing Effect Transition Rates The transition rate of any effect or mix may be changed by either turning the Rate knob, or using the numeric keypad. The transition rate is displayed on the lower right corner of the display. For example, the illustration below shows a rate of 30 frames. Rates are displayed in frames, with 30 frames being equal to one second in 60Hz and 25 being equal to one second in 50Hz. The system defaults to 30 frames until another rate is selected.
To change the transition rate with the numeric keypad: 1. Press the [Mix] button in the Transition Control section of the panel. 2. The PixPad in the Device Control section of the panel will change to a numeric keypad. Enter the desired value in frames. 3. Press the [Enter] PixButton to save the transition rate. OR 1. If the Device Controls are not already assigned to effects, press the [Effects] PixButton. 2.
4.3.4 Reversing an Effect All effects will execute in the reverse direction. A left Push-off will become a right push-off, a circle wipe that starts in the center and goes out, will now start on the outside and go to the center, etc. To reverse an effect: To Reverse the direction of all effects, on the Effects PixPad press the [Controls] PixButton, then press the [Reverse] PixButton.
4.3.5 Modifying an Effect Gradients are effects that use a pattern such a circle, star, pinwheel etc. can be modified for softness and aspect. To modify an effect: 1. The background transition button must be on (illuminated). If it is not already on, press [BGR] and it will illuminate orange. 2. The Device Controls needs be assigned to effects, if they are not, press the [Effects] PixButton in the transition section. 3.
4.4 Keys The Broadcast Pix Mica system combines multiple layers that can include a background video image and up to six overlays, each of which is known as a key. 3 are standard and another 3 are optional. All 6 keys can hold a graphic, such as a CG, Still or Animation, or a DVE box (Picture-in-Picture) which can hold a camera, still, clip or any other source.
4.4.1 Key Controls The Broadcast Pix panel provides three groups of buttons for controlling the first 3 keys: Key Select Buttons, Key Transition Buttons and Direct Key Buttons. The Source Row is also used with the Key Select Buttons. Each of the 3 Keyers is treated as a device, so pressing any one of the three Key Select buttons assigns all of the device controls to that Key, including: Joystick, 3 knobs, PixPad and the Display.
4.4.2 Assigning a Source to Key 1-3 Each of the three keys may hold a variety of sources, including a cg, animation, still, a DVE box (picture-in-picture window) for camera, etc. Each source is assigned to Key 1, 2 and 3 by using the Key Selection and Source Row controls To assign a source to a Keyer: 1. Press the desired Key Selection Button, either [Key 1 Select], [Key 2 Select] or [Key 3 Select].
4.4.3 Direct Key Controls The Direct Key buttons are the three buttons located in the lower right corner of the control panel. They correspond to Key 1, 2 and 3, as shown below. In addition to On/Off functionality, these three buttons provide a handy place to always see key status, including: What Device is assigned to this keyer is shown by the icon (e.g. CG Channel 1) What is the name of the content element currently selected in the device (e.g.
4.4.4 Transitioning Keys with Multiple Keys or with the Background Three of the six keys can be used with the transition controls. This enables key transitions to be combined with background transitions. This also enables any effects, such as a wipe or push-off, to be used for transitioning keys, either with a background change or without a background change. Changing a Key with a Background Change: To add or subtract layers simultaneously with a change to the background video: 1.
Changing a Key without a Background Change To add or subtract key layers without changing the background video, repeat all of the above steps, except in step one, turn off the [Bgr] button, as shown below. When [Bgr] is turned off the [Trans Pvw] button will automatically turn on as shown below, and the end state of the transition will be shown on the preview monitor, which will include the same background as currently on program.
4.4.6 Modifiers for Keyers Each Keyer can have several functions applied to it, including the key transition rate, Digital Video Effect (DVE), crop and border. To access a modifier for a key: 1. Select the desired Key, by pressing the [Key 1 Select], [Key 2 Select] or [Key 3 Select] button. The PixPad will change, for example the Key 1 PixPad is shown below: 2. The Key may be cropped on any side. Press the [Crop] PixButton on the above PixPad and the following knob values will appear as shown below.
3. The Key may be positioned any where on screen, even when a DVE is not applied. Press the [Position] PixButton, as shown on the right, and the following knob values will appear as shown below. Twist the [1st Knob] for X-Axis control and/or the [2nd Knob] for Y-Axis control, using the knobs provides fine tuned control. For quicker control, the Joystick may also be used.
4.4.7 To Change the Key Fade Rate The fade rate for all 6 Keys can be set with a knob or the numeric keypad in the PixPad. To change the key fade rate: 1. Press the [Key Select] button for the desired keyer, to assign the Device Controls to that key. 2. Turn the [left knob] to the desired transition rate, which will be shown after the letters Ra in the display above the knob.
4.5 DVE Boxes (Picture in Picture) All 6 Keyers may have a DVE (Digital Video Effect) Box, otherwise known as a Picture-inPicture, applied to it. In television news shows, the DVE Box is used extensively for “overthe-shoulder” boxes that may contain a still, clip or another camera. The DVE Box enables one video or graphic to be placed in a smaller picture on top of the background video. 4.5.1 To Create a DVE Box: 1.
4. Press the [DVE Controls] PixButton on the PixPad, which will bring up the following PixPad of controls: 5. Select the desired DVE Box pattern preset by pressing one of the six [DVE Box Pattern] PixButtons. The selected DVE Box pattern will appear on the preview monitor. 6. You can change which source you would like to feed into the DVE Box by pressing another [Source] button in the source row. When pressed, the content will appear in the DVE Box on the preview monitor. 7.
4.5.2 Modifying a DVE Box Several parameters of the DVE box can be modified including size, position, crop, border size and border color. To modify a DVE box: Get the desired DVE Box on the preview monitor by executing steps 1 through 5 above in section 4.5.1. 1. The position of the DVE Box may be modified by using the Joystick, as follows: Left - Right 2. Up - Down Diagonally The size of the DVE Box may be modified by twisting the Joystick.
3. The edges of a DVE box may also have a simple colored border. To apply a border press the [DVE Border] PixButton on the PixPad in Device Control-B. The panel display will read a border thickness above the 1st Knob. Turn the knob to increase /decrease the border thickness. Key1 (Ra1, DVE) BWD:015 4. To change the border color, press the [Border Color] PixButton on the PixPad. The panel display will read color values for Red, Green & Blue.
4.5.4 Accessing Keys 4-6 Most Broadcast Pix Mica switchers come standard with 3 Keyers, as an option every model can be upgraded to a total of 6 Keyers allowing for 6 picture-inpictures. Even though Keys 4-6 have the same capabilities as Keys 1-3, as described in section 4.5, they can also be tied to a transition with the transition controls as described in section 4.4.5. The use of Integrated Memories, see section 4.11, can assist in easily bringing Keys 4-6 on/off of program.
4.6 Source Controls All Broadcast Pix sources, both external live and internal graphics and clips, have various parameters which can be modified known as Source Controls. For external live sources you can set the AutoAspect treatment, as described in section 1.8.1, as well as chromakey/luma key levels. For internal source controls you can also set the AutoAspect treatment, as well as any control that the device has enabled.
The PixPad will change to show the attributes for source controls, all the external live inputs will have the same PixPad, and each internal device will have its own specific one, as shown below. External Live Source Clip Source CG Source Still Source Animation Source 3. Select the native aspect ratio of the source, either [Native 4:3] or [Native 16:9], in the PixPad. 4. Now select the desired treatment effect, either [Auto Asp Box], [Auto Asp 14:9] or [Auto Asp Crop].
4.7 Chromakey Chromakey is a method of removing a solid background color and replacing it with a different image. The most common application for Chromakey (also called green/ blue screen) is in news/weather production, where a person in front of a blue wall or a green wall is taped with video camera, and then using a Chromakey the person is cut out of the image and placed on a different background, such as a weather map.
4. Press the [Chrma OnOff] button on the above PixPad and the large display will show the letters Chr added to the modifiers in the large display to let you know the Chromakey has been turned on. 5. Press the [Chrma Cntrls] button on the above PixPad to bring up the Chromakey controls on the PixPad as shown below. (The [Chrma Cntrls] button will not bring up these controls unless you have turned the Chromakey on, as described in step 4.) 6.
4.7.2 Chromakey Settings There are a number of Chromakey settings that may be adjusted to give you greater control of your Chromakey. It is important to note that the smallest adjustment can cause a key to look good or bad. All adjustments are controlled though the Key’s [Chrma Cntrls] PixPad, as shown on the previous page. When creating a Chromakey it is all about creating a wedge of color on the color wheel to generate a matte.
4.7.3 Adjusting the Chromakey 1. Press the [Hue Gain Acc] PixButton in the [Chrma Cntrls] PixPad. 2. Adjust the Hue value to the color of your Chroma wall by turning the knob under the Hue display. You will notice the color you are keying out in a circle on the source window on the Multi-View. 3. Adjust the Gain value to around 20, which will key out most of the background. 4. Adjust the AcAn value until the colored edge around your subject is mostly keyed out. 5.
4.8 Luma key Similar to Chromakey, Luminance key or Luma key is a method of removing the dark portions of a video picture and replacing that with another image with a different image. A common application for Luma key is in worship productions, where white song words with a black background from a computer signal input (like PowerPoint), and then using a Luma key the words are cut out of the image and placed on a different background, such as a clip from the clip store or over a camera filming the choir.
4. Press the [Luma OnOff] button on the above PixPad and the large display will show the letters Luma added to the modifiers in the large display to let you know the Luma Key has been turned on. In addition, the Multi-View will display a white circle on the source window. 5. Adjust the Clip value by turning its knob under the display. The Clip setting determines the range of the brightness that is cut out/removed. The greater amount of clip the more transparent the source will be. 6.
4.9 Fluent Controls The Chromakey and Lumakey settings may also be modified and controlled from the Multi-View using the Fluent Controls window and adjusting settings with the mouse. Fluent Controls give you a graphical representation of the color being keyed out and an easier way of modifying settings. All the settings described in the previous sections are available for control inside the Fluent Controls window. To adjust the Chromakey controls 1.
5. To modify other chromakey setting, turn each setting wheel based on section 4.7.2. 6. To assist with keying the correct values, each value may be disabled to view how it is affecting the key. To disable a setting, click on the green activator button for any/all of the values, the button will turn red, and shown on the right. To enable the setting click on the red activator button. 7.
4.10 External Key The Broadcast Pix Mica systems supports 1 external keyer, useful when connecting an external graphics system to use in conjunction with the Broadcast Pix. It supports clip and gain adjustments, unshaped signals and key inversion and may be used on any key layer. For the external key to work properly the external CG machine needs to provide a Key Cut and a Key Fill signal using the identical formats on each channel.
4.10.2 External Key Operation The external key may be assigned to any keyer. When the Key Fill input is assigned to a keyer, the Cut channel is automatically assigned to the keyer as well. When the external keyer is in use, all the Keyer Modifiers discussed in section 4 are still available. Note that the external cut signal is not assignable or visible on the Multi-View. This example will use Key 4. To operate the external keyer: 1. Select the desired Keyer, this example will use Key 4.
4.11 Auxiliary Output Control Auxiliary (Aux) outputs are additional outputs of individual inputs that can be sent to various locations for secondary use, like an external monitor for engineering or a slo-motion device for sports applications. For the most part, traditional switchers offer only one layer to be sent to an Auxiliary output. All Broadcast Pix Mica switchers have the ability to overlay any/all of Keys 1-6 onto one Aux output, this is known as PowerAux.
4.11.1 Aux Output on Mica 1000 Mica 1000 switchers have 1 Aux output, any source mapped to the show/panel may be routed to the PowerAux output. To operate Aux 1: 1. On the control panel (or SoftPanel), press the [Aux 1] button in the Destination row and it will illuminate orange, as shown below. The display will also read out what input is currently selected (if any) and the source row will display the currently selected source. 2.
4.11.3 PowerAux Control To Access PowerAux: 1. Assign an input to Aux 1, as described in section 4.11.1. 2, Select the [Aux 1] button in the Destination Row and the PixPad will display the following: Aux 1 Modifier PixPad Aux 1 PowerAux PixPad 3. In the Aux Modifier PixPad select the [Pwr Aux] PixButton. The PowerAux PixPad will appear, as shown above. 4.
4.11.4 Optional Remote Panels As an option you may remotely control any Switcher output with Remote Panels. The Remote Panels are 1RU frames that connect directly to the Mica Switcher and to the Mica Server to provide Aux bus selection, as well as act as a Macro Player to trigger premade switcher effects. They are ideal in replay applications where each replay station needs control of an output to select an input or for an engineering station to monitor color and shading adjustments of multiple inputs.
4.11.6 Remote Panel Configuration Once the Remote Panel(s) are wired and powered on each unit must be set to it’s own IP Address. By default each Panel comes shipped with the IP Address of 192.168.53.200. The Mica Switcher, Server and Control Panel are all on the 192.168.53.XXX subnet. In most installations only the last 3 digits of the IP address of the panel need to be adjusted. Note that there is no on/off switch, simply plug in the AC power to turn the unit on.
To Change the Server IP Address: 1. On the Remote Panel, select and hold down the [Shift] button, it will illuminate yellow. Then select the [Lock] button. 2. This will put the Remote Panel into an offline setup mode, as shown below. 3. Press the [3] input PixButton labeled Set Svr IP, and the PixButtons will change showing the assigned IP address of the Server. It is important that the IP address of the Mica Server and this setup menu match. On most installations this step is not necessary.
4.11.7 Remote Panel Setup Each Remote Panel can be setup with up to 22 modes, which allow and/or restrict the ability to assign inputs and/or outputs. In addition, different Macros or SnapShot memories are assignable to each mode. This setup is done in PixMaster Show Editor and every setting is show-based, meaning that all the settings are saved and recalled on a show by show basis. To Setup the Remote Panels: 1. Launch BPswitcher and load a show, as described in section 1.6. 2.
4. Select the desired Mode to modify either Mode 1 – Mode 11, the PixButton will highlight orange, as shown on the right. To select Modes 12-22 select the View Modes 12-22 button, as shown on the right. 5. The bottom window will update to show the current state of the mode. In the Switcher Inputs section, click on the input to enable or disable 1 through 8, the PixButtons will update to Grey or Green, as shown to the right.
7. In the Switcher Outputs section, click on the outputs to enable or disable 1 through 6, the PixButtons will update to Grey or Green, as shown to the right. These output are automatically set from the Mica Output Assignments window. If Clean Feed is assigned it will automatically be red/disabled. Enabling these outputs will grant access on the Remote Panel to switch. Even though only one output button is available on the Remote Panel, all outputs may be cycled to. 8.
9. To configure other modes repeat steps 4 – 8 above. 10. To apply and save the changes click on the OK button in the Remote Panel Setup window. 11. In the main PixMaster Show Editor window, click on the Save Show button. 4.11.8 Remote Panel Operation As each Remote Panel connects to a running Broadcast Pix show, the last selected mode for each panel is recalled. Any panel may have access to all 22 modes. To Set a Mode on the Remote Panel: 1.
To Change an Output: 1. On the Remote Panel, select the [Output] PixButton, it will illuminate orange and display the selected output, as shown on the right. 2. Continue to select the [Output] PixButton until the desired output is reached. If all outputs are enabled in the Output Assignments, then there are up to 3 button pushes. 3. In the Inputs section, select an [Input] PixButton 1 through 8, A or B.
To Run a Macro: 1. Lock On the Remote Panel, select the [Macro] button, it will illuminate green, as shown on the right. Macro The A PixButton will turn to a Stop button and the B PixButton will turn to a Play button. Any assigned memories will now appear on the input PixButtons. The Output PixButton is disabled in the Macro mode. 2. To run a Macro or a SnapShot MEM, select the desired [PixButton], the button will illuminate red, as shown on the right. 3.
4.12 SnapShot Memories The Broadcast Pix system has a powerful memory system that can combine all devices in the system. It enables the saving and instant recall of a panel’s set-ups, or the set-ups plus the sources assigned, or even the individual content element in a device, such as a specific lower third graphic in the CG. The Mem system can save an entire panel, or a portion of it, such as a keyer, effect, preview source, aux, key state, etc.
4.
6. For example, if you want to save all three keyer set-ups, and the sources as well on keys 1 and 3, then press the [Mem Save Key 1] PixButton twice, the [Mem Save Key 2] PixButton once, and the [Mem Save Key 3] PixButton twice, and the following will appear in the display: 7. Continue selecting any other elements of the panel you would like to save in this Mem: [Mem Save Key 4] PixButton will save the Key 4 keyer set-ups, press again to save a specific source, press once more to save the content.
8. [Mem Save Direct Key 1] PixButton will save the state (on/off) of Direct Key 1. (D1) [Mem Save Direct Key 2] PixButton will save the state (on/off) of Direct Key 2. (D2) [Mem Save Direct Key 3] PixButton will save the state (on/off) of Direct Key 3. (D3) [Mem Save Direct Key 4] PixButton will save the state (on/off both on preview and program) of Direct Key 4. Useful for quickly brining on/off Key 4.
9. [Mem Save iBoB DSK] PixButton will save the state of the iBoB DSK on a Slate 2100G only. This function is not available on a Mica System. [MEM Save Aux] PixButton will save the state of the auxiliary outputs. It does this individually by bringing up a secondary PixPad that lets you select the each option. When finished press the [Up Arrow] to return to this PixPad. (see below) 10. [Mem Save Aux 1] PixButton will save the source assigned to Aux 1.
4.12.2 To recall a Mem 1. Press the [Mem] device button, and the Mem PixPad will appear. 2. Press the desired [Mem x] PixButton and the memory will be recalled at the frame rate saved in that Mem. 3. If the desired SnapShot MEM is not on this top page, press the [Next] PixButton until you reach the page that contains it. Once a Memory is recalled the display will read out the memory number and it’s attributes, plus the Status Bar on the Multi-View will display which SnapShot MEM was recalled. 4.12.
4.13 Fluent Macros Fluent Macros is a powerful memory system that takes SnapShot Memories to another level. It enables a sequence of panel button pushes to be recorded and then played at the push of a button. At the heart of the Macros is a file-based architecture that not only remembers button pushes and commands, but more importantly files from the Clip and Graphic stores.
Macro Player Overview: Menu Toolbar Banks Display Counter Menu Control Bar Details Panel Contains the available settings for Macros. Toolbar Contains available tools to assign and arrange a Macro Bank. Banks Contains 4 assignable banks of macros. Banks A, B and C can be renamed, whereas the GPI Bank is designated for Macros to be triggered from an external General Purpose Input trigger. Up to 100 macros per bank can be assigned Counter Displays the running/elapsed time of the active macro.
4.13.2 Recording a Macro Recording a Macro can start from the Macros Editor or directly from the control panel and then controlled by the control panel where all the timing and commands are remembered sequentially. In addition, Macros can manually be created and modified one command at a time with the Insert function. For longer, more involved macros recording from the panel/Macro Editor is recommended, the Insert function is suggested for shorter macros and for editing.
6. The Smart Start Wizard window will appear, as shown on the right, giving the option to remember the starting next transition and Direct Key states. Click on Yes or No. This option is useful to guarantee an effect will occur the same way it was recorded by adding a starting command which remembers the keyer and background next transitions buttons as well as the Direct Key tally states.
5. In the following PixPad select the [MEM Start Record] PixButton, as shown on the right. Note that the Macro Editor or Player does not need to be opened for recording to occur. However, if the Macro Player is open a list of commands being recorded will be visible in the Macro Display. Macros is now waiting for the first panel operation to occur for the timer to start. The Record button will remember every button/command selected and it’s timing sequentially. 6.
To load a macro in the Editor: 1. In the Macro Menu Bar, click on the Open button, as shown on the right, or click on the Menu and select New… An Open pop-up window will appear. 2. Select the desired macro (.tln file) to edit and click on Open. Note if you record using the Macro Editor, as described in section 4.12.2, the macro will automatically be opened in the Action List, in this case Steps 1 and 2 are not needed. To modify a macro command: 1.
3. Depending on what action/command is selected, one of the three main groups of Edit Windows will be available to edit. Modify the desired effect, as described below. Switcher selector: displays a drop down list for changing preview, Program, key and aux assignments and for modifying transitions. To select a different source or cross-point select it in the drop down menu. Content selector: displays a thumbnail and address bar for changing which clip or graphic is loaded in a specified store.
4. Changes are automatically made to the Action List, to revert back to the recorded action, click on Undo Changes in the Details Panel. 5. Depending on what action is being modified, it maybe useful to view the changes on the Program output. This is useful when quickly selecting between Actions to verify the effect. Click on the Live button, near the bottom on the details panel, and it will illuminate blue. Now whatever action is highlighted or modified, the result will occur on Program out.
4.13.4 Inserting Actions The previous sections described how to record a macro and how to modify the recorded actions. After a macro has been recorded, or to create a basic macro, the Insert function is available to add one action at a time or to insert a new macro record in the middle of an existing macro. To insert a new action: 1. Select a step in in the Action List, with the mouse. The row will highlight white. 2. Click on the + Plus button, to the right of the Action List.
3. Select the desired Command Group from the drop down menu, either Macro Utilities, Switcher, Content or DVEs/Keys. For example to change the Program Row source, select Switcher. 4. In the Action List section of the Details Panel, select the desired command, as shown on the right. 5. To apply the command to the Action List, click on Accept in the Detail Panel. The Details Panel will revert to the editing screen, select the desired command as described in the previous section.
To delete a step: 1. Select a step in in the Action List, with the mouse. The row will highlight white. 2. Click on - Minus button, to the right to the Action List. This will permanently delete the row, there is no undo. 4.13.5 Reviewing Macro Once a macro has been recorded and modified to your liking, you may review it in the Macro Editor to ensure it will play out correctly. To play out Macros during a production use the Macro Player, as described in the next section. To review a macro: 1.
4. To skip a step or a series of steps click on the Jump button in the Control Bar. The macro will ignore the timing/hold duration and continue to the next step. The Control Bar will also display a timer representing the time until the next step in mm:ss:ff. 5. To pause a macro at the current step, click on the green Playing button in the Control Bar. The button will turn to a blinking red Pause button, clicking on Paused again will resume the macro. 6.
4. In the Menu Bar, select the desired Bank, either Bank A, Bank B, Bank C or GPI. The button will illuminate white. The GPI Bank is used to trigger Macros with a General Purpose Input signal from the internal Mica GPI or from the external USB tally boxes. Buttons 1 through 8 correspond to the internal Mica GPI, and buttons 8 through 96 map to the external USB tally boxes. 5. Click the Assign Buttons button, in the Toolbar. 6.
10. The assigned button will now appear in the Macro Bank. To assign more Macros to buttons, repeat steps 6-10 above. 11. When complete, click on Click here when done with changes button, in the Toolbar. 12. To assign more Macros to different banks repeat steps 4-11 above. To customize a Macro Bank: 1. Repeat steps 1-4 above to edit a Macro Bank. 2. To assign a custom name to the selected bank, click on the Rename Bank button in the Toolbar. 3.
7. To reorganize the bank, click on the Organize Bank button in the Toolbar. 8. Now select one of the following options: Clear Bank…: un-assigns all the Macros in the specified bank. Clicking this button will open a confirmation box, click on Yes or No. Compress Bank…: reorganizes the Macro buttons to the top of the bank. Clicking this button will open a confirmation box, click on Yes or No. Group Macros by Color…: organizes the buttons based on their assigned button color.
To assign a GPI Macro: 1. In the Macro Player, select the GPI bank button, as shown on the right. The button will illuminate white. 2. Select the Macro Menu, and select the Options menu. 3. Select the GPI/O Setup option, as shown on the right. 4. When the external USB Tally Box is connected, as described in section 1.5.5, you have the option to enable GPI and GPO signals. If only the built in GPIs and GPOs on Mica are being used they are always active and do not need to be enabled.
4.13.7 Running Macros in the Macro Player Now that your Macros have been assigned to a button in the Macro Player, they may be used during a production. To run a macro from the Macro Player: 1. In BPswitcher select the Panel drop down menu. 2. Select Macros, as shown on the right. The Macros window will open. 3. With the mouse, click on the Macro Player button, as shown on the right. 4. Click on the desired Macro Bank, and it will illuminate white. 5.
2. If a macro has a user-defined Pause point, the Macro button will turn to yellow and start to blink once the pause point is reached. To resume a paused macro, click on the Macro button in the bank or click on the Paused button in the Control Bar. 3. To skip a step or a series of steps click on the Jump button in the Control Bar. The macro will ignore the timing/hold duration and continue to the next step. 4 To pause a macro at the current step, click on the Playing button in the Control Bar.
3. If the macro is running, the display will notify you that it’s playing and the Play button will be illuminated red, like the example to the right. To pause the macro, select the [Play] button in the motion control section of the control panel. The button will illuminate orange and the display will notify you that the macro is paused. 4. To stop running the macro, select the [Back] button in the motion control section of the control panel.
4.13.9 Alpha Wipes Alpha wipes are animated transitions, which give your shows a contemporary look and feel. They are created in any graphics applications, and played out of the animation store (as described in section 5.5.2) When designing alpha wipes, as in the example “02 Light Swipe”, at least one frame of video needs to cover up the entire video screen. This ensures an invisible cut in the background between two sources resulting in a clean transition.
4.14 Fail-Safe The Mica Server is very reliable, if it should ever lock up a Fail-Safe capability is set to automatically take over, and keep video on-air until the Server recovers. The main Program (Output 1) and Program MD (Output 3) outputs are set to be the Fail-Safe outputs, internally Input 1 is routed to Output 1 and input 2 to output 3. No format, timing or aspect correction is applied when the system is in Fail-Safe.
Section 5: Character Generator & Graphics Every Broadcast Pix Mica system includes a broadcast-quality character generator from Harris called Inscriber TitleMotion GS. The CG has very extensive help menus. No attempt is made here to cover all of the capabilities of the application.
5.1.1 TitleMotion GS Canvas Before creating any graphics with Inscriber TitleMotion GS, it may be helpful to understand the main window/canvas of the application. Below is a blank canvas with a brief overview of some main buttons, for further information refer to the Help drop down menu in TitleMotion GS.
5.2 Creating Still CG Graphics CG graphics can be created from scratch using all of the tools in TitleMotion. The easiest way to get started however, is to use one of the over 200+ predesigned CG templates provided by Inscriber. The canvas size of Inscriber is automatically set by Broadcast Pix and is always 1920x1080. When the Broadcast Pix Switcher application is opened, it will automatically open TitleMotion and minimize it, ready for use.
4. Click-on the desired Template and it will be loaded into the canvas, as shown below. 5. Position the cursor over the letters and then type in what you want. That is all there is to creating a professional title. If desired, you can modify your title by changing the font, point size, position, color, shadow, sheen, glow, transparency, etc. Use the various tabs on the bottom of the canvas to change these attributes. See the Inscriber Manual or help menus for more information. Broadcast Pix V2.
5.2.1 Exporting a Still Graphic from Inscriber to Broadcast Pix Once you have created a CG, you then need to export it for the Broadcast Pix system to access it. You can save it to many common files types, such as Bitmaps, JPEGs, Targas, as well as editable Inscriber .Scribe files. It is important to export any graphics that contain a transparency/alpha channel with a 32 Bit Depth, in order for the graphic to key over video. The two commonly used files in Broadcast Pix are Truevision Targa files (.
To Export a Scribe File: 1. On the Inscriber GUI, at the top left, click on the File menu, and a drop down menu will appear. 2. Click on Export, Export SCRIBE File…, as shown on the right. The Save As window will appear. 3. Type in the File Name. 4. Change the Save In storage location to the folder in which you wish to keep your titles.
5.2.2 Exporting Graphics from Photoshop to Broadcast Pix When exporting from Adobe Photoshop, you may export to many popular file formats, like .JPEG and .BMP, to import into the Broadcast Pix system. Although neither file format supports an alpha channel or transparency layer, a Targa/Truevision, .TGA, file does support a 32 bit alpha channel.
5. In the lower right corner of the Channels Tab, click on the Save selection as channel button. You now have created an alpha channel. The Channels Tab will show the new channel, as shown below. 6. Save your file by selecting the File, Save As… menu. Change the file Format to Targa. Select 32 bits/pixel under the Options Window (so the transparency layer gets saved). Name your file, Choose your directory where the rest of your Broadcast Pix graphics are saved (C:graphics\) and click on Save. 7.
5.3 CG Rolls and Crawls CG graphics can also be created to roll vertically or crawl horizontally, and then later controlled by Broadcast Pix to a custom speed setting. Ideal for making a credit roll or a ticker at the bottom of the screen. 5.3.1 To create Rolls/Crawls 1. Double-click on the Inscriber icon on the desktop to start the Inscriber application. TitleMotion must be started from the desktop/start menu and not from right-clicking an .Scribe file to create Rolls//Crawls. 2.
5.3.2 Playing a Roll or Crawl 1. If not already done, assign the CG to the desired keyer by pressing its [Key Selection] button and select the CG button in the [source] row. 2. Assign the Device Controls to the CG by pressing the [CG] button, the button will illuminate orange. 3. Select the desired CG file that you wish to roll or crawl, by pressing its [PixButton] on the CG PixPad. Be sure that the file has been added to your show, using PixMaster. 4.
5.3.4 Modifiers for Rolls and Crawls Modifiers may be applied to rolls and crawls. These include changing a roll to a crawl, adding a blank page at the beginning and/or end, setting it to loop, setting it to auto-start when taken to air, changing the read direction, changing the aspect ratio and changing its speed. To modify a roll or a crawl: 1. Press the [CG] button to bring up the top page of CG controls on the PixPad, if they are not already up. 2.
3. You can always view which modifiers are present on the a CG graphic by viewing the display on the control panel (or SoftPanel) and on the MultiView. These modifiers are always displayed when you select a CG graphic in parenthesis after the name of the selected CG graphic, in the same way that clip modifiers are shown for clips. When the CG graphic is first created it has a (R) for roll, as a default, as shown below for the CG title in this illustration called Credits.
8. To set a roll or crawl to continuously loop, press the [Loop CG OnOff] PixButton on the CG Modifier PixPad. The letter (L) will be added to the modifiers in the display to let you know that it has been set to loop. 9. On of the most powerful modifiers for rolls an crawls is auto-start. This sets the roll or crawl to auto-start when taken to air, rather than starting it manually with the [>] button. To set a CG graphic to auto-start, press the [Auto Start OnOff] PixButton on the CG Modifier PixPad.
5.4 Updating CG Graphics On-the-Fly If you wish to change a CG or other graphic during a live production, such as to change the name of a guest on a talk show, you can overwrite an existing CG in the memory for the show. While this does not always require a second graphics operator to do, frequent changes are best handled by a second operator. There are three ways of editing titles on the fly: - .Scribe Editing - Overwriting a file - Optional Rapid CG (see section 5.9) 5.4.
5.4.2 Overwriting a File Another way to update a file that is currently in your show is to simply overwrite the file using standard Microsoft Windows. This may be desired if you have the Broadcast Pix Server plugged into a separate local network, where files can be shared and saved. The use of Watch Folders can assist in automatically replacing/overwriting graphic files, see section 3.5.7 for more information. To Overwrite a File: 1. Create a CG in either Inscriber or any other graphics application. 2.
5.5 Animation Store The Broadcast Pix Animation Store plays out native image sequences without the need of conversion. There are up to 2 animation stores that can play uncompressed files in a TGA, BMP, GIF, JPG or PNG image sequence, in addition to the Apple Animation Codec in a .mov file. Channels 1 and 2 can support up to 50 frames per file and per channel of uncompressed files. In addition, compressed RLE .TGA files may be used to increase the length of the animations.
5.5.1 Creating an Animated Graphic The internal CG supports a complete range of animated titles and effects, including an drop, rumble, squish, topple, flip and many more in both 2D and 3D. These also use handy templates that can rapidly create an animated title, and are easy to customize. The TitleMotion operators manual contains much more detail on animations. The basics are covered here in this Broadcast Pix system manual. To Create an Animation in TitleMotion: 1.
7. You can preview the animation at any time, either using a wire-frame view, which is quicker but does not provide any graphical information. To play click on the green ply from start button, as shown on the right. To view a full-quality preview, which is slower than real-time but provides and accurate representation of the file animation, click on the Onscreen Preview button in the animation palette, as shown on the right. 8.
5.5.2 Creating Animations in 3rd Party Applications Inscriber makes great animations, but you can use many popular animation applications including Digital Juice, Art Beats, Adobe After Effects, Apple Motion and others to make animations for the Broadcast Pix system. In general, any animation system that can export a sequence of frames of images will work, as these frames can be brought into the Broadcast Pix Animation store.
Motion Controls for an Animation: 1. Assign the Device Controls to an Animations (Anim) channel, select the [Anim] or [Anim CH2] button, it will illuminate orange, as shown on the right. 2. The display will show the 3 scrubbing speeds, as well as the timecode. To scrub the animation forward or back, turn the [1st Knob] in the motion controls section, as shown on the right. 3. To start playing the animation, press the [>] motion control button, and it will illuminate orange.
5.5.4 Modifiers for Animations Modifiers or controls may be applied to animations. The modifiers are similar to the clip store modifies and they include setting it to loop, setting mark points, setting it to autostart when taken to air, setting it to auto-stop and/or auto-rewind when taken off-air. To modify an Animation: 1. Assign the Device Controls to an Animations (Anim) channel, select the [Anim] or [Anim CH2] button, it will illuminate orange, as shown on the right. 2.
5.6 Basic CG & Stills Operation The unified control architecture of the Broadcast Pix system manages all content devices the same way. For example, once you learn how to control CGs, you have also learned the basic elements of how to control Stills, Clips and Animations. CG, Animations and Clips have more modifiers/controls since they involve motion, where as Stills only have aspect ratio controls.
5.7 Preparing Still Content The system will accept still graphics in several formats, which can be saved out of Inscriber or any other graphics application: Windows Bitmaps, which are picture files ending in .bmp Targas, which are picture files ending in .tga Portable Network Graphics, which are picture files ending in .png Graphics Interchange Format, which are picture files ending in .gif Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG), which are picture files ending in .
5.8 Using International Characters with Inscriber You may use international characters, such as Arabic, with Inscriber TitleMotion GS. All the international settings are handled through Windows XP settings. It will be necessary to install files from your Windows XP CDs, which were included with your system. This example will assume that you would be using Arabic. 1. Select the Regional and Language Options Window by going to the Start Menu, Control Panel, Regional and Language Options.
8. In the Text Services and Input Languages Window, click the Language Bar… button under Preferences, as shown on the right. 9. Ensure that the Show the Language bar on the desktop and Show additional Language bar icons in the taskbar boxes are checked, as shown on the right. 10. Click on OK to close the window. 11. In the Text Services and Input Languages Window, click on Apply and then click on OK to close the window. 12.
13. To change the Language Bar, Left-Click on the EN and choose Farsi. You must first select the appropriate language prior to launching TitleMotion GS. 14. Navigate Start Menu-All ProgramsHarris-TitleMotion GS-Configuration Utilities and select the inscribe.ini file. A configuration file will open in Notepad. 15. Under the Right-to-Left font processing options, delete the semicolon ; on in front of GlyphProcessing=1 and in front of the Right-to-Left font processing options, as shown on the right. 16.
5.9 Optional Fluent Rapid CG Software Fluent Rapid CG provides an interface for linking TitleMotion GS with external data sources. It inserts text and images into Inscriber .SCRIBE template files and then updates and displays them on the Broadcast Pix Switcher. Text and images can be updated manually or automatically from XML or Microsoft Access database (.mdb) files. In addition clocks, timers, dates, RSS feeds and US Weather services may be added to any template file.
4. In the menu, select the desired destination of the output file. Either ANIMATIONS, CG or STILLS. Depending on which Device in Broadcast Pix Switcher is used a different folder may be selected. The Status Bar on the bottom of the Rapid CG window will now display where the output file will be rendered to, as shown on the right. 5. Add this file to your show in PixMaster Show Editor on the Broadcast Pix Switcher, as described in section 3. 6.
3. In the News Edit window, enter the desired tag name in the Tags text field. Every tag field must have its own unique name, with a 43 character limit. Click on the Add button, or enter on the keyboard to apply the RTX tag. Continue to enter other tag fields by selecting other text fields or logos with the mouse on the canvas window and repeating this step. 4. Once all the RTX tags have been entered, click on the Red X button in the News Edit window, to close the window. 5.
TitleMotion GS Canvas Window RTX Tags on Text/Logo Fields News Edit Display Options Broadcast Pix V2.1 install - concepts - PixMaster - switcher - CG - clips - controls - team - appendix 5.9.
5.9.4 Rapid CG Overview Rapid CG consists of 4 main panels, as shown below. The entire Rapid CG window is scalable. Content: A bin where .Scribe template files can be added/removed and allows for playback of all files in the bin. Up to 100 files may be added and sorted per project. Editor: A preview window to view the selected Scribe file from the Content panel and where tag fields are linked to data sources. Also the output of Rapid CG to Broadcast Pix Switcher.
5.9.5 Content Panel .Scribe files may either be dragged into the Content Panel or imported through the panel menu. Once in the Control Panel, files can be selected and viewed in the Editor to assign tag fields or set to auto-advance through all the files in the bank. Up to 100 files may be added per project file and can be sorted left or right. To Add Content: 1. In a Windows Explorer window select a .Scribe file and drag it into the Fluent Rapid CG Content panel.
3. In the text field, enter the desired search term. 4. On the keyboard, press the enter button. The first file with a positive match to the search term will be selected in blue in the Content Panel. 5. To find the next file with a similar search term, click in the Search text field and press enter on the keyboard. 6. To enter a new search term, repeat steps 1 - 5. To Remove Files from the Content Panel: 1. Select the desired file to be removed, and it will highlight blue. 2.
5.9.6 Editor Panel The Editor Panel is the output of Rapid CG, and is what the file _RapidCG_A is outputting to Broadcast Pix Switcher. It displays a larger image of the selected file from the Content Panel and is an edit window to link the RTX tags assigned from TitleMotion with data sources. To Modify Content Manually: 1. Click on a file in the Content Panel. This will open the file in the Editor Panel as shown on the right. 2.
5. To view all the properties of the selected file, click on the Editor Menu and select the Show Tag Grid, as shown on the right. A grid will appear below the image in the Editor Panel showing all the assigned TagNames, TagText and TagLink. The TagNames are the assigned RTX tags from TitleMotion, the TagText is current text or image path for the tag and the TagLink will display the data source for each tag. 6.
5.9.7 Data Panel The Data Panel is the workspace to view custom data sources and to configure stock data sources like: Clocks, Timers, Dates, RSS Feeds and US Weather. Customer data sources may be .XML or .MDB (Microsoft Access Database) files. The Clocks, Timers and Dates are all based off the computer clock. RSS (Really Simple Syndication) Feeds and US Weather are web services that use an Internet connection to retrieve information from websites.
To Configure Timers: 1. Click on the Data Menu and a drop down menu will appear, as shown on the right. 2. Select the Timers option and the Data Panel will change to view the Timers properties. 3. Up to 2 Countdowns and up to 2 Stopwatches, for a total of 4 timers may be configured and linked to files. Stopwatches count up and have the option to not have an end time. Click on the Countdown1 radio button, as shown on the right. 4. To change the display format, click on the Format drop down menu.
To Configure Dates: 1. Click on the Data Menu and a drop down menu will appear, as shown on the right. 2. Select the Dates option and the Data Panel will change to view the Dates properties. 3. Click on the Date1 radio button, as shown on the right. Up to 3 different dates may be configured and linked to files. 4. To change the display format, click on the Format drop down menu. A list of available display formats will appear, as shown on the right. Select the desired format.
A RSS Feed includes 3 data fields: the Date, Title and Text. Most websites, including news sites, that have information that changes on a regular basis can be subscribed to through a RSS reader, in this case Rapid CG. Only 1 RSS Feed may be subscribed to per project. Look for the orange RSS icon on most websites, as shown on the right. If no Internet connection is detected this feature is not available. To Configure RSS Feeds: 1.
An additional service that is bundled within the Data Panel is access to weather for a United States city based off a zip code. Weather for international cities is not provided. Only 1 weather feed may be subscribed to per project. If no Internet connection is detected this feature is not available. To Configure US Weather: 1. Click on the Data Menu and a drop down menu will appear, as shown on the right. 2. Select the U.S. Weather option and the Data Panel will change to view the US Weather properties.
Custom data sources may also be used to link data from external databases. This is ideal for sports productions to update statistics and scoring information during a game. Rapid CG supports well-formed .XML files, as well as .MDB files from Microsoft Access. The database file can reside on the local sever or any where on the local area network. The database can recall text or image files, to have images change from a database, the complete path name must be included in the data field.
6. To have the database file automatically update when the file changes, select the Data Listen button on the bottom of the Rapid CG window. It will illuminate blue, as shown on the right. 7. To remove a data file from the list of available databases, click on the Data Menu and a drop down menu will appear, then select the Files option and another drop down menu will appear.
5. The Tag Grid may also be used for quicker access to all the TagNames. Enable the Tag Grid by selecting the Editor Menu and selecting Show Tag Grid. In the TagLink column of the grid, rightclick and select the Set TagLink to: option, as shown on the right. 6. Repeat steps 1 - 4 above to link other data fields. Select other data sources by selecting the Data Panel and selecting another source. 7.
5.9.8 Action Buttons Panel The Action Buttons Panel is where custom shortcut buttons are saved and then triggered from. Actions Buttons allow for quick automation entry of both text and logo tag fields, for example scoring buttons for a sports game. They may be customized with a label, color and sorted for ease of use.
4. To have a custom caption appear on the Action Button, select the Use Custom Caption checkbox. In the text field enter the desired caption, as shown on the right. This is useful to help distinguish between multiple action buttons with the same values, i.e. a home and an away score. If this option is not selected, the Action Button will show the value entered. 5. If multiple pages use the exact same TagName, the Action Button may be applied to all the template files in the Content Panel.
To Add a Logo Action Button: 1. In the Editor Panel, right-click on a logo (blue tag) TagName either on the image or in the Tag Grid. A pop up menu will appear. 2. Select the Add Action Button option, as shown on the right. 3. The Action Button window will appear, as shown on the right. Select the path of the graphic by clicking on the (…) Browse button. A Windows Explorer window will appear, select the desired file and click on the Open button.
To Edit An Action Button: 1. In the Action Buttons Panel, right-click on an Action Button. A pop up menu will appear. 2. Select the Edit Button option, as shown on the right. 3. The Action Button window will appear, with the same options described in the steps above. Modify your settings. 4. When complete click on the Save button, as shown on the right. To Sort Action Buttons: 1. In the Action Buttons Panel, right-click on an Action Button. A pop up menu will appear, as shown on the right. 2.
Using Timer Action Buttons: 1. When a Timer (Countdown or Stopwatch) is assigned to a TagName, Action Buttons for each Timer is automatically added to the beginning of the Action Panel, as shown on the right. 2. Unlike the user Action Buttons, the Timer Action Buttons are multi-functional. To start running a Timer click on the Action Button, is will illuminate green, as shown on the right. To pause a Timer click on the Action button again, it will now illuminate orange, as shown on the right. 3.
Section 6: Clip Store The Broadcast Pix system contains a one channel clip store. Clips are imported into the Server and then selected like a still image for playout. All clips must be compressed as a QuickTime movie file encoded as a H.264 wrapped as a .mov or .mp4 extension or Apple ProRes wrapped in a .mov extension. Clips can play with or without audio. The Mica clip store supports the H.264 Main Profile (MP) level 4.2 standard with a maximum bitrate of 90 mbits/second.
6.1 Clip Store Playout Press the [Clips] device select button, and the following will occur: 1. The Clips button will illuminate orange 2. The name “Clips1” will appear in the top left corner of the display 3. The number and name of the currently selected clip will be in the display 4. The PixPad will change to clips, including the first nine clips, which correspond to the nine shown in the clip library portion of the Multi-View 5. The knobs will have their clip data shown in their portion of the display.
6.1.1 To Select a Clip by Name 1. Press the [Clips] Button if it is not already illuminated. 2. Select the desired clip by name by pressing its PixButton in the PixPad. In the example above, to select the “02 Light Swipe” clip, press the [Clip 1 Light Swipe] PixButton, and it will illuminate.
6.1.3 Selecting a Clip with the Multi-View It may be desired in some situations to select library elements with the mouse or touch screen, rather then using panel buttons. All the modifiers described in this section may be controlled from the Control Panel or the Multi-View PixPad. To select a clip with the mouse, simply click-on its Thumbnail in the PixPad on the Multi-View.
6.1.5 Creating Clip Thumbnails Each clip can have its own thumbnail, which can be viewed on the Multi-View PixPad. By default there is no thumbnail, simply a generic film strip icon. It may be desired to change the clip’s thumbnail. Once a thumbnail is created it will be remembered for all shows. In addition, .mov files in the Animation store may also created. To create a clip thumbnail: 1. Start the clip playing as described in section 6.3. 2.
To create an animation thumbnail: 1. Start the animation playing as described in section 6.3, substituting the clip store for the anim store. 2. Pause the anim when you have reached the desired image you wish to capture by pressing the [>] button again on the control panel. 3. Click on the File menu in BPswitcher, then click on the Create Thumbnail menu. 4. Select Animation (ch1) or Animation (ch 2) depending on which channel you are controlling, as shown on the right.
6.2 Clip Motion Controls The motion controls provide a range of control over a selected clip. Clip: 01 Head Open Scrub 0:00:00 1. To play a clip press [>], and it will illuminate orange 2. To pause a clip that is playing, press the [>] button again. 3. When a clip is paused, pressing the [>] button will start it playing again. 4. To return to the beginning of the clip press the [l<<] button. 6.2.
6.2.2 Clip Motion Controls on the Multi-View In addition to using the control panel or SoftPanel motion controls, the Multi-View PixPad may also be used with the mouse to control a clip. In order to use the MultiView PixPad, the Follow Panel option must be activated, as described in section 2.4.3. To view clip motion controls: 1. Select the [Controls] button on the Multi-View PixPad, either using the control panel or mouse. This will bring up the Clip modifiers PixPad, as shown on the right. 2.
6.3 Clip Control Modifiers Each individual clip can have its own set of modifiers. Modifiers include: Mark In, Mark Out, Aspect Controls, Remove Mark In, Remove Mark Out, Loop Clip, Auto Start, Auto Stop, Auto Rewind, Auto Transition and Auto Next. When a clip is imported and added to a show the clip is set up by default to Auto Start, Auto Stop and Auto Rewind (AXR). 6.3.1 Mark In and Out Points Mark-in and Mark-out enable points to be set at the beginning and end of a segment of a clip.
To let you know that Mark-In and Mark-Out points have be set for a clip, the letters “I” and/or “O” respectively are appended to the clip name in the display as illustrated below: Clip: 01 Head Open (IO) Scrub 0:00:00 To Remove Mark Points: When setting new in and out points, you first need to remove each point before selecting a new ones. This not only ensures the new points are added, but it also allows you to view/scrub footage beyond the previous in and out points.
6.3.3 Auto Stop Just like it is possible to have a clip start on transition to program with Auto Start, a clip can also be set to automatically stop when it transitions off program by pressing [Cut] , [Auto Trans] or using the [Fader]. To turn on Auto Stop: 1. Select the desired clip, and press the [Controls] button on any Clip PixPad. 2.
6.3.5 Loop Clips When a clip reaches its end, it stops. If instead you wish to have the clip return to the beginning and start playing again, then you can turn on the loop function, which will cause the clip to continuously loop. If you have mark points in place, then the clip will loop between the mark points. This is ideal when creating animated backgrounds, instead of creating a long animation (which takes up hard drive space), create a shorter one and have it loop.
6.3.6 Cut Points Similar to a loop point, where a point in the middle of a clip may be marked, a cut point can be used to trigger a background transition using a cut. This is useful for creating automatic alpha wipes for transition effects. Simply mark a cut point on an animation, assign it to a keyer, turn on the direct key and the system will cut in the background at the assigned point. When a cut point is assigned, the Loop attribute is automatically turned off. To set a cut point on a clip: 1.
6.3.7 Auto Transition When a clip reaches the end of the file or out point it stops or can be set to loop, instead if you wish to have the system automatically trigger a background transition it can be a assigned to Auto Transition. There are two auto transition modes, either using a cut or an effect. When set to an effect the selected effect and transition rate in the transition section will be used.
6.3.8 Auto Next So far this section has described playing one clip at time using various attributes. If you wish to string multiple clips together so they play out one after another the Auto Next attribute may be used. Auto Next allows clips that are in order on the PixPad to automatically sequence to the next clip when the outgoing clip reaches the end of the file or out point.
6.3.9 AutoAspect Controls The clip store, as well all other graphic devices, have the ability to natively change the aspect ratio of content, on the fly with no added delay or morphing. This is ideal when mixing 16:9 content in a 4:3 show, or vice-versa. Each piece of content in a channel can have its own aspect controls for greater flexibility. For more information on AutoAspect, see section 1.8.1. To change a clip’s aspect: 1. Select the desired clip, and press the [Controls] button on any Clip PixPad.
6.3.10 Scrubbing a Clip Scrubbing a clip is causing the clip to fast forward very quickly, which is a quick way to preview a clip, and a handy way to move to a desired portion of a clip. It is also helpful when marking and in and out points. To scrub a clip: 1. If the [Clip] button is not illuminated, assign the device controls to clips by pressing the [Clip] button, and it will illuminate. 2.
6.4 Compressed Clips The internal clip store of the Mica Server supports playback of high definition compressed clips. This is ideal if you are exporting video files from a non-linear editing system like Avid or Final Cut Pro or even an animated background from Adobe After Effects or Apple Motion. Alpha channels with compressed clips are not supported, to import an animation with an alpha channel you need to export it as a 32 bit image sequence, see section 5.5. The clip store supports 2 codecs: 1. The H.
6.4.1 Exporting Compressed Clips from Final Cut Pro A popular editing program to export compressed clips from is Apple’s Final Cut Pro. Although other programs can be used to export compressed clips, the steps below may be used as the basic exporting settings from QuickTime are similar from application to application. To export from Final Cut Pro: 1. On your Final Cut Pro computer, select the File drop down menu. 2. Select Export->Using QuickTime Conversion…, as shown on the right. 3.
5. The Standard Video Compression Settings window will appear, as shown below. In this window you will be able to change the Compression Type, the Quality and Frame Rate. 6. Select the Compression Type drop down menu, which will bring up a list of possible compression settings. Select H.264, ProRes Proxy, ProRes LT or ProRes, as shown on the right. Choosing any other setting will not create a file recognizable in Broadcast Pix. 7.
12. In the Movie Settings window, click on the Size… button, as shown on the right. 13. In the Export Size Settings window, click the Dimensions drop down menu and select the HD 1920 x 1080 16:9 option, as shown on the right. 14. Click on the OK button, to close the Export Size Settings window. 15. Under the Movie Settings window, select the Settings… button under the Sound section, to change the audio compression settings. 16. The Sound Settings window will appear, as shown on the right.
22. In the Movie Settings menu, click on OK to save all your video and audio settings. 23. In the Save window, name your file in the Save As: text field and choose a destination to save the file in the Where: drop down menu. If your Final Cut Pro system is on the same network as the Mica Server, then you may save the final directly to the show’s Watch Folder or to the D:Clips directory. 22. Click on the Save button to export and save your QuickTime movie. Broadcast Pix V2.
6.5 Optional Remote Control of an External DDR Optional control of a remote DDR may be added to the system, to enable the control panel to control up to four channels of an external DDR, by using the Louth VDCP protocol. The option includes software and an Edge Port RS-422 hub. It has been thoroughly tested with an ImageServer from 360 Systems, Nexio from Harris and Mediadeck from Omneon, it may also work with other servers that support the VDCP protocol, however it’s not supported. 6.6.
360 Systems Configuration: 1. On 360 Systems Servers, select the Edit, Configuration menu, as shown on the right. 2. Select the Serial Ports option. 3. Select Com1 from the Port drop down menu. 4. In the Protocol drop down menu, select VDCP, as shown on the right. Repeat steps 7 & 8 for each com port. 5. Under the VDCP Options section, place a check mark next to Assigned serial ports. 6. Click on the OK button to apply the changes. 7.
Harris Nexio Configuration: 1. On Harris Nexio Servers, on the desktop double-click the Nexio Wizard icon, as shown on the right. 2. In the Nexio Configuration Wizard Main screen, click on the Next button. 3. In the Video Configuration screen, click on the RS-422 Control button, as shown on the right. 4. For each Com Port 1-4, click on the Protocol drop down menu and select the Louth option, as shown on the right. 5.
9. Once the system reboots, double-click the Nexos icon on the desktop, as shown on the right. Enter your username and password. 10. Select the File, System, System Setup menu, as shown on the right. 11. In the Setup window, place a check mark in the Remote column next to each channel under the Channel Locks section, as shown on the right. 12. Click on the Apply button and then on the OK button to save the settings. Broadcast Pix V2.
Omneon Mediadeck Configuration: 1. On Omneon Mediadeck Servers, log on to the System Manger. 2. Click the Configuration menu, as shown on the right. 3. Click on the Player Configuration link in the Configuration section, as shown on the right. 4. Select the MediaDirector in the Player Configuration section, as shown on the right. 5. Ensure that the Players are deactivated, by selecting the check box to the right of each player and select on the Deactivate Selected button. 6.
Omneon Mediadeck Configuration: 7. In the Player details, select the VDCP option under the Control section drop down menu, as shown below. 8. Assign the Signal Port number, either 0, 1, 2 or 3. 9. Assign the MediaPort to be controlled under the MediaPort Name drop down menu. 10. Assign which channel, A or B, to be controlled under the Channel drop drop menu. 11. Click on the Done button to return to the list of Players. 12. Repeat steps 6-11 for the rest of the players.
6.5.2 Verifying Installation of External DDR Software It may be necessary to ensure that the Edge Port RS-422 hub is installed/configured properly. To verify you must use the Edgeport Configuration Utility, which was installed on your Server at the factory. To access the utility go to the Start Menu in Windows XP, select All Programs, followed by Digi USB, then Edgeport Configuration Utility. This will bring up the window below.
6.5.3 Adding DDR Control to a Show The use of the external DDR is similar to the use of the internal clip store, as the device must be assigned in the show definition as being included in a show, and then the device controls are used to control it. To add DDR Control to a show: 1. Select the show to which you wish to add external DDR control by loading a show (or creating a new one) and then opening PixMaster by selecting File, Edit Show. 2.
6.5.4 Selecting Clips to Access from Broadcast Pix Similar to the internal clipstore in Broadcast Pix, you can select all or just a subset of clips from the external DDR to be accessed in your show. The clips selected in the following menu are the clips accessible through the Broadcast Pix Control Panel. To select clips from the external DDR: 1. In BPswitcher, select the Setup menu, then System Setting…, as shown on the right. 2. In the System Settings window select the Devices tab. 3.
6. To have Auto-Start capabilities, enter the switcher input in the Input Number text field, as shown on the right. This number is the physical input number on the Mica Switcher 7. Click on the Select Clips… button and the Select DDR Clips window will appear, as shown on the right. If the DDR/Omneon control is not added to the current show, the Select Clips button will not be visible. See the next section for adding the server control to a show. 8.
6.5.5 Controlling External DDR When a show contains the External DDR, one of the 6 wildcard device PixButtons in the upper right corner of the panel will show the DDR as illustrated below. or To Control the External DDR: 1. Press the above [DDR] PixButton in Device Control-A and it will illuminate orange. The device controls will show the up to three channels for 360/Nexio and up to 4 for Omneon to select from, as illustrated below.
3. Select the desired clip and by pressing its PixButton, and the information for that clip will appear in the large display, as shown below. Number of Clip External DDR or OMN DDR channel Name of Clip Time code of Clip Clip Status: Stop, Run, Still 4. Press the [>] Button and the clip will begin to play. The display will show both the status as Run, and the time code move, as shown below. 5. To Pause press the [>] button again (and then again to resume playing) 6. To back-up press the [<] button 7.
6.5.6 DDR Controls Similar to the internal Broadcast Pix clip store, each external clip from the DDR/ Server may be set to loop continuously and/or set to Auto-Start when transitioned to Program. To set a clip to loop: 1. Select a clip, as described in section 6.5.5 above 2. Press the [Controls] PixButton at the bottom of the PixPad, which will bring up a new PixPad, as shown on the right. 3. Press the [Loop Clip OnOff] PixButton.
6.5.7 Accessing More Channels Control of a second or third channel of the external DDR is done in the same manner as the for the first channel, as illustrated in section 6.5.5. To let you know which channel you are controlling, the number of the channel appears in the large display and in the upper right corner of every PixButton, as shown below for channel 2.
Section 7: Optional Device Controls The Broadcast Pix system may control a number of external devices, one of which is DDR control which was described in the previous section. As an option the switcher can also control robotic cameras, external audio mixers and streamers, for a true oneman production. Prior to using any of the optional devices, including DDR/Server control, the appropriate option code needs to be installed under the Installed Options menu, see section A.2 for more information. 7.
7.2 Installation of Sony Cameras Sony VISCA controlled cameras can either be connected using a RS-232 or RS-422 serial connection and are selectable on the bottom of each camera with dip-switches. With a RS-232 connection, the maximum cable length can be extended to 15 meters (50 feet), while the RS-422 connection extends this further to 1200 meters (4000 feet).
7.2 Installation of Sony Cameras Continued A star wiring configuration is when all camera control cables from each camera are connected to the Server, through an Edgeport, instead of daisy chaining to each camera. In some installations this will reduce the amount of cable run. Another option it to have one or several long runs to a set of cameras, then connecting each camera in a daisy chain configuration. In some installations this will reduce the amount of cable run. See diagrams on next page.
7.2.1 Sony Wiring Configurations RS-232 Daisy Chain Set-Up: Broadcast Pix RS 232 to VISCA Cable Server Sony VISCA Cable Sony VISCA Cable RS-422 Star Configuration: 4/8 port Edgeport USB A-B Cable Server DB-9 to Screw Terminal RS-422 Custom Serial Cables RS-422 Star with Daisy Chain Configuration: 4/8 port Edgeport USB A-B Cable Server RS-422 Custom Serial Cable Sony VISCA Cables Broadcast Pix V2.1 install - concepts - PixMaster - switcher - CG - clips - controls - team - appendix 7.2.
7.3 Installation of Hitachi Cameras Most of the instructions for how to install this camera control system come from Display Devices, the makers of the pan/tilt head that is being used by Broadcast Pix. Please refer to the Display Devices/Eagle manual for more information, there are various dip switches that must be placed in the correct position depending on the camera model, both in the pan/tilt head and camera.
7.3.1 One Camera Installations 1. Run two video cables to the pan/tilt head: one for video to the Broadcast Pix, and one for genlock/reference. 2. Run a serial cable from the serial port of the Broadcast Pix Server to the B&B Electronics RS-232 to RS-485 converter, as shown below. It is also possible to plug the converter directly into on the Server’s COM port, if desired. 3. Run a three wire cable from the converter plug to the 5 pin connector on the pan tilt head.
7.3.2 Multi-Camera Installations The difference between single-camera and multi-camera studios is that the three wires leaving the RS-232 to RS-485 converter need to be multiplied to go to each head. This can be done with a multiplexer, or by splicing wires together. The 485 Multiplexer sends all 5 wires to each head, 3 for communication and 2 for power.
7.4 Installation of Panasonic Cameras The Broadcast Pix system can control a wide-range of Panasonic cameras in the AW series, including the AW-HE100, AW-PH400 and other Panasonic pan-tilt camera control systems. Panasonic controlled cameras are connected using a RS-422 serial connection, with a maximum connection length of 1200 meters (4000 feet). If controlling a AW-PH300 or AW-PH300A camera system, the the AW-CA28T9 serial cable needs to be ordered, from Panasonic, for proper operation .
7.4.1 Panasonic Wiring Configurations Single Panasonic RS-422 Configuration: Screw terminal to RJ-45 Server RS-422 Serial Cable Com 1 or Com 2 Multiple Panasonic RS-422 Configuration: 4/8 port Edgeport USB A-B Cable Server Any USB Port DB-9 to RJ-45 Custom RS-422 Serial Cables Panasonic Controller Configuration: Connect up to 5 cameras through the AW-RP655, then connect to the Broadcast Pix with a RS-232 serial cable. RS-232 DP-9 Male to Female Cable Server Com 1 or Com 2 Broadcast Pix V2.
7.5 Installation of Telemetrics Camera Systems The Broadcast Pix system can control the full line of Telemetrics camera systems, including the PT-CP-S4, Televator and TeleGlide. Broadcast Pix offers basic support for Telemetrics Systems. For detailed wiring information and technical support, contact Telemetrics, Inc. at +1-201-848-9818. There are 2 main ways to configure a Telemetrics systems with Broadcast Pix control: - Direct control from the Broadcast Pix to the Telemetrics camera head.
7.5.1 Telemetrics Wiring Configurations Single Camera Telemetrics Configuration: To connect Lens and other Camera Control cables, refer to the Telemetrics owners manual. DP-9 Male to Female RS-232 Serial Cable Server Com 1 or Com 2 Multiple Camera Telemetrics Configuration: The Telemetrics STS-12 Control Transfer Switch is needed. The STS-12 must be ordered with at least (1) RS-232 port if connecting directly to the Broadcast Pix Server, as shown below.
7.5.1 Telemetrics Wiring Configurations Telemetrics Studio Software Configuration: To connect Lens and other Camera Control cables, refer to the Telemetrics owners manual. All cameras connect to the CPC-ST-S system. Server Com 1 or Com 2 DP-9 Male to Female RS-232 Serial Cable CPC-ST-S 7.5.2 Telemetrics Dip Switch Settings On some Telemetrics pan/tilt heads, if the controller board 53915 has a letter P or higher as a revision number, dip switch settings must be set for RS-232 or RS-422 control.
7.7 Changing Camera Control Device Settings It is possible to change various settings in the Camera Control Settings window. For Sony Camera Control you may change the COM port assignment for each camera, as well as where the camera is located on the daisy chain, in addition to the input number for tally output on supported camera models. 7.7.1 Sony Camera Control Settings 1. In BPswitcher go to the Setup menu and select System Settings…, as shown on the right. 2.
7.7.2 Hitachi Camera Control Settings It is possible to change various setting in the Hitachi Camera Control Settings window. The Joystick Speed tab allows for 3 different speed controls for pan, tilt and zoom. The Communication tab allows the select of the proper COM port. The Knob Settings tab allows for focus and iris speed adjustment. 1. In BPswitcher go to the Setup menu and select System Settings…, as shown on the right. 2. In the System settings window, select the Devices tab. 3.
6. To change the Focus and Iris speed controls, select the Knob Settings tab and enter the minimum and maximum values for Focus (knob 1) and Iris (knob 2). You may enter a number from 1-254 for focus and 1-10 for iris. These values dynamically change, the faster the knob is turned the maximum number is used, the slower the the knob turns the minimum value is used. 7. To save and apply these settings, click on the Accept button. You can return to factory speed settings by clicking on the Defaults button.
7.7.3 Setting Camera Numbers for Hitachi Camera Control After installation is complete, you need to set the address of each Pan/Tilt head. All Eagle Pan/Tilt heads are set at the factory to have the addresses remotely programmed. If you have trouble with anything in this section, go to the Display Devices Operations and Instruction Manual and be sure your head is set to remote address control. To assign numbers to each camera: 1. Create a Broadcast Pix show, as described in section 3. 2.
6. On the PixPad shown above, press the [Set Cam Addr] PixButton, which will bring up a numeric keypad, as shown below left. 7. Use the numeric keypad to enter the number you wish to assign to this camera, either 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9. The address you select will appear in the large display. If it isn’t correct, press clear and press the desired number. 8. Press the [Enter] PixButton, and the PixPad shown in the upper right will appear. 9.
7.7.4 Panasonic Camera Control Settings It is possible to change various settings in the Panasonic Camera Control Settings window. For Panasonic Camera Control you may change the COM port assignment for each camera, tally input number (if the camera supports tally), as well as which model of camera head being controlling. If desired the Broadcast Pix system may control different models of cameras within the same show.
6. Under the Camera Type drop down menu, select which style of Panasonic camera the com port is using, either AW-HE100, AW-PH300, AW-PH405/ HC1500, AW-HE50 or other. The Other option will control any non 100/300 model camera. You may mix and match model numbers within a show. Only the Panasonic AW series may be controlled from Broadcast Pix. 7. To have dual control with a Panasonic controller, like the AW-RP655, place a check mark next to Cams 1 to 5 thru Remote Panel option. 8.
7.7.5 Telemetrics Camera Control Settings It is possible to change various settings in the Telemetrics Camera Control Settings window. For Telemetrics systems you may change the COM port assignment and baud rate for each camera in addition to the Joystick control speed. 1. In BPswitcher go to the Setup menu and select System Settings…, as shown on the right. 2. In the System settings window, select the Devices tab. 3.
7.8 Adding Camera Control to a Show Once setup and installation is complete, you must now add the device to a show using one of the six wildcard devices on the switcher. 1. In BP Switcher, load the show to which you want to add camera control. Select the File, Load Show. 2. Open PixMaster by selecting File, Edit Show. 3. Click on Edit Show Settings and the Edit Show Settings window will open. 4. Click on More Devices and the More Devices window will open, as shown below. 5.
7.9 Selecting Camera Control in a Production To assign the device controls to Camera Control: Press the [Cam Cntrl] wildcard [Device Selection] PixButton and it will illuminate orange and the following device controls will be appear.
7.10 Controlling a Camera Manually Whichever camera is active may be manually controlled with the joystick and knobs. To control camera 1, the display must show that it is active as follows: 1. To manually control the active camera’s pan and tilt position, move the joystick Pan Left/Right Tilt Up/Down Pan and Tilt Diagonally For Slow movement, move the joystick a little For Rapid movement, move the joystick a lot Broadcast Pix V2.
2. To Zoom the Camera twist the Joystick. To the right to zoom in To the left to zoom out For a Slow zoom, twist the joystick a little For a fast zoom, twist the joystick a lot 3. To adjust the focus of the active camera, twist the left knob 4. To adjust the Iris of the active camera, twist the center knob Broadcast Pix V2.1 install - concepts - PixMaster - switcher - CG - clips - controls - team - appendix 7.
7.10.1 Motion Controls for Hitachi Cameras The pan, tilt and zoom functions for all cameras have built-in motion controls. The more you move the joystick the faster the camera will move, and the less the joystick is moved, the slower the camera will move. In addition, the Hitachi camera control have more customizable settings for Fast, Medium and Slow controls for pan, tilt and zoom functions. These controls apply only to the Hitachi Camera Control and not to Sony, Panasonic or Telemetrics cameras.
7.10.2 Motion controls for Panasonic Cameras Similar to the Hitachi Camera Control, Panasonic cameras have two motion controls, Fast and Slow. Although the range may not be set, as can be done with Hitachi, the motion controls not only affect pan, tilt and zoom joystick functions, they also affect the focus, iris and gain knob functions. These controls apply only to the Panasonic Camera Control and not to Sony, Hitachi or Telemetrics cameras.
7.10.3 Motion controls for Telemetrics Cameras For Telemetrics camera systems all 3 motion control buttons control a setting, either a speed setting or a direction selection for the joystick. The Play > motion control switches from the default/normal speed to the selectable/custom speed set in the Camera Control Settings window. The Rewind |<< motion control changes the joystick speed (1-6) similar to the setting in the Camera Control Settings window.
Selectable Speed Control For quick access to the Joystick Speed control from the Camera Control Settings window, the Back motion control button may be used. If you wish to move faster or slower than the default mode, ensure that the Play motion control is not illuminated. If turned on, press the [>] motion button and it will turn off. The display will read out “Selectable Speed”. Now press the [|<<] motion control and the display will cycle through the 6 Joystick Speeds, as shown below.
7.11 Setting Camera Preset Positions One of the most valuable ways to use camera control is with preset positions. Each Hitachi camera may have up to 31 preset positions, each Sony camera may have up to 6 presets, depending on which Panasonic head being used, there are up to 99 presets and depending on which Telemetrics system being used there are up to 255 presets. These presets can be assigned to the PixPad for rapid recall.
2. Press the [Settings] or [Controls] PixButton, on the Presets PixPad shown above and one of the following PixPad will appear: Telemetrics Control Hitachi Control Sony Control Panasonic Control 3. Press the [Updat PSet] PixButton, and the following PixPad will appear: 4. Manually move the camera to the desired position you wish to save by using the Joystick and the Knobs, as described in section 7.
5. When you have the camera positioned where you want it, on the above PixPad press the PixButton for the Preset Position number where you would like to save this camera position. If you wish to save it in a preset Position above 6, then press [Next ] button and the following PixPad will appear. If desired keep pressing the Next button until you reach the Preset Position you wish to use. On Panasonic cameras, you may select the [numeric] PixButton to enter a number. 6.
7.11.1 Recalling Preset Camera Positions Preset Positions are designed to be recalled rapidly. When using Telemetrics Studio Software, sequences stored in the CTS-ST-S may be triggered by the Broadcast Pix at the stored recall speed. To recall a preset position: 1. Select the desired camera from the list available on the top level PixPad for camera control as shown on the lower left, such as Camera 1. The Preset Positions PixPad for the selected camera will appear, as shown on the lower right. 2.
3. If you wish to recall a preset position that is beyond the first 9, then press the [Next] PixButton, and the next 9 will appear, as shown below. On Panasonic cameras, you may select the [numeric] PixButton to enter a preset number. Keep pressing the [Next] PixButton to reach the preset you desire. You can back up by pressing the [Back] PixButton. When you reach the desired location press its [Preset Position] PixButton.
7.11.2 Recall Speed for Hitachi Preset Positions Each Hitachi camera can have 31 preset positions saved. In addition to remembering tilt, pan, zoom and focus, each of these 31 positions can also remember a recall speed: either fast, medium or slow. When each preset position is saved it will automatically set this recall speed at whatever speed the system is currently set to. To set the Recall Speed: 1. On the camera’s Preset PixPad, press the [Settings] PixButton, and the Settings PixPad will appear: 2.
7.12 Hitachi Camera Control Settings The Hitachi Camera Control option can adjust many parameters, from panning speed and travel limits to white balance and other camera setups. 7.12.1 Travel Limits of Tilt and Pan Travel limits are 4 settings for the maximum limit a camera head can move to. This is useful when objects may be obstructing the view or physical movement of each camera to prevent the operator to go past the normal or usable limits.
3. Press the [Set Limit] PixButton on the PixPad and the following PixPad will appear: 4. Use the 4 save PixButtons on the above PixPad to save each of the four limits, after using the Joystick to manually move the camera to each position. For example, move the camera to the upper limit you wish to set and then press the [Save ^] PixButton. Repeat for any other limits you wish to set. As soon as you press one of the save buttons, the position is saved. 5.
7.12.2 Adjusting CCU Functions The Camera Settings PixPad can be accessed by selecting the [Camera Control] device select PixButton, then selecting a [Camera #] PixButton, then selecting the [Settings] PixButton. A wide variety of camera control functions can be controlled directly from the PixPad. 1. To change the White Balance preset Press the [White Balance] PixButton and the display will show what is illustrated below. Turn the 3rd knob to select either Preset, Memory 1 or Memory 2. 2.
5. To adjust Auto Black Press the [Auto Black] PixButton and the display will show what is illustrated below. Turn the 3rd knob to auto black balance the camera. 6. To turn on/off color bars in the camera Press the [color bars] PixButton and the display will show what is illustrated below. Turn the 3rd knob to display the color bars. 7. To adjust Detail Press the [Set Detail] PixButton and the display will show what is illustrated below. Turn the 3rd knob to adjust. 8.
9. To Change the Iris Mode Some cameras have automated iris capabilities, which you can set on automatic or use manually. To select iris mode press the [Iris] PixButton on the above PixPad, and the following PixPad will appear. Then select either: Auto – for the camera to automatically set the Iris Remote – for the middle knob on the Broadcast Pix panel to control Iris Manual – for manual control of the Iris by the iris ring on the camera 10.
11. To Invert Pan In some installations that Pan/Tilt head is installed upside down. The invert horizontal command flips the joystick around so the pushing it right still makes the camera pan right. To Invert horizontal pan press the [Invert Horz Motn] PixButton, as shown below, and the large display will add the add H, as shown below.
7.13 Sony Camera Control Settings The Sony Camera Control option has fewer controllable options, compared to the Hitachi Camera Control. There are settings for Focus, Iris and White Balance, as shown below. Sony Camera Settings PixPad 7.13.1 Adjusting CCU Functions The Camera Settings PixPad can be accessed by selecting the [Camera Control] device select PixButton, then selecting a [Camera #] PixButton, then selecting the [Settings] PixButton. 1. To control the Focus: Turn the first knob labeled Focus.
3. To control the Gain: Turn the third knob labeled Gain. Turn to the left to reduce the amount of gain, turn to the right to increase the amount of gain. Depending on the Sony camera the range is -3db to 12db in steps. 4. To control the White Balance: There are 4 options for white balance, from preset to manual to automatic. To set the camera to automatically track the white balance for different lighting scenarios, press the [White Bal A.T.W] PixButton in the PixPad.
7.14 Panasonic Camera Control Settings The Panasonic Camera Control option has access to basic CCU functions for Focus, Iris and White Balance, as shown below, in addition to access the camera online menu, which has access to every controllable option for that particular camera. Panasonic Camera Controls PixPad 7.14.
2. To control the Iris: Turn the second knob labeled Iris. Turn to the left to close the Iris, turn to the right to open it. To set the camera to automatic Iris, press the [Start Auto Iris] PixButton in the PixPad. The display will show Auto Iris On, as shown below. To turn off Auto Iris and to manually adjust the iris, simply turn the Iris knob. 3. To control the Gain: Turn the third knob labeled Gain. Turn to the left to reduce the amount of gain, turn to the right to increase the amount of gain.
5. To manually white balance the camera, point the camera to a white area and press the [Start Auto White] PixButton in the PixPad. When the camera has successfully white balanced, the display will show Start Auto White, as shown below. 6. To access the camera’s internal menu, press the [Online Menu] PixButton in the PixPad. This will display the camera menu on the camera’s video output, which is visible on the Broadcast Pix Multi-View.
7.15 Telemetrics Camera Control Settings The Telemetrics Camera Control option has access to basic CCU functions for Focus, Iris and controller selection, as shown below. All shading and white balance control must be done through a 3rd party controller or by using the Telemetrics Studio Software. Telemetrics Camera Controls PixPad 7.15.
2. To control the Iris: Turn the second knob labeled Iris. Turn to the left to close the Iris, turn to the right to open it. The display will update showing positive or negative Iris numbers. Focus Iris M.Black 3. To control the Master Black: Turn the third knob labeled M.Black. Turn to the left to reduce the pedestal amount, turn to the right to increase the pedestal amount. The display will update showing positive or negative Master Black numbers.
7.16 Optional Audio-Follow-Video Control As an option the Broadcast Pix switcher can provide control of virtually any external audio mixer, digital or analog, through a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI). Controls can be as simple as turning on a source when it transitions to program, or as complex as calling up scene changes to modify effect parameters like reverb, panning and equalization controls.
Once the appropriate drivers are installed, it you need to enable the the Server to use MIDI controls. 1. In Windows XP, go to the Start Menu, select Control Panel, then in the Control Panel window, select Sound & Audio Devices (the Speaker Icon), as shown below. 2. In the MIDI Music Playback section, Select your driver. Either USB Device, or the name of your mixer or other depending on the manufacturer. 3. Check Use only default devices and select OK. 4.
7. In the lower right corner, set the port appropriately to an available communication port. Use USB when a USB cable is plugged in or COM1 or COM2 when a serial cable is plugged in. The “Not Ready” message changes to “Ready” when the port opens without errors. If a COM port is in use by another device, like camera control, Audio Follow will not work. You need to disable that port on the device to make it active in Audio Follow. 7.16.3 Audio-Follow Setup 1.
Each control change is formatted by first typing in a ‘c’, followed by the control number (1 to 127), a hyphen (or minus sign) ‘-’ and the desired value to set it to (0 to 127). More commands can be added by adding a space in between commands, leaving out the “c” in front. For example to bring fader 1 to 100% volume type: c1-127 in the On-Air column, to bring it off air type: c1-0 in the Off-Air column. To bring faders 1 and 2 up at 50% volume type: c1-63 2-63 in the On-Air column.
4. It is recommended to test these commands by first selecting the desired table entry and then clicking on the Test button. As commands are sent to the audio mixer, they are displayed in the header of the Audio Follow window. If everything is connected and programmed properly, the commands should be noticed on the audio mixer. 5. Sometimes it is desirable to disable a command temporarily, without losing its settings. This can be accomplished by pressing the Disable button.
7.16.4 Audio-Follow Operation Once set up, operation is completely automatic. Whenever a source goes on or off Program, the appropriate command (or commands) is (are) sent. On the control panel and the Multi-View, sources tally red when they are on program. The Audio Follow window can be closed, but commands will continue to be sent. Operation can be disabled and re-enabled using the Setup, Disable audio follow menu option in the Audio Follow window. Broadcast Pix V2.
7.17 Streamer Control The Broadcast Pix switcher can also provide control of the full line of ViewCast Streamers, like the Niagara 2120 and 7500, over a TCP/IP connection. Depending on which ViewCast Streamer is used, various compression or bit rates and codecs for streaming can be used. All these settings can then be saved into groups, which are presets.
7.17.2 Adding Streamer Control to a Show Once installation is complete, you must now add the device to a show using one of the six wildcard devices on the switcher. 1. In BPswitcher, load the show to which you want to add camera control. Select the File, Load Show. 2. Open PixMaster by selecting File, Edit Show. 3. Click on Edit Show Settings and the Edit Show Settings window will open. 4. Click on More Devices and the More Devices window will open, as shown below. 5.
7.17.3 Streamer Control Settings 1. In BPswitcher go to the Setup menu and select System Settings…, as shown on the right. 2. In the System Settings window, select the Devices tab. 3. In the list of enabled devices select ViewCast Streamer it will highlight orange and select the Settings… button. The ViewCast Encoder settings window will appear as shown on the right. 4. Enter the IP Address of the ViewCast streamer in the text field, the . (periods) are necessary, as shown on the right. 5.
7.17.4 Selecting Streamer Control in a Production To assign the device controls to Streamer Control: Press the [ViewCast] wildcard [Device Selection] PixButton and it will illuminate orange and the following device controls will be appear.
7.17.5 Controlling a Streamer Group To start a streamer group: 1. In Device Control select the [ViewCast] PixButton, it will illuminate orange. 2. Select the desired group in the PixPad by selecting the [Group Name] PixButton, in this example Flash. The display will show the selected group and the current state of the group. 3. Select the [>] motion control button, it will illuminate orange, as shown on the right. The display will update with the words Started, as shown on the right. 4.
7.18 KiPro Control The Broadcast Pix switcher can also provide control of the full line of AJA KiPro recorders, over a TCP/IP connection. Up to 12 KiPro units may be controlled by Broadcast Pix, controllable functions include selecting recorded clips by clip name on the PixPad to play/fast forward/reverse and starting and stopping new clip recordings. All device configurations and record settings are done on the KiPro or through its web interface.
7.18.2 Adding KiPro Control to a Show Once installation is complete, you must now add the device to a show using one of the six wildcard devices on the switcher. 1. In BPswitcher, load the show to which you want to add camera control. Select the File, Load Show. 2. Open PixMaster by selecting File, Edit Show. 3. Click on Edit Show Settings and the Edit Show Settings window will open. 4. Click on More Devices and the More Devices window will open, as shown below. 5.
7.18.3 AJA KiPro Control Settings 1. In BPswitcher go to the Setup menu and select System Settings…, as shown on the right. 2. In the System Settings window, select the Devices tab. 3. In the list of enabled devices select AJA KiPro Control it will highlight orange and select the Settings… button. The KiPro settings window will appear as shown on the right. 4. Enter the IP Address of each KiPro in the text field, the . (periods) are necessary, as shown on the right.
7.18.4 Selecting KiPro Control in a Production To assign the device controls to KiPro Control: Press the [AJA KiPro] wildcard [Device Selection] PixButton and it will illuminate orange and the following device controls will be appear.
7.18.5 Controlling a KiPro Unit To start recording a clip: 1. In Device Control section, select the [AJA KiPro] PixButton, it will illuminate orange. 2. If not already selected, select the desired unit in the PixPad by selecting the [KiPro Unit] PixButton, in this example 1. The display will show the selected unit and the current state. 3. The PixPad will change showing the available controls. Select the [Start Record] PixButton, as shown on the right.
To select a clip to control: 1. In Device Control select the [AJA KirPro] PixButton, it will illuminate orange. 2. If not already selected, select the desired unit in the PixPad by selecting the [KiPro Unit] PixButton, in this example 1. The display will show the selected unit and the current state. 3. The PixPad will change showing the available controls, select the [Select Clip] PixButton, as shown on the right. 4. The PixPad will change showing the available prerecorded clips by filename.
To play a clip: 1. Repeat steps 1-4 to select a clip to control. 2. In the motion control section, select the [>] motion control button it will illuminate orange, as shown on the right. The timecode will start to update and the clip will start to play. To pause/stop a clip: 1. In the motion control section, select the [>] motion control button and the button will turn off, as shown on the right. The timecode will stop in the display. To rewind a clip: 1.
To fast forward a clip: 1. Ensue that the desired clip is selected, as described in the previous section. 2. In the Controls PixPad, select the [Fast Fwd] PixButton, as shown on the right. The clip will fast forward at 2X speed. 3. Select the [Fast Fwd] PixButton again. The clip will fast forward at 4X speed. 4. Select the [Fast Fwd] PixButton again. The clip will fast forward at 8X speed. 5. Select the [Fast Fwd] PixButton again. The clip will fast forward at 16X speed.
To adjust KiPro Settings: Since the KiPro control is intended more for quick operational control for playback and record, all engineering settings can be modified through the AJA web browser. Settings include changing record settings, format settings and deleting clips. 1. One the Controls PixPad select the [Web Settings] PixButton, as shown on the right. 2. A web browser will open showing the AJA controls. Please refer to the AJA manual for further information. Broadcast Pix V2.
Section 8: Multi-User Operation While the Broadcast Pix Switcher provides unprecedented control for a single operator, it can be expanded to multi-person operation. Several types of two person operation are covered in this section of the manual: A Separate Graphics Operator for the CG Two Panels for Back-Up Redundancy Two Panels for Two Show Creators Adding a Remote Panel on-site Adding a Remote Panel over the Internet Large Teams with many panels 8.
8.2 Opening a SoftPanel A SoftPanel is a virtual control panel, that can be used in conjunction or in place of the physical control panel. It is displayed on any VGA/DVI monitor output and be resized and zoomed to fit any size screen To access a 1ME SoftPanel: 1. In BPswitcher, click on the Panel drop down menu. 2. Select 1ME Soft Panel. 3. In the drop down menu that appears, select either Internet Explorer or Flash. The 1ME SoftPanel will appear, and your panel indicator will increase by one. 4.
8.3 Locking Panels Together The two control panels can either be “locked” together or unlocked. Locked: Locks together everything on all panels, so that they will be at identical states at all times. For example, if you press on any button on the control panel, it will now change on all SoftPanels. Unlocked: The panel’s device controls on each panel can be set to different devices, and operated independently, while the fixed switcher control are still locked together.
8.4 Viewing just a portion of the SoftPanel You can make a SoftPanel larger or smaller by enlarging or shrinking its window as you would for any Window. In two person operation it is often desirable to shrink not just the overall size of the SoftPanel, but to also reduce the portion of the SoftPanel shown, for two reasons: 1. Space: To conserve real-estate on the VGA monitor.
8.5 Adding a Separate Graphics Operator In some live productions, it may be desirable to have two operators, one for graphics and one for everything else. This may be desirable if graphics are changing during a show such as for a sporting event, or if the show is so complex that the primary operator wants help. 8.5.1 Two Operators with Separate Graphics Operator and 1 Panel To enable this environment, a second monitor should be added (all Mica systems support two monitors).
8.5.2 Two Operators with Separate Graphics Operator and 2 Panels If you increase the number of simultaneous panels supported, see section 8.2, then the graphics operator can view a window containing all or a portion of the Broadcast Pix SoftPanel. This enables the graphics person to view exactly what the state of the panel is on the show creator’s system.
8.6 Two Operators with Two Computers In some productions it may be desirable to have the graphics person using a different computer than the host PC. This reduces the workload on the host PC, and also provides a wider variety of physical studio layouts. For example, this configuration might look like the following illustration. In this environment the graphics operator has their own computer. To implement this two computer system: 1.
4. On the second graphics computer open a web browser, like Internet Explorer. 5. In the address bar, enter the address of the first NIC card. For the above example, enter 192.168.52.102/softpanel1000.html This will open a 1ME SoftPanel. 6. Click on return on the keyboard to launch the SoftPanel in the web browser. 7. If at any time the SoftPanel loses connection to the main Server, the words Reconnect will appear in the upper right hand corner of the SoftPanel.
8.7 Remote Operator in the Back Room In section 8.5, two panel operation was described to accommodate a graphics operator. The same principles apply for any second operator. Back Room For example, it may be desirable to have a SoftPanel as a remote-aux-panel that can be accessed by an engineer in the back room. As illustrated below, use the SoftPanel option and dual monitor option to attach a second SoftPanel for the back room operator.
8.8 Dual Panels for Back-Up Redundancy The proceeding parts of Section 8, discusses using two panels for two operators. Two panels may also be used by one operator for redundancy. Every system comes with a SoftPanel, and the Mica 1000/1000+ comes with a physical panel that may be used by one person for redundancy. If one panel should fail, the other one may be used. Physical Control Panel and SoftPanels This capability is standard with every Broadcast Pix Switcher system.
4. In the numeric PixPad, enter the IP address of 192.162.52.253 (or any other address not in use in the subnet.) 5. When complete, select the [|<<] motion button in the Device Control. This will save the new IP address to the control panel and change the PixPad back to the main Setup + Test menu. The panel is now using a new IP address and is ready to use in conjunction with another panel.
8.9 Remote Control from a Distance The Broadcast Pix system may be remotely controlled over the Internet. Remote control is done through the system’s second Ethernet port, NIC 1. NIC 1 NIC 2 Crossover Cable The Internet Remote SoftPanel or Control Panel panel (if any) To configure remote control a system: 1. Attach the remote panel to NIC1 on the Broadcast Pix Server, which is the 1 GB Ethernet port, via an appropriate Internet connection (DSL is fine). 2. In BPswitcher, select the Setup menu. 3.
7. After you have entered the proper port numbers, click on the OK button to save your changes. 8. For outside users to gain access to the Server, the Internet Router in your network must be configured to forward both the Switcher Server Port (9999) and the Web Server Port (80), as specified above. Refer to your users manual of the router for more information. 9. Once both ports are configured to be forwarded, the Broadcast Pix Server must be set to communicate on that Web Server port.
To control a remote system with a SoftPanel: 1. Open a web browser, like Internet Explorer, on a remote computer, as described in section 8.6. 2. In the address bar, enter the external IP address of the remote Broadcast Pix system. In most causes this is not the assigned IP address on the Server NIC card. If the external IP address is not known, on the Broadcast Pix Server go to www.whatsmyip.com. Your IP address will be displayed in the web browser, for example 67.152.12.226.
To control a remote system with a Control Panel: 1. Make sure the control is if Offline, by closing the BPswitcher application. 2. The 3 wildcard device buttons in the Device Control will illuminate, select the [Panel Setup + Test] button and it will illuminate orange, as shown on the right. 3. 4. The PixPad will illuminate, select the [Panel IP] PixButton, as shown on the right. The PixPad will change to a numeric PixPad. Select the [Clear] PixButton 14 times, to clear the existing IP address.
6. Press the back [|<<] motion control button to save the new IP address and the display will update. Using new URL for Workstation 7. If multiple panels are connected ensure that the Panel IP addresses are different, as described in section 8.8. Broadcast Pix V2.1 install - concepts - PixMaster - switcher - CG - clips - controls - team - appendix 8.
8.10 Remote Control from an iPhone/iPod/iPad In addition to controlling a Broadcast Pix system remotely through SoftPanels and additional control panels, an Apple iPhone, iPod Touch and/or iPad may be used. All three devices connect to the Broadcast Pix Server using a wireless connection and each use a panel license. If you experience multiple disconnects, it is recommended to use a lower traffic wireless channel, refer to your wireless hub/router for proper installation.
3. Launch the iPixPad application on the Apple iPhone or iPod Touch by clicking the Broadcast Pix logo on the home screen, as shown on the right. 4. The Broadcast Pix splash screen will appear. Enter the IP address of the Broadcast Pix system In the IP Address text box, in this case 10.0.0.51. Click the Done button on the virtual keyboard. If the application connects you will receive a ‘Successfully Connected’ message.
To configure the iPixPanel app: 1. Download and install the iPixPanel at from the Apple iTunes Application store. 2. Find the IP address of the NIC 1, wireless Connection by navigating to the Network Connections window and double-clicking Local Area Connection, as shown on the right. In this case 10.0.0.51. 3. Launch the iPixPanel application on the Apple iPad by clicking the Broadcast Pix logo on the home screen. 4. The Broadcast Pix splash screen will appear.
6. To lock the orientation of the panel in either portrait or landscape mode, hold the iPad in the desired position and double-click the Home button on the iPad. The multitasking tray will appear, as shown on the right. Slide the tray to the right until the Lock icon appears. Select the Orientation Lock icon, and a lock will appear, as shown on the right. To unlock the orientation, repeat this step 7. As buttons are selected, clicks will be heard from the iPad speakers.
Appendix A.1 Updating the Broadcast Pix Software Broadcast Pix systems may be easily updated with new enhanced software that may be provided from time to time by Broadcast Pix. It is recommended to download the appropriate software on another workstation and copy the zip file via a CD or USB drive, and not connect the Broadcast Pix system to the internet. To Download New Software: 1. Register your unit by going to http://www.broadcastpix.com/support.
3. On the Add or Remove Programs window, highlight Broadcast Pix Switcher as shown to the right, and click on the Remove button. It is important not to remove any other software, as this may effect system performance. 4. A pop-up message will appear asking if you want to remove the application. Click on the Yes button. 5. It will display a series of progress bars to show Broadcast Pix Software being removed. This process may take 2-5 minutes. Broadcast Pix V2.
To Load the New Version of Broadcast Pix Software: 1. Once the previous version has been uninstalled and the new version has been downloaded, Open the zip file that you downloaded by double-clicking on it. 2. Double-click on Setup.exe file, as shown on the right. 3. This will open the Broadcast Pix Software Installation Wizard. Click on the Next button. 4.
6. At the end of the installation, the Switcher Setup window will automatically appear, as shown on the right. New firmware will now begin to be installed on the various boards in the Mica Switcher. This process may take between 10-20 minutes for proper installation. Do not interrupt this process, as damage to the hardware may occur. 7. When complete, the Switcher Setup window will close and an Installation Complete window will appear, click on the Close button, as shown on the right. 8.
A.2 Installing System Options When System Options are purchased they require a unique number code to activate them for use. On new Mica systems, this code comes pre-installed so no further steps are necessary. On existing systems, where options are purchased after the fact, an activation code will be provided and it is necessary to manually enter this code.
A.3 Control Panel Internal Operation The Broadcast Pix physical panel is usually under the control of the Broadcast Pix Server. However if the Server or the connecting network goes offline, then the panel reverts to internal “Fail-Safe” operation, as described in section 4.12. This appendix describes this standalone behavior, and some of the engineering settings that are also accessible from it.
Join the Show Whenever a panel is not connected to a Server, it continuously attempts reconnection. If successful, the Join the Show button changes from green to orange. Pressing this button when it is orange, immediately connects to the current running show on the Server. Pressing this button when it is green, causes the panel to reboot itself. This can be useful to recover from an unusual condition.
Panel Setup & Test Selecting this option opens a sub menu on the PixPad PixButtons. It also sets up a button labeled “Select Panel Mode” on the effects PixButtons, which instantly terminates any of the sub modes and returns the panel to this Panel Setup & Test mode.
A.4 Mica System Specifications Mica Specifications Dimensions Inches: 19 x 22.5 x 7 Centimeters: 48.3 x 57 x 18 Rack units 4 RU Weight 44 Lbs / 20 Kg Power 500 watts Power Consumption Typical: 132VA @240VAC / 450 BTU/hr Max: 500VA @240VAC / 1700 BTU/hr 1000 Control Panel Specifications Dimensions Inches: 18.5 x 12.5 x 8 Centimeters: 47 x 31.
A.5 Broadcast Pix Contact Information: Toll Free: +1-866-914-9484 Phone: +1-978-600-1100 Technical Support: +1-978-600-1098 Fax: +1-978-663-2811 Website: www.broadcastpix.com Register on-line at www.broadcastpix.com/support.html for access to the latest software downloads and support information. Support E-mail: support@broadcastpix.com Mailing Address: 3 Federal Street Billerica, Massachusetts 01821 USA Broadcast Pix welcomes suggestions to this manual, please send to manual@broadcastpix.
Notes Broadcast Pix V2.
