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Barco
®
Media Server
XHD-Series User Guide
Part number: 60600320
Version: 04.00
January 22, 2016
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Barco Media Server: XHD-Series User Guide
Barco
Changes
Barco provides this manual ’as is’ without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but
not limited to the implied warranties or merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Barco may make
improvements and/or changes to the product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this publication at any
time without notice.
This publication could contain technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically made
to the information in this publication; these changes are incorporated in new editions of this publication.
The latest edition of Barco manuals can be downloaded from the Barco web site www.barco.com or from the
secured Barco web site https://www.barco.com/en/signin.
Copyright ©
All rights reserved. No part of this document may be copied, reproduced or translated. It shall not otherwise
be recorded, transmitted or stored in a retrieval system without the prior written consent of Barco.
Guarantee and Compensation
Barco provides a guarantee relating to perfect manufacturing as part of the legally stipulated terms of guarantee.
On receipt, the purchaser must immediately inspect all delivered goods for damage incurred during transport,
as well as for material and manufacturing faults Barco must be informed immediately in writing of any complaints.
The period of guarantee begins on the date of transfer of risks, in the case of special systems and software on
the date of commissioning, at latest 30 days after the transfer ofrisks. In the event of justified notice of complaint,
Barco can repair the fault or provide a replacement at its own discretion within an appropriate period. If this
measure proves to be impossible or unsuccessful, the purchaser can demand a reduction in the purchase price
or cancellation of the contract. All other claims, in particular those relating to compensation for direct or indirect
damage, and also damage attributed to the operation of software as wellas to other services provided by Barco,
being a component of the system or independent service, will be deemed invalid provided the damage is not
proven to be attributed to the absence of properties guaranteed in writing ordue to the intentor gross negligence
or part of Barco.
If the purchaser or a third party carries out modifications or repairs on goods delivered by Barco, or if the
goods are handled incorrectly, in particular if the systems are operated incorrectly or if, after the transfer of
risks, the goods are subject to influences not agreed upon in the contract, all guarantee claims of the purchaser
will be rendered invalid. Not included in the guarantee coverage are system failures which are attributed to
programs or special electronic circuitry provided by the purchaser, e.g. interfaces. Normal wear as well as
normal maintenance are not subject to the guarantee provided by Barco either.
The customer must comply with the environmental conditions as well as the servicing and maintenance regulations specified in this manual.
Trademarks
Brand and product names mentioned in this manual may be trademarks, registered trademarks or copyrights
of their respective holders.
All brand and product names mentioned in this manual serve as comments or examples and are not to be
understood as advertising for the products or their manufacturers.
Terms and Conditions
1. No redistribution of the software is allowed.
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2. Reverse-Engineering. You may not reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble or alter this
software product.
Disclaimer of Warranty
This software and the accompanying files are sold “as is” and without warranties as to performance or merchantability or any other warranties whether expressed or implied. In no event shall Barco be liable for damage
of any kind, loss of data,loss of profits, business interruption or other pecuniary loss arising directly or indirectly.
Any liability of the seller will be exclusively limited to replacement of the product or refund of purchase price.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC Statement)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class A digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 ofthe FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operatedin a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area may cause
harmful interference, in which case the user will be responsible for correcting any interference at his own expense.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
EN55032/CISPR32 Class A Multimedia Equipment
Warning: This equipment is compliant with Class A of CISPR 32. In a residential environment this equipment
may cause radio interference.
Product Modification Warning
High End Systems products are designed and manufactured to meet the requirements of United States and
International safety regulations. Modifications to the product could affect safety and render the product noncompliant to relevant safety standards.
Mise En Garde Contre La Modification Du Produit
Les produits High End Systems sont conçus et fabriqués conformément aux exigences des règlements internationaux de sécurité. Toute modification du produit peut entraîner sa non conformité aux normes de sécurité
en vigueur.
Produktmodifikationswarnung
Design und Herstellung von High End Systems entsprechen den Anforderungen der U.S. Amerikanischen
und internationalen Sicherheitsvorschriften. Abänderungen dieses Produktes können dessen Sicherheitbeeinträchtigen und unter Umständen gegen die diesbezüglichen Sicherheitsnormen verstoßen.
Avvertenza Sulla Modifica Del Prodotto
I prodotti di High End Systems sono stati progettati e fabbricati per soddisfare i requisiti delle normative di
sicurezza statunitensi ed internazionali. Qualsiasi modifica al prodotto potrebbe pregiudicare la sicurezza e
rendere il prodotto non conforme agli standard di sicurezza pertinenti.
Advertencia De Modificación Del Producto
Los productos de High End Systems están diseñados y fabricados para cumplir los requisitos de las reglamentaciones de seguridad de los Estados Unidos e internacionales. Las modificaciones al producto podrían afectar
la seguridad y dejar al producto fuera de conformidad con las normas de seguridad relevantes.
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製品変更に対する警告
High End Systems 製品はアメリカ合衆国及び、国際安全基準の必要条件を満たすよう設計及び製造されてい
ます。この為、製品に対する変更は安全に対して影響を及ぼす場合及び、関連安全基準に満たない状態にす
る場合があります。
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Declaration of Conformity
Barco Lighting Systems Inc.
Manufacturer's Name:
2105 Gracy Farms Lane
Austin, Texas 78758 USA
Manufacturer's Address:
Barco Lighting Systems Inc.
Distributor's Name:
2105 Gracy Farms Lane
Austin, Texas 78758 USA
Distributor's Address:
Professional Video Processor
Product Name:
Models: XHD-404, XHD-402, XHD-400, XHD-200Product Options:
We hereby declare that the above referenced product complies with the essential requirements of Council Directives 2004/108/EC (EMC), 2006/95/EC (LVD) and 2011/65/EC
(RoHS).
2006 + A11 (2009) + A1 (2010) + A12 (2011)EN 60950-1:
Safety:
EN 55022 (2010)
EN 61000-3-2 (2006) + A1 2009) + A2 (2009)
EN 61000-3-3 (2008)
Emission:
EMC:
EN 55024 (2010)Immunity:
Maximum Concentration Value
(byweightinhomogeneous material)
Restricted SubstancesROHS:
0.01%Cadmium (Cd)
0.1%Lead (Pb)
0.1%Mercury (Hg)
0.1%Hexavalent Chromium (Cr(VI))
0.1%Polybrominated Biphenyl (PBB)
0.1%Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)
Kenneth S. Hansen
Compliance Engineer
May 29, 2015
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Table of Contents
Revision history ....................................................................................... xv
1: Introduction ........................................................................................ 17
1.1 About this guide ........................................................................ 17
1.1.1 This guide ........................................................................ 17
1.1.2 Available system documentation ...................................... 17
1.2 Symbols, pictures, and fonts ........................................................ 18
1.2.1 Symbol overview ............................................................. 18
1.2.2 Picture overview ............................................................. 18
1.3 Standards and safety ................................................................. 18
1.3.1 General safety instructions ................................................ 19
1.3.2 Standards ....................................................................... 19
1.3.3 Precautions .................................................................... 20
1.3.4 Additional information ..................................................... 23
1.4 Environmental information: disposal ............................................. 23
1.4.1 Disposal of the product (Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment) ............................................................................ 23
1.4.2 Disposal of batteries ........................................................ 24
1.5 RoHS compliance ...................................................................... 25
1.5.1 中国大 RoHS (Chinese Mainland RoHS) .............................. 25
1.5.2 Turkey RoHS compliance .................................................. 27
1.6 Terms and definitions .................................................................. 27
2: Installation .......................................................................................... 29
2.1 Installation requirements ............................................................. 29
2.1.1 Disconnect device .......................................................... 29
2.1.2 Barco Media Server Windows®image ............................... 29
2.1.3 X-Agora Designer GUI ...................................................... 29
2.2 Initial inspection ........................................................................ 30
2.2.1 General .......................................................................... 30
2.2.2 Unpacking ..................................................................... 30
2.2.3 Box content .................................................................... 30
2.3 Rack-mount procedure .............................................................. 31
2.4 Connections ............................................................................. 32
2.4.1 Main connections ........................................................... 32
2.4.2 Output, video capture, and genlock connections ............. 32
2.5 Powering ON the Barco Media Server .......................................... 33
2.6 Software startup ........................................................................ 33
2.7 Licensing .................................................................................. 34
2.7.1 CodeMeter Control Center ............................................... 34
2.7.2 Launching CodeMeter Control Center .............................. 34
2.7.3 XHD-Series licensing ......................................................... 35
2.7.4 XDG-100 Designer licensing .............................................. 37
2.8 Shutdown and restart ................................................................. 39
2.8.1 Software shutdown .......................................................... 40
2.8.2 Hardware shutdown ........................................................ 40
2.9 Restore ..................................................................................... 40
2.9.1 System Restore ................................................................ 41
2.9.2 Full System Restore .......................................................... 44
2.9.3 Re-creating a flash-drive .................................................. 46
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3: Hardware ........................................................................................... 49
3.1 XHD-400 series ........................................................................... 49
4: Software ............................................................................................. 53
4.1 Requirements ............................................................................ 53
4.1.1 Hardware ........................................................................ 53
4.1.2 Disk space ...................................................................... 53
4.1.3 Distributed deployment .................................................... 53
4.1.4 Network .......................................................................... 53
4.2 The X-Agora architecture ........................................................... 54
4.2.1 X-Agora Designer ............................................................ 54
4.2.2 X-Agora Agent ............................................................... 54
4.2.3 X-Agora Player ................................................................ 54
4.2.4 X-Agora Server ................................................................ 55
4.3 X-Agora Wizard—Install, Uninstall, and Update .............................. 55
4.4 Network setup ........................................................................... 59
4.4.1 Players ........................................................................... 59
4.4.2 Connections ................................................................... 60
4.5 Configuring Agent ..................................................................... 60
4.6 Launching X-Agora .................................................................... 61
4.7 X-Agora interface ...................................................................... 62
4.7.1 Parts of the interface ....................................................... 62
4.7.2 The X-Agora Designer User Guide ...................................... 65
5: Workflow layouts ................................................................................. 67
5.1 Study workflow layout ................................................................ 67
5.1.1 Layout purpose and workflow ........................................... 68
5.1.2 Viewport ........................................................................ 68
5.1.3 Scene creation workflow .................................................. 68
5.1.4 Importing 3d objects ....................................................... 71
5.1.5 Using the Projection Study Wizard ...................................... 72
5.1.6 3D objects pane ............................................................. 72
5.1.7 Displays .......................................................................... 74
5.1.8 Studies and pages ........................................................... 74
5.1.9 Exporting templates with the Content Production tool ........ 81
5.2 Programming workflow layout .................................................... 87
5.2.1 Layout purpose and workflow .......................................... 88
5.3 Outputs workflow layout ............................................................. 89
5.3.1 Outputs workflow layout .................................................. 89
5.3.2 Displays .......................................................................... 89
5.3.3 Display properties ........................................................... 91
5.3.4 Players ........................................................................... 95
5.3.5 Player properties ............................................................. 99
5.3.6 Global color correction settings ...................................... 114
5.4 Playback workflow layout ......................................................... 115
5.4.1 Playback workflow ........................................................ 115
5.4.2 Starting Players .............................................................. 115
5.4.3 Timeline control ............................................................. 116
5.4.4 Monitoring outputs ........................................................ 117
5.4.5 Monitoring performance ................................................ 117
6: Tools ................................................................................................ 119
6.1 Content Production .................................................................. 119
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6.1.1 Viewpoints .................................................................... 119
6.1.2 Viewpoint properties ...................................................... 120
6.1.3 Viewpoint template exportation ...................................... 120
6.2 Projection Study Wizard ............................................................ 120
6.2.1 Using the Projection Study Wizard .................................... 121
6.2.2 Projection Study Wizard interface .................................... 122
6.3 Standalone Visualizer ............................................................... 123
6.3.1 Initialization ................................................................... 123
6.3.2 Previsualization creation ................................................. 123
6.3.3 Navigation and control in the previsualization .................. 126
6.3.4 Supported media .......................................................... 127
6.4 X-Agora Media Encoder ........................................................... 127
6.4.1 Application preferences ................................................. 129
6.4.2 Single video encoding ................................................... 130
6.4.3 Video package encoding ............................................. 130
6.4.4 Encoding with transparency ........................................... 131
6.5 Logs ....................................................................................... 131
7: Window menu panes ......................................................................... 133
7.1 Displays pane .......................................................................... 133
7.1.1 Display groups ............................................................... 134
7.1.2 Add display ................................................................... 135
7.1.3 Display properties .......................................................... 136
7.2 Library pane ............................................................................ 143
7.2.1 Importing media ............................................................ 143
7.2.2 Media type ................................................................... 143
7.2.3 Operations on media ..................................................... 144
7.2.4 Tree view and tile view ................................................... 146
7.2.5 Importing, managing, and refreshing media .................... 147
7.2.6 Previewing media .......................................................... 147
7.3 Timelines pane ......................................................................... 148
7.4 Actions pane ........................................................................... 149
7.4.1 Lighting ......................................................................... 150
7.4.2 Outputs ........................................................................ 150
7.4.3 Particles ........................................................................ 150
7.4.4 Post-Processing .............................................................. 150
7.4.5 Presets .......................................................................... 151
7.4.6 Sound ........................................................................... 152
7.4.7 Timeline ........................................................................ 152
7.4.8 Transformations ............................................................. 153
7.4.9 Visibility ......................................................................... 153
7.5 3D objects pane ...................................................................... 153
7.6 Timeline pane .......................................................................... 154
7.6.1 Timeline playback and element-manipulation con-
trols ..................................................................................... 154
7.6.2 Manual time manipulation ............................................. 155
7.6.3 Zooming ....................................................................... 155
7.6.4 TimeCue ....................................................................... 156
7.6.5 Timeline layers ............................................................... 156
7.6.6 Keyframing .................................................................... 157
7.7 Properties pane ....................................................................... 157
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7.7.1 Timeline element properties ............................................ 157
7.8 Inputs pane ............................................................................. 169
7.8.1 Input variables ............................................................... 170
7.8.2 Connecting variables to actions ..................................... 172
7.9 Viewport ................................................................................. 174
7.9.1 Changing the number and layout of views ....................... 174
7.9.2 Camera and controls ..................................................... 175
7.10 Presets pane .......................................................................... 176
7.10.1 Creating a preset ......................................................... 176
7.10.2 Position presets ............................................................. 177
7.10.3 Calibration presets ........................................................ 179
8: Features ........................................................................................... 181
8.1 2D mode ................................................................................. 181
8.1.1 Workflow ....................................................................... 181
8.1.2 2D concepts ................................................................. 182
8.1.3 Controls ........................................................................ 183
8.1.4 2D media manipulation .................................................. 184
8.1.5 Differences from 3D mode .............................................. 187
8.2 Art-Net ................................................................................... 187
8.2.1 Art-Net interactivity ........................................................ 187
8.2.2 Hog connectivity ........................................................... 188
8.3 Calibration .............................................................................. 188
8.3.1 Calibration workflow ...................................................... 188
8.3.2 Calibration interface elements ....................................... 189
8.3.3 General calibration ....................................................... 189
8.3.4 3D calibration ............................................................... 190
8.3.5 2D projector calibration ................................................. 192
8.3.6 Multiple-users calibration ................................................ 203
8.4 DMX control ............................................................................ 203
8.4.1 Timeline playback control mode ..................................... 204
8.5 Keyframing .............................................................................. 205
8.5.1 Animating an element's position ..................................... 207
8.5.2 Inserting keyframes ........................................................ 208
8.5.3 Tangent control ............................................................. 209
8.6 Live input ................................................................................ 210
8.7 Remote mode ......................................................................... 211
8.7.1 To enter Remote Server mode ......................................... 212
8.7.2 Authentication .............................................................. 212
8.7.3 Remote Server mode limitations ...................................... 213
8.7.4 Downloading media in remote mode .............................. 214
8.7.5 Error messages .............................................................. 215
8.7.6 To exit Remote Server mode: .......................................... 215
8.8 X-Agora Agent ........................................................................ 216
8.8.1 Requirements ................................................................ 216
8.8.2 Agent interface ............................................................ 216
A Specifications .................................................................................... 219
A.1 Barco Media Server specifications ............................................ 219
A.2 Standard connection specifications .......................................... 220
B Replacing a power-cord cap .............................................................. 223
B.1 Installing a Line Cord Cap – U.K. Only ......................................... 223
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B.2 Vatic Fitter Heads Information – Danmark ................................... 223
C AMD FirePro™Control Center .............................................................. 225
C.1 Using Dedicated Fullscreen ...................................................... 225
C.2 Setting up an Eyefinity Group ................................................... 225
C.3 Disable Eyefinity Group ............................................................ 231
C.4 Manage Eyefinity Group in Designer ......................................... 232
D EDID management ............................................................................ 235
D.1 Removing an emulated EDID through the AMD FirePro™ Control
Center ......................................................................................... 235
D.2 Removing an emulated EDID through the NVIDIA Control Pan-
el ................................................................................................ 236
E Input check ....................................................................................... 239
E.1 DVI video input check .............................................................. 239
E.2 SDI video input check .............................................................. 240
F Effects ............................................................................................... 243
G Project settings .................................................................................. 249
G.1 Accessing project settings ........................................................ 249
G.2 Project settings in the Properties pane ....................................... 250
G.2.1 Project name ............................................................... 252
G.2.2 SMPTE .......................................................................... 252
G.2.3 Snapshots and Autosave settings ................................... 252
G.2.4 Medias Sync ................................................................ 252
G.2.5 Projection study ........................................................... 252
G.2.6 Preferences ................................................................. 253
G.2.7 Live input devices ......................................................... 253
H Supported 3D, audio, image, and video formats .................................. 255
H.1 Supported 3D model formats .................................................... 255
H.1.1 General information ....................................................... 255
H.1.2 Guidelines for exporting from common applications ......... 255
H.1.3 Using Sketchup .............................................................. 256
H.1.4 Using Autodesk 3DS Max ................................................ 260
H.1.5 Using Autodesk Maya .................................................... 264
H.1.6 Using Maxon Cinema 4D ................................................ 267
H.2 Supported audio formats ......................................................... 268
H.3 Supported image formats ........................................................ 269
H.4 Supported live inputs ............................................................... 269
H.5 Supported video formats ......................................................... 269
I Keyboard shortcuts .............................................................................. 271
I.1 Viewport keyboard and mouse shortcuts .................................... 271
I.2 Timeline keyboard and mouse shortcuts ..................................... 271
I.3 Global keyboard shortcuts ......................................................... 272
J Trouble shooting ................................................................................. 273
J.1 Barco Media Server trouble shooting .......................................... 273
J.2 X-Agora trouble shooting .......................................................... 277
J.2.1 Project recovery ............................................................ 277
J.2.2 Viewing logs ................................................................. 281
J.2.3 Restarting X-Agora Service ............................................. 281
J.2.4 Generated reports ......................................................... 281
J.2.5 Synchronizing Players ..................................................... 283
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List of Figures
1.1 Korean Class A EMC Registration ......................................................... 20
1.2 NEMA 5-15 plug ................................................................................. 21
1.3 CEE 7/7 plug ..................................................................................... 22
1.4 EFUP logo .......................................................................................... 27
2.1 Launching CodeMeter Control Center ................................................. 35
2.2 CodeMeter Control Center overview for XHD-Series license. .................. 35
2.3 WebAdmin license page for XHD-Series licenses ................................... 36
2.4 XHD-Series product codes .................................................................. 36
2.5 CodeMeter Control Center overview for XDG-100 license. ..................... 38
2.6 WebAdmin License page for XDG-100 licenses ..................................... 38
2.7 XDG-100 product codes ..................................................................... 39
2.8 Windows shutdown menu .................................................................. 40
2.9 Barco Media Server Validation screen ................................................. 41
2.10 Barco Media Server System Restore Menu .......................................... 42
2.11 Confirmation screen ......................................................................... 43
2.12 Sample Status screen ....................................................................... 43
2.13 Completion screen ........................................................................... 44
2.14 Barco Media Server Full System Restore Menu ..................................... 45
2.15 Rufus utility ....................................................................................... 47
3.1 XHD-Series server—front panel ............................................................ 49
3.2 XHD-400 server—rear panel ................................................................ 49
3.3 XHD-402 server—rear panel ................................................................ 50
3.4 XHD-404 server—rear panel ................................................................ 50
4.1 X-Agora F1 Help ................................................................................. 55
4.2 Launch the installer, and select Next ................................................... 56
4.3 Accept the license, and select Next .................................................... 57
4.4 Start the Installation or Update ............................................................ 58
4.5 X-Agora ............................................................................................ 59
4.6 Ethernet Ports #1 and #2 ..................................................................... 60
4.7 X-Agora start screen .......................................................................... 62
4.8 X-Agora Programming workflow layout ................................................ 63
5.1 Study on the menu bar ...................................................................... 67
5.2 Import 3D model ............................................................................... 69
5.3 Create a 3D object ........................................................................... 70
5.4 3D Object Properties pane ................................................................. 70
5.5 3D Objects pane ............................................................................... 72
5.6 Create a 3D Object ........................................................................... 73
5.7 New Study ........................................................................................ 75
5.8 Switch between Projection Studies ...................................................... 75
5.9 New Page ........................................................................................ 76
5.10 Visualization mode ........................................................................... 77
5.11 Heat map ........................................................................................ 78
5.12 Change to Print layout ...................................................................... 78
5.13 New note ........................................................................................ 79
5.14 Hide elements of Print layout ............................................................. 79
5.15 Edit View Styles ................................................................................ 80
5.16 Edit View Styles pop-up menu ........................................................... 80
5.17 View Styles window .......................................................................... 81
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5.18 Content Production layout ................................................................ 81
5.19 Export template ............................................................................... 83
5.20 UV export template ......................................................................... 84
5.21 UV-mapping wireframe .................................................................... 85
5.22 3D cube ......................................................................................... 86
5.23 Cube UV map—unfolded ................................................................. 87
5.24 Programming layout ......................................................................... 88
5.25 Outputs Display pane ....................................................................... 90
5.26 Display Map controls ........................................................................ 90
5.27 Outputs Properties pane for a projector ............................................. 93
5.28 Outputs Properties pane for an LED display ........................................ 94
5.29 Outputs Properties pane for an LCD display ........................................ 95
5.30 Outputs Players Map ........................................................................ 96
5.31 Player performance ......................................................................... 97
5.32 Player performance—CPU usage ...................................................... 97
5.33 Player controls ................................................................................. 98
5.34 Player Map controls ......................................................................... 98
5.35 Expandable menus of the Player Properties pane ............................... 99
5.36 Master Player ................................................................................. 100
5.37 Mismatched configuration warning ................................................. 101
5.38 Apply Output Config ...................................................................... 101
5.39 Display Disconnected warning ........................................................ 102
5.40 Advanced Player Option menu ....................................................... 104
5.41 Player Outputs ............................................................................... 105
5.42 Player Genlock .............................................................................. 106
5.43 Live inputs SDI ................................................................................ 108
5.44 Live inputs DVI ................................................................................ 108
5.45 No live inputs ................................................................................. 108
5.46 Live input mappings: Designer ......................................................... 109
5.47 Sample Live-Input Timeline .............................................................. 110
5.48 SMPTE device—Auto ...................................................................... 111
5.49 SMPTE device configuration ............................................................ 111
5.50 SMPTE signal strength gauge ........................................................... 112
5.51 MTC device configuration ............................................................... 113
5.52 Global Color control ....................................................................... 114
5.53 Playback workflow layout—Players pane ......................................... 116
5.54 Timeline controls ............................................................................ 116
5.55 Playback performance .................................................................. 117
6.1 Content Production tool ................................................................... 119
6.2 Projection Study wizard .................................................................... 121
6.3 Projection Study Wizard interface ...................................................... 122
6.4 Standalone Visualizer Wizard ............................................................. 124
6.5 Choose a browser ............................................................................ 125
6.6 Restart or Cancel ............................................................................. 126
6.7 Previsualization ................................................................................ 127
6.8 X-Agora Media Encoder ................................................................... 128
6.9 Application preferences ................................................................... 129
7.1 Window tab ..................................................................................... 133
7.2 Displays groups ................................................................................ 134
7.3 New group ...................................................................................... 135
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7.4 Add display to an existing group ........................................................ 135
7.5 Projector properties .......................................................................... 137
7.6 LCD screen properties ...................................................................... 139
7.7 Curved LCD screen properties ........................................................... 140
7.8 LED screen properties ....................................................................... 141
7.9 Curved LED screen properties ........................................................... 142
7.10 Media pane ................................................................................... 143
7.11 Media controls ................................................................................ 144
7.12 Folder operations menu ................................................................... 144
7.13 Files operations menu ...................................................................... 145
7.14 Tree view ........................................................................................ 146
7.15 Tile view ......................................................................................... 147
7.16 Media preview ............................................................................... 148
7.17 Timelines pane ................................................................................ 148
7.18 TimeCue list .................................................................................... 149
7.19 TimeCues in the Timeline pane ......................................................... 149
7.20 3D Object Properties pane .............................................................. 154
7.21 Timeline layers ................................................................................ 154
7.22 Timeline playback and element-manipulation controls ...................... 154
7.23 Time editor ..................................................................................... 155
7.24 Zooming controls ............................................................................ 155
7.25 Frame-to-frame navigation .............................................................. 156
7.26 Enable/disable Timeline layers ......................................................... 157
7.27 Video properties for a Timeline element ............................................ 158
7.28 Image properties for a Timeline element ........................................... 160
7.29 Text properties for a Timeline element ............................................... 162
7.30 Media Effects subpane ................................................................... 164
7.31 Properties pane for an input ............................................................ 167
7.32 Properties pane for an input variable ............................................... 167
7.33 Timeline properties .......................................................................... 168
7.34 Inputs pane ................................................................................... 170
7.35 Input variables ............................................................................... 171
7.36 DMX properties .............................................................................. 172
7.37 DMX events .................................................................................... 172
7.38 Moving a "blob" using its x and y positions ......................................... 173
7.39 Detecting a "blob" that will trigger a Timeline .................................... 173
7.40 Viewport ....................................................................................... 174
7.41 Views template .............................................................................. 175
7.42 List of cameras ............................................................................... 176
7.43 Add a preset .................................................................................. 177
7.44 Presets properties for a 3D project .................................................... 177
7.45 Position presets expander ................................................................ 179
7.46 Quick Calibrate .............................................................................. 180
7.47 Calibration presets expander ........................................................... 180
8.1 Create new 2d project ..................................................................... 181
8.2 Canvas ........................................................................................... 182
8.3 Displays .......................................................................................... 183
8.4 Toolbar ........................................................................................... 184
8.5 2D media manipulation .................................................................... 185
8.6 Adorner manipulation ...................................................................... 186
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8.7 Fit and Align .................................................................................... 186
8.8 Calibration workflow layout .............................................................. 189
8.9 Edge Warping workflow ................................................................... 193
8.10 Calibration pane—Manual Blending ................................................ 196
8.11 Warping workflow layout ................................................................. 198
8.12 Live Masking tool ............................................................................ 202
8.13 Enable External Control check box ................................................... 204
8.14 DMX ID (DMX major ID) ................................................................... 205
8.15 Keyframe activation ....................................................................... 206
8.16 Keyframes editor ............................................................................. 206
8.17 Eye icon in keyframes editor ............................................................. 207
8.18 Show in keyframes editor ................................................................. 207
8.19 Animated position trail .................................................................... 208
8.20 Inserting a position keyframe ........................................................... 208
8.21 Inserting a keyframe with the + button .............................................. 208
8.22 Inserting a keyframe by hovering ..................................................... 209
8.23 Tangent control ............................................................................. 209
8.24 Symmetric tangent property ........................................................... 210
8.25 Curve with non-symmetric keyframe tangents .................................. 210
8.26 Live input on the Timeline ................................................................ 211
8.27 Connect to Remote Server .............................................................. 212
8.28 Media Share Master Connection ..................................................... 212
8.29 Required properties ........................................................................ 213
8.30 Timeline in Remote mode ............................................................... 214
8.31 Download from Master ................................................................... 215
8.32 Agent icon in the tray ..................................................................... 216
8.33 Agent Interface ............................................................................. 217
8.34 Agent logs ..................................................................................... 218
C.1 "Create Eyefinity Display Group" ........................................................ 226
C.2 Use a new arrangement .................................................................. 227
C.3 Create the Eyefinity group ............................................................... 228
C.4 Select a group layout ...................................................................... 229
C.5 Display group complete .................................................................. 230
C.6 Eyefinity group spanning multiple screens .......................................... 230
C.7 "Arrange Eyefinity Display Group" ...................................................... 231
C.8 "Disable Eyefinity Display Group" ....................................................... 232
C.9 Two screens in one Eyefinity group .................................................... 233
C.10 Eyefinity group spanning two outputs .............................................. 233
D.1 Select AMD FirePro Control Center .................................................... 235
D.2 AMD FirePro™ Control Center display connections ............................. 236
D.3 Select NVIDIA Control Panel ............................................................. 237
D.4 NVIDIA Control Panel ....................................................................... 237
D.5 NVIDIA Manage EDID window .......................................................... 238
E.1 Vision Window output ....................................................................... 240
E.2 dREC Record module, showing "NO SIGNAL" ...................................... 241
G.1 Project name on the Outputs pane of the Output workflow layout ...... 249
G.2 Project name on the Viewport pane of the Programming workflow
layout .................................................................................................. 249
G.3 Window menu—Properties ............................................................... 250
G.4 Properties pane showing project settings ........................................... 251
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H.1 Project properties—units ................................................................... 256
H.2 Sketchup—units ............................................................................... 256
H.3 Sketchup—export 3D model ............................................................. 257
H.4 Sketchup—OBJ Export Options ......................................................... 258
H.5 Sketchup—FBX Export Options .......................................................... 259
H.6 Sketchup—AutoCAD (DWG) Export Options ....................................... 260
H.7 3DS Max—Units setup ....................................................................... 261
H.8 3DS Max—System Units Setup ........................................................... 262
H.9 3DS Max—OBJ Export Options .......................................................... 263
H.10 3DS Max—FBX Export Options: units and axis ..................................... 263
H.11 Exporting to AutoCAD File ............................................................... 264
H.12 Maya Plug-in Manager ................................................................... 265
H.13 Maya OBJ export—default parameters ............................................ 266
H.14 Maya FBX export ............................................................................ 266
H.15 Cinema 4D—Project Scale .............................................................. 267
H.16 Wavefront Export—Scale ................................................................ 267
H.17 Cinema 4d—FBX export .................................................................. 268
J.1 Create Snapshot menu ..................................................................... 277
J.2 Snapshot Name ............................................................................... 278
J.3 Restore Snapshot menu .................................................................... 278
J.4 Restore Snapshot dialog box ............................................................. 279
J.5 Export project menu ......................................................................... 280
J.6 Export project dialog box ................................................................. 280
J.7 Import project menu ........................................................................ 280
J.8 Import project dialog box ................................................................. 281
J.9 Help → Report ................................................................................. 281
J.10 Report Export ................................................................................. 282
J.11 Contends of compressed file ............................................................ 282
J.12 Generate a crash dump .................................................................. 282
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Page 18
Revision history
RemarksDateRevision
number
Fourth releaseJanuary 22,
2016
04.00
• Added much information regarding the
X-Agora software.
• Added Re-creating a flash-drive (p.46).
• Added Effects (p.243).
• Updated Trouble shooting (p.273).
Fourth releaseAugust 14,
2015
03.00
• Added Display properties (p.136).
• Added Timeline properties (p.168).
• Added
Encoding with transparency (p.131).
• Updated Box content (p.30).
• Updated Connections (p.32).
• Updated Displays pane (p.133).
• Updated Library pane (p.143).
• Updated Properties pane (p.157).
• Updated Figure H.12, "Media Encoder".
• Updated Keyframing (p.205).
• Updated
Outputs workflow layout (p.89).
Third releaseJuly 29, 201502.00
• Added
Minimum laptop requirements (p.37) to
XDG-100 Designer licensing (p.37).
• Additions to Keyframing (p.205).
Second releaseJuly 2, 201501.00
• Added X-Agora interface (p.62).
• Added
Programming workflow layout (p.87),
Calibration (p.188),
Outputs workflow layout (p.89), and
Playback workflow layout (p.115).
Initial releaseJune 17,
2015
00.00
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Section 1: Introduction
Barco®Media Servers are fully integrated visual production systems that enable video
professionals to easily develop their show from idea to realization. Allowing users to
quickly and easily set up, preview, and manage their show environment, they form the
perfect connection between the creative ideas and the display systems that bring them
to life.
Barco couples its media server hardware with the X-Agora™ software suite. This software
is scalable, compatible with popular media formats, supports connectivity with various
sensors and input, and makes it possible to deploy content onto the most challenging
surfaces with an advanced yet easy-to-use projection mapping tool. Its interactive media
system captures and processes data in real-time, creating interactive media content for
various types of displays.
1.1
About this guide
1.1.1
This guide
This user guide describes how to operate a Barco Media Server. The user guide is designed to be a reference tool in the everyday work of the user with the product. It contains
a complete description of the hardware components and the software suite. The
manual also includes all the necessary instructions on how to upgrade and reinstall the
software.
Note
Barco provides a 1-year parts and labor warranty for all hardware components. Please refer to the Appendix B, "Warranty," for specific details regarding
the warranty terms.
1.1.2
Available system documentation
This guide is part of the documentation set describing the Barco Media Server product.
Please check online at the Barco Media Server website for the other documents.
Tip
Always check for the latest version of all documents on the Barco website.
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1.2
Symbols, pictures, and fonts
1.2.1
Symbol overview
The following icons are used in the manual:
!
Caution
This symbol appears adjacent to Caution messages. Not heeding these
messages could result in personal injury and/or damage to equipment.
Warning
This symbol appears adjacent to high voltage warning messages. Not
heeding these messages could result in serious personal injury.
i
Info
This symbol indicates a term definition or general information about a term.
Note
This symbol appears next to extra information about the described subject.
Tip
This symbol appears next to extra advice about the described subject.
1.2.2
Picture overview
Images and pictures given in the manual are used as illustration. The content of the
images can be slightly different from reality, e.g. version numbers, device types, installed
modules, form and position of software windows on screen, etc.
1.3
Standards and safety
This section lists standards that apply to Barco Media Servers and describes safety
precautions that must be observed when installing and operating a product from Barco.
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1.3.1
General safety instructions
• Read this manual thoroughly before operating this equipment.
• Adhere to all warnings in this manual.
• Follow precisely all instructions for operating and use of this equipment.
• Adhere to all local installation codes.
• Retain this manual for future reference.
For further safety information see the Barco Media Server XHD-Series Safety Guide.
1.3.2
Standards
Safety regulations
This equipment is built in accordance with the requirements of the international safety
standards EN60950-1, IEC60950-1, UL60950-1, and CAN/CSA C22.2 No.60950-1, which
are the safety standards of information technology equipment, including electrical
business equipment.
These safety standards impose important requirements on the use of safety critical
components, materials, and insulation, in order to protect the user or operator against
risk of electric shock and energy hazard and having access to live parts.
Safety standards also impose limits to the internal and external temperature variations,
radiation levels, mechanical stability and strength, enclosure construction and protection
against the risk of fire.
Simulated single-fault condition testing ensures the safety of the equipment to the user,
even when the equipment’s normal operation fails.
Electromagnetic interference
Barco Media Servers comply with the following EMC standards:
Electromagnetic compatibility
—emission:
EN 55022: (2010)
EN 61000-3-2 (2006) +A1 (2009) + A2 (2009)
EN 61000-3-3 (2008)
Electromagnetic compatibility
—immunity:
EN 55024 (2010)
EN55022/CISPR22 Class A ITE (Information Technology Equipment)
Barco Media Servers are products of class A ITE. ITE stands for Information Technology
Equipment. ITE is subdivided into two categories denoted class B ITE (products intended
primarily for use in domestic environment) and class A ITE (all other ITE which satisfies
the class A ITE limits but not the class B ITE limits).
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Figure 1.1, “Korean Class A EMC Registration” shows the Class A EMC registration for
the Republic of Korea.
Figure 1.1. Korean Class A EMC Registration
!
Caution
This is a class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause
radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate
measures.
FCC compliance statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in
a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment
in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will
be required to correct the interference at his or her own expense.
1.3.3
Precautions
Warning
For your own protection, observe the following safety precautions when installing and operating your device.
• Before operating the units, please read this manual thoroughly and retain
it for future reference!
• Observe all warnings and instructions printed on the devices!
• Barco Media Servers do not require any maintenance work or servicing.
Servicing should never be carried out by unauthorized personnel!
• Never open the case of the unit without first disconnecting the power
supply cord!
• To prevent fire or electrical shock hazard, do not expose this unit to rain
or moisture!
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• Do not place any warm or heat dissipating sources in the vicinity of the
unit.
• This product should be operated from an AC power source!
• Check that the voltage and frequency of your power supply match those
printed on the device label showing the rated electrical values!
• If you are not sure of the type of AC power available, consult your
dealer or local power company!
• This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding plug, i.e. a plug featuring a third (grounding) pin. This plug will only fit into a groundingtype power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the
plug into your outlet, contact your electrician to replace the obsolete
outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the grounding-type plug!
• This equipment must be grounded (earthed) via the 3-conductor AC
power cable supplied. (If the power cable supplied is not the correct
one, consult your dealer.)
• Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not position this
product in places where people will walk on the cord. To disconnect the
cord, pull it out by the plug. Never pull the cord itself.
• If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the total
of the ampere ratings on the products plugged into the extension cord
does not exceed the extension cord ampere rating.
• Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots
as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could
result in a risk of fire or electrical shock.
• Never spill liquid of any kind on the product. Should any liquid or solid
object fall into the case, unplug the Barco Media Server immediately
and have it checked by qualified service personnel before resuming
operations.
• Lightning—For extra protection of this video product during a lightning
storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for a long period of
time, unplug it from the wall outlet. This will prevent damage to the
unit due to lightning and AC power-line surges.
Power cords with NEMA 5-15 plugs
Figure 1.2. NEMA 5-15 plug
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green or yellow + green
earth (ground)
blue or white
neutral
brown or black
line (live)
• The cord set must be UL approved and CSA certified.
• The minimum specification for the flexible cord is No. 16 AWG, type
SJT, 16 A, 60°C, 4.5 m long max., 125 V, 3-conductor.
• The cord set must have a rated current capacity of at least 11 A.
• The attachment plug must be an earth-grounding type with a NEMA
5-15P (15 A, 125 V) configuration.
Power cords with CEE 7/7 plugs
Figure 1.3. CEE 7/7 plug
yellow + green
earth (ground)
blue
neutral
brown
line (live)
General installation instructions
• Do not place this unit on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The unit may
fall, causing serious damage to it.
• Do not use this unit near water.
• Do not use any power cords other than the one supplied with your unit.
While appearing to be similar, other power cords have not been safety
tested at the factory and must not be used to power the unit. For a replacement power cord, contact your dealer.
• Slots and openings in the cabinet and the sides are provided for ventilation. To ensure reliable operation of the unit and to protect it from
overheating these openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug,
or other similar surface. This product should never be placed near or
over a radiator or heat register. This unit should not be placed in a builtin installation or enclosure unless proper ventilation is provided.
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• The maximum recommended ambient temperature for this equipment
is 40°C.
• When using the unit in a multi-unit rack assembly or closed assembly,
the ambient temperature inside the assembly may not exceed the maximum rated ambient temperature.
• When installed in a rack, the installation should be such that the amount
of air flow required for safe operation of the equipment is not compromised. The mounting of the equipment should be such that no hazardous
condition is achieved due to uneven mechanical loading.
1.3.4
Additional information
Servicing
Barco Media Servers do not require any servicing or regular maintenance work.
Cleaning
Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol
cleaners.
Unpacking of devices
For unpacking, follow the instructions and advice indicated on the outside of the
packaging.
Repacking
Keep the original shipping carton and packing material; they will come in handy should
you ever have to ship your unit. For maximum protection, repack your equipment as
it was originally packed at the factory.
1.4
Environmental information: disposal
1.4.1
Disposal of the product (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)
This symbol on the product indicates that, under the European Directive
2012/19/EU governing waste from electrical and electronic equipment, this product
must not be disposed of with other municipal waste. Please dispose of your waste
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equipment by handing it over to a designated collection point for the recycling of waste
electrical and electronic equipment. To prevent possible harm to the environment or
human health from uncontrolled waste disposal, please separate these items from other
types of waste and recycle them responsibly to promote the sustainable reuse of material resources.
For more information about recycling of this product, please contact your local city office
or your municipal waste disposal service. For details, please visit the Barco website at:
http://www.barco.com/en/AboutBarco/weee.
1.4.2
Disposal of batteries
This product contains batteries covered by the Directive which must be collected and
disposed of separately from municipal waste.
If the battery contains more than the specified values of lead (Pb), mercury
(Hg) or cadmium (Cd), these chemical symbols will appear below the crossed-out
wheeled bin symbol.
By participating in separate collection of batteries, you will help to ensure proper disposal and to prevent potential negative effects on the environment and human health.
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1.5
RoHS compliance
1.5.1
中国大 RoHS (Chinese Mainland RoHS)
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有毒有害物质或元素
Hazardous substances or elements
零件项目(名称)
Component name
多溴二苯醚
PBDE
多溴联苯
PBB
六价铬
Cr6+
镉
Cd
汞
Hg
铅
Pb
OOOOOX
印制电路主要配件
Main printed circuit assembly
OOOOOX
插入式印制电路配件
Plug-in printed circuit
assembly
OOOOOX
外接电(线)缆
External Cables
OOOOOX
內部线路
Internal wiring
OOOOOO
散热片(器)
Heatsinks
OOOOOX
电源供应器
Power supply unit
OOOOOX
风扇
Fan
OOOOOX
电池(组)
Batteries
OOOOOO
底架
Chassis
OOOOOO
螺帽,螺钉(栓),螺旋( 钉),
垫圈, 紧固件
Nuts, bolts, screws,
washers, fasteners
这个表被制备按照规定SJ/T 11364
This table is prepared in accordance with the provisions of SJ/T 11364.
O: 表示该有毒有害物质在该部件所有均质材料中的含量均在 SJ/T 11363 标准规定的限
量要求以下.
O: Indicates that this toxic or hazardous substance contained in all of the homogeneous
materials for this part is below the limit requirement in SJ/T11363.
X: 表示该有毒有害物质至少在该部件的某一均质材料中的含量超出 SJ/T 11363 标准规
定的限量要求.
X: Indicates that this toxic or hazardous substance contained in at least one of the homogeneous materials used for this part is above the limit requirement in SJ/T11363.
Table 1.1. 中国大 RoHS (Chinese Mainland RoHS)
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在中国大陆销售的相应电子信息产品（EIP）都必须遵照中国大陆《电子信息产品污染
控制标识要求》标准贴上环保使用期限（EFUP）标签。Barco产品所采用的EFUP标签
（请参阅实例，徽标内部的编号使用于制定产品）基于中国大陆的《电子信息产品环保
使用期限通则》标准。
All electronic information products (EIP) that are sold within Chinese Mainland must
comply with the “Electronic Information Products Pollution Control Labeling Standard”
of Chinese Mainland, marked with the Environmental Friendly UsePeriod (EFUP) logo.
The number inside the EFUP logo that Barco uses (see the figure) is based on the
“Standard of Electronic Information Products Environmental Friendly Use Period” of
Chinese Mainland.
Figure 1.4. EFUP logo
1.5.2
Turkey RoHS compliance
Türkiye Cumhuriyeti: AEEE Yönetmeliğine Uygundur.
[Republic of Turkey: In conformity with the WEEE Regulation]
1.6
Terms and definitions
3G SDI
A 3 Gbit/s serial digital 10-bit or 12-bit video interface (SMPTE 424M and 425M).
Active DisplayPort-to-DVI Adapter
A DisplayPort-to-DVI adapter that converts the
DisplayPort signal to DVI. A passive DisplayPortto-DVI Adapter carries the signal from a DisplayPort
port to a DVI port, without conversion. With a
passive adapter, the video card must perform the
conversion.
Genlock
A module that allows synchronization to external
sources and delivers synchronized display output.
HD-SDI
High-Definition Serial Digital Interface; an HD-SDI
signal (SMPTE 292M). Format examples include
720p, 1080i, and 1080p.
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Master Power Switch
Power switch on the rear panel of a Barco Media
Server. The Master Power switch removes power
from the unit, without performing a shutdown.
Power Switch
Power switch on the front panel of a Barco Media
Server. The Power switch performs a shutdown, then
removes power from the unit.
SD-SDI
Standard-definition Serial Digital Interface; an SDSDI signal (SMPTE 292M). Format examples include
480i and 525i.
System Restore
A process that can restore the applications and settings on the C: drive to their original condition.
System Restore also restores the needed software licenses. A Full Restore can erase the data on the D:
drive.
Windows Image
Operating system. This version of the Barco Media
Server is based on Microsoft®Windows®8.1 EMB
Industry Pro and must be at least version 01.06.00.
X-Agora
Refers to the GUI application that allows you to
create, run, and monitor a project. X-Agora software
suite refers to X-Agora, X-Agora Agent, X-Agora
Player, and X-Agora Server. See The X-Agora architec-
ture (p.54).
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Section 2: Installation
This chapter gives instructions on how to install and run both the hardware and software
of the Barco Media Server, powered by X-Agora.
2.1
Installation requirements
Warning
Let the Barco Media Server acclimate to the ambient temperature after
unpacking. Ensure that the humidity is within the specification. Neglecting
this may result in startup failure of the device.
2.1.1
Disconnect device
Where a disconnect device is not incorporated in the equipment, or where the plug on
the power supply cord is intended to serve as the disconnect device:
• for PERMANENTLY CONNECTED EQUIPMENT, a readily accessible
disconnect device shall be incorporated external to the equipment.
• for PLUGGABLE EQUIPMENT, the socket-outlet shall be installed near
the equipment and shall be easily accessible.
2.1.2
Barco Media Server Windows®image
This version of the Barco Media Server is based on Microsoft®Windows®8.1 EMB Industry Pro and must be at least version 01.06.00. Windows 7 is not supported.
Verify that the Barco Media Server is loaded with the latest Windows image available
on the Barco website. Refer to Restore (p.40) for more information about upgrading the
Barco Media Server Windows image.
2.1.3
X-Agora Designer GUI
The X-Agora Designer GUI software must be at least Version 2.2.100.
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2.2
Initial inspection
2.2.1
General
Before shipment, the Barco Media Server was inspected and found to be free of mechanical and electrical defects. As soon as the Barco Media Server is unpacked, inspect it
for any damage that may have occurred in transit. Save all packing material until the
inspection is completed. If damage is found, file a claim with the carrier immediately.
Notify the Barco sales and service office as soon as possible.
2.2.2
Unpacking
At delivery the Barco Media Server is packed in a cardboard box. Place the box on a
stable (solid), flat, and insulated support during all the unpacking. Open the box from
the top. Remove the Barco Media Server from its antistatic bag. Check the box content.
After unpacking let the Barco Media Server acclimate to room temperature, which must
be higher than 0°C (32°F) and lower than 40°C (104°F). Neglecting this may result in
startup failure.
Save the original shipping box and packing material; these will be necessary if you ever
have to ship your Barco Media Server. For maximum protection, repack your Barco
Media Server as it was originally packed at the factory.
2.2.3
Box content
After unpacking the Barco Media Server, check if all of the following items were included:
Accessories includedProduct contains
XHD-400/2/4-Series
4RU rack-mount chassis
• Barco Media Server assembly
•
USB System Restore drive
1
• USB keyboard
• USB mouse
• US Power Cord NEMA 5/15 (not included
with units shipped to China)
2
• European Power Cord CEE 7/7 (not included with units shipped to China)
2
• 5× active DisplayPort-to-DVI adapters
• Safety guide
Table 2.1. Box content
Notes:
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1. The USB System Restore drive contains the user guide and the recovery
software. To restore the system using the USB System Restore drive,
see Restore (p.40).
2. Barco does not provide power cords for all locations. It may be necessary to install a power-cord cap for your location. See Replacing a power-
cord cap (p.223).
Note
Although the Barco Media Server ships with only active DisplayPort-to-DVI
adapters, the video output card can handle two DisplayPort-to-DVI conversions on its own; for these conversions you may use passive DisplayPort-toDVI adapters. If you wish to connect to more than two DVI devices to the
video output card, you must use active Display-Port-to-DVI adapters for the
any conversions beyond the first two. Connect passive adapters to ports 1
and 2, and connect active adapters to ports 3 and 4.
You may also use a passive DisplayPort-to-DVI adapter for the desktop display
(primary video card) conversion.
2.3
Rack-mount procedure
The Barco Media Server chassis is designed to be rack mounted. Please note the following
important points:
• The Barco Media Server is 4RU in height.
• The maximum ambient operating temperature is 40° C.
• Leave sufficient front and rear space to ensure that airflow through the
Barco Media Server is not restricted.
• Distribute the units evenly, when installing equipment in a rack, to
prevent hazardous conditions that may be created by uneven weight
distribution.
• Connect the Barco Media Server only to a properly rated supply circuit.
• Maintain reliable grounding (earthing) of rack-mounted equipment.
• Mount the Barco Media Server from the front rack ears, using four rack
screws (not supplied).
(Threads may be metric or otherwise, depending upon the rack type.)
!
Caution
At a minimum, an XHD-400 Series server chassis weighs 13.6 kg (30 lbs.). To
avoid injury, we recommend that two people rack mount the chassis.
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2.4
Connections
Make the following connections to the rear panel of the Barco Media Server. Installations
may vary, having different requirements. The following connections are meant as examples.
2.4.1
Main connections
1. Connect a monitor to the DVI port labeled “Desktop.”
(DVI cable not included.)
2. Connect keyboard and mouse to USB 2.0 ports.
3.
Optional—Connect the Ethernet cable from a router to one of the Ether-
net ports.
Note
If the server is to be connected to another server running
X-Agora Agents, connect the servers using Ethernet Port #1,
and connect the router using Ethernet Port #2.
The Ethernet port nearest to the power supply is Port #1,
and the other is Port #2.
4. Connect power cord.
2.4.2
Output, video capture, and genlock connections
XHD-400
Connect up to four outputs through the DisplayPort ports on the video output card. If
necessary, use the active DisplayPort-to-DVI adapters provided by Barco.
XHD-402
1. Connect up to four outputs through the DisplayPort ports on the video
output card.
If necessary, use the active DisplayPort-to-DVI adapters provided by
Barco.
2. Connect up to two inputs through the DVI ports on the video capture
card.
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XHD-404
1. Connect up to four outputs through the DisplayPort ports on the video
output card.
If necessary, use the active DisplayPort-to-DVI adapters provided by
Barco.
2. Connect up to four SDI inputs through the BNC ports on the video
capture card.
3. Connect the genlock source to the BNC port on the synchronization
(genlock) card to synchronize to an external signal.
2.5
Powering ON the Barco Media Server
Switch the master power switch on the rear panel to ON.
The Barco Media Server box turns on immediately.
Note
If the system is powered off any time after it has been initially powered on,
you can power on the system again using the power switch on the front
panel. If the Barco Media Server does not start, ensure that the master power
switch on the rear panel is ON.
Ensure that the Barco Media Server is connected to an appropriately-rated
power source.
Warning
This equipment is designed for connection to a branch circuit having a
maximum overload protection of 20 A.
2.6
Software startup
Barco Media Server boxes come pre-installed with Microsoft®Windows®Embedded
8.1 x64 and X-Agora™. When the box is powered on, Windows opens an empty desktop
with two icons in the left-hand corner of the taskbar.
•
Double-click the X-Agora icon either on the taskbar or on the Desktop)
to open X-Agora.
•
Right-click the Windows icon on the taskbar to gain access to the
following items:
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• Control Panel
• File Explorer
• Run
• Shut down or sign out
• Desktop
• Select (left-click) the Windows icon, and select the circled down-arrow
on the Start screen, to access all applications on the machine.
2.7
Licensing
Barco Media Server boxes come pre-installed with Microsoft®Windows®Embedded
8.1 x64 and X-Agora™.
Barco Media Server software is secured by the CodeMeter hardware and software licensing solution. A local runtime application, CodeMeter Control Center (also known as
CodeMeter User Runtime) manages the licenses associated with each unique server. An
XHD-Series license (software license) comes preinstalled on all servers. An XDG-100
Designer (hardware dongle) contains the licenses required to operate Barco Media
Server software on another machine. Generally, proper operation and license functionality requires no user interaction.
Barco Media Server software can be downloaded from the Barco website. Go to ht-
tp://www.barco.com/ → Products & Solutions → Image Processing → Media Servers.
2.7.1
CodeMeter Control Center
The CodeMeter Control Center runtime application must run on each machine on which
Barco Media Server software is expected to run. CodeMeter Control Center is the local
management tool for hardware and software licenses, and it also plays a crucial part in
updating licenses remotely. CodeMeter Control Center is preinstalled on all Barco Media
Servers, and it is also part of the Barco Media Server software installer.
2.7.2
Launching CodeMeter Control Center
Use the CodeMeter Control Center to check current licenses or request an update for
an existing license. Launch the CodeMeter Control Center with a single step.
1.
Double-click the CodeMeter Icon intaskbar notification area to launch
the CodeMeter Control Center.
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Figure 2.1. Launching CodeMeter Control Center
2.7.3
XHD-Series licensing
This section describes how to check current licenses and request an update for an existing
license issued by Barco for a Barco Media Server XHD-Series server.
Checking current licenses
1. Launch the CodeMeter Control Center.
2. Find the XHD-Series license listed in CodeMeter Control Center (See
Figure 2.2, “CodeMeter Control Center overview for XHD-Series license.”.)
Figure 2.2. CodeMeter Control Center overview for XHD-Series license.
3. Click on WebAdmin to see more details.
This opens a webpage.
4.
Navigate to the License pane under Content. (See Figure 2.3, “WebAdmin
license page for XHD-Series licenses”.)
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Figure 2.3. WebAdmin license page for XHD-Series licenses
5.
XHD-Series licenses must have the Product Codes shown in Figure 2.4,
“XHD-Series product codes” to properly work with Barco Media Server
software.
Figure 2.4. XHD-Series product codes
Requesting an update for an existing XHD-Series license
1. Launch CodeMeter Control Center.
2. Find the XHD-Series license listed in CodeMeter Control Center (See
Figure 2.2, “CodeMeter Control Center overview for XHD-Series license.”.)
3.
Click License Update.
4.
Click Next.
5.
Select Create License Request.
6.
Select Extend Existing License.
7.
Check Firm code 5000511 (Barco, Inc.) and click Next.
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8.
Send the resulting .WibuCmRac file to Barco.
2.7.4
XDG-100 Designer licensing
This section describes how to check a current licenseand request an update for an existing
XDG-100 license issued by Barco.
Minimum laptop requirements
The XDG-100 Designer may be run on a laptop computer, so long as that laptop meets
the following minimum requirements.
Video card:
NVIDIA GeForce GTX850M 4GB DDR3
CPU:
Intel®Core™i7-4710HQ at 2.50 GHz
RAM:
8 GB DDR3
Screen:
15 in. screen, with 1600×900 resolution
Storage:
256 GB SSD
OS:
Microsoft®Windows®8.1 or higher
Checking current licenses
1. Launch the CodeMeter Control Center.
2. Insert the XDG-100 Designer USB drive in a USB port on your computer.
3. Find the XDG-100 license listed in CodeMeter Control Center (See
Figure 2.5, “CodeMeter Control Center overview for XDG-100 license.”.)
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Figure 2.5. CodeMeter Control Center overview for XDG-100 license.
4. Click on WebAdmin to see more details.
This opens a webpage.
5.
Navigate to the License pane under Content. (See Figure 2.6, “WebAdmin
License page for XDG-100 licenses”.)
Figure 2.6. WebAdmin License page for XDG-100 licenses
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6.
XDG-100 licenses must have the Product Codes shown in Figure 2.7,
“XDG-100 product codes” to properly work with Barco Media Server
software.
Figure 2.7. XDG-100 product codes
Requesting an update for an existing XDG-100 license
1. Launch CodeMeter Control Center.
2. Insert the XDG-100 Designer USB drive in a USB port on your computer.
3. Find the XDG-100 license listed in CodeMeter Control Center (See
Figure 2.5, “CodeMeter Control Center overview for XDG-100 license.”.)
4.
Click License Update.
5.
Click Next.
6.
Select Create License Request.
7.
Select Extend Existing License.
8.
Check Firm code 102712 (Barco, Inc.) and click Next.
9.
Send the resulting .WibuCmRac file to Barco.
2.8
Shutdown and restart
The Barco Media Server can be shut down and restarted from Windows or by means
of the hardware power switches on the front and rear panels of the Barco Media Server
box.
Note
X-Agora always opens with the most recently saved data. Remember always
to exit X-Agora before shutting down or restarting the Barco Media Server.
Upon exiting, X-Agora prompts you to save your work. If you do not save
your work in X-Agora before shutting down or restarting the Barco Media
Server, some of your work may be lost.
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2.8.1
Software shutdown
After saving your work and closing X-Agora, you can shut down the Barco Media
Server through Windows.
1.
Right-click the Windows icon at the far-left end of the taskbar.
2.
Hover the cursor over the Shut down or sign out option in the pop-up
menu.
3.
Select Shut down or Restart.
Figure 2.8. Windows shutdown menu
2.8.2
Hardware shutdown
The Barco Media Server box can be powered down by means of the power switch, the
reset button, or the master power switch. Only the power switch performs a shutdown.
Hardware shutdown options
• Press the power switch on the front panel to shut down the Barco Media
Server.
• Press the reset button on the front panel to power off and power on the
Barco Media Server.
The box powers off, without a shutdown procedure, and powers on
again. Data may be lost.
• Press the master power switch on the rear panel to power-off the Barco
Media Server.
The box powers off without a shutdown procedure. Data may be lost.
2.9
Restore
Restore the applications, software licenses, and settings on the C: drive with a System
Restore, or both restore the applications, software licenses, and settings on the C: drive
and erase the data on the D: drive with a Full System Restore.
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2.9.1
System Restore
Use the following steps to perform a System Restore.
1. Plug the USB Recovery drive into one of the USB 3.0 ports on the Barco
Media Server.
The Barco USB Recovery drive is a USB 3.0 device; you may reduce
recovery time by using this drive in a USB 3.0 port.
!
Caution
Ensure that only the USB Recovery drive is inserted in the
system and all other removable devices have been removed. Data loss may occur on removable devices, if they
have not been removed from the system prior to performing
a System Restore.
2.
Right-click the Windows icon at the lower left-hand corner of the
screen to restart.
As the system restarts, it displays the Barco logo screen.
3. Press and hold the F8 key to summon the Select Boot Device screen.
4. Select the USB Recovery drive (STT ST3U16SSPS (15000MB)).
Use the up and down arrow keys on your keyboard, or use your mouse
to make selections.
After the system restarts, the Restore application displays the Barco
Media Server Validation screen.
Figure 2.9. Barco Media Server Validation screen
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5. Allow the System Restore menu to load.
The System Restore menu takes a few minutes to load. During this
time, a number of small windows appear and disappear. Wait until
you see a full-screen menu titled Barco Media System Restore Menu.
Figure 2.10. Barco Media Server System Restore Menu
6.
Select the System Restore option or Exit to cancel the operation.
If you select System Restore, the system displays the Confirmation
screen.
Note
Do not select Full System Restore, unless you intend to de-
lete all the data on the D: drive. See Full System Restore
(p.44).
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Figure 2.11. Confirmation screen
7.
Select Confirm, and the Restore begins.
8. Allow the Restore to run.
The Restore process takes between 10 and 30 minutes. The system
displays status throughout the Restore.
Figure 2.12. Sample Status screen
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Once the Restore has reached this point (Applying the main volume),
the Barco Media Server automatically restarts.
9. Allow a few minutes for the Barco Media Server to reconfigure.
Figure 2.13. Completion screen
After the restoration is complete, you may remove the USB System Restore thumb drive.
2.9.2
Full System Restore
The procedure for a Full System Restore is nearly the same as the procedure for a System
Restore. This not only restores the application, software licenses, and settings on the
C: drive, but it erases any data on the D: drive, restoring the system to its original condition.
1. Plug the USB Recovery drive into one of the USB 3.0 ports on the Barco
Media Server.
The Barco USB Recovery drive is a USB 3.0 device; you may reduce
recovery time by using this drive in a USB 3.0 port.
2.
Right-click the Windows icon at the lower left-hand corner of the
screen to restart.
As the system restarts, it displays the Barco logo screen.
3. Press and hold the F8 key to summon the Select Boot Device screen.
4. Select the USB Recovery drive (STT ST3U16SSPS (15000MB)).
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Use the up and down arrow keys on your keyboard, or use your mouse
to make selections.
After the system restarts, the Restore application displays the Barco
Media Server Validation screen.
5. Allow the System Restore menu to load.
The System Restore menu takes a few minutes to load. During this
time, a number of small windows appear and disappear. Wait until
you see a full-screen menu titled Barco Media System Restore Menu.
6.
Select the Full System Restore option or Exit to cancel the operation.
If you select Full System Restore, the system displays the Confirmation
screen withthe warning, "!!CLICKING CONFIRM WILL DELETE ALL
CONTENT AND DATA!!".
Note
A Full System Restore deletes all data from the D: drive. If
you wish to restore the applications, software licenses, and
settings on the C: drive without erasing the data on the D:
drive, use System Restore. See System Restore (p.41).
Figure 2.14. Barco Media Server Full System Restore Menu
7.
Select Confirm, and the Restore begins.
8. Allow the Restore to run.
The Restore process takes between 10 and 30 minutes. The system
displays status throughout the Restore.
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Once the Restore has reached this point (Applying the main volume),
the Barco Media Server automatically restarts.
9. Allow a few minutes for the Barco Media Server to reconfigure.
2.9.3
Re-creating a flash-drive
A System Restore or a Full System Restore is performed with the USB System Restore
drive that was provided with your Barco Media Server. The USB System Restore drive
contains the X-Agora Windows®image, which itself contains the Microsoft Windows
operating system, the X-Agora Installer, and the Barco Media Server XHD-Series User
Guide. The most recent versions of the X-Agora Installer and the Barco Media Server XHD-
Series User Guide are available on the Technical Downloads tab of the Barco Media
Server, XHD-400 Series webpage.
Should the Windows image on that USB System Restore drive become corrupted, you
may restore the Windows image with the following procedure.
1. Insert the USB flash drive into a Windows 8.1 computer.
The computer does not have to be your Barco Media Server.
Note
Use the supplied USB System Restore drive. If this drive is not
available, use only a flash drive with a capacity of eight
or more gigabytes (≥8 GB).
2. Download the ISO image from the Barco Media Server website, using
your myBarco login, to the Desktop on your computer.
Note the location on your computer to where the ISO image has been
downloaded.
3.
Download the Rufus utility from https://rufus.akeo.ie/.
4.
Launch the Rufus utility, and note the settings. See Figure 2.15, “Rufus
utility”.
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Figure 2.15. Rufus utility
a. Note the Selected USB Disk in the Device filed.
b.
Note that Create a bootable disk using is checked,
and ISO Image is selected.
c.
Click the “CD” button ( ) to point Rufus to the
source of the ISO that was stored.
This ISO is applied to the USB System Restore drive.
d. The File system and Cluster size may be different from
the defaults shown in Figure 2.15, “Rufus utility”, be-
cause Rufus reads this information from the ISO file.
5.
Click Start.
Note
The USB System Restore drive (the selected disk) is formatted, and the ISO
file is copied to it. This takes from 10 to 30 minutes. When the status bar says
READY, the process is complete.
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Once the process is complete, the USB System Restore drive may be used to perform a
System Restore—see System Restore (p.41)—or a Full System Restore—see Full System
Restore (p.44).
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Section 3: Hardware
X-Agora runs on various models of Barco Media Server. This chapter describes the
hardware configuration of the XHD-400 Series servers.
All XHD-400/2/4 Series servers have the same buttons, switches, LED indicators, and
USB 3.0 ports on the front panel.
Figure 3.1. XHD-Series server—front panel
3.1
XHD-400 series
Figure 3.2. XHD-400 server—rear panel
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• XHD–400 (4u chassis)
• Outputs – 4
• Inputs – 0
Figure 3.3. XHD-402 server—rear panel
• XHD–402 (same 4u chassis as XHD–400)
• Outputs – 4 DisplayPort 1.2a
• Inputs – 2 single-link DVI capture
Figure 3.4. XHD-404 server—rear panel
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• XHD–404 (same 4u chassis as XHD–400)
• Outputs – 4 DisplayPort 1.2a
• Inputs – 4×3G SDI
• Genlock – synchronization module
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Section 4: Software
The X-Agora software suite is a unified software environment designed to facilitate the
workflow of 2D and projection mapping projects from design to playback and operation.
4.1
Requirements
4.1.1
Hardware
X-Agora machines run Windows Embedded 8.1 x64.
These machines come pre-installed with X-Agora, including a license for the software.
To perform X-Agora updates, you must run the X-Agora wizard, which is explained in
this guide.
4.1.2
Disk space
X-Agora requires at least 2 GB of free space on your Windows partition (usually the C:
drive) to extract the necessary files, even if you install the software on another partition.
4.1.3
Distributed deployment
If your installation requires the use of multiple X-Agora machines (because of a high
number of required outputs or for performance reasons), it is important that all of the
machines run the same exact version of the software, to avoid communication problems
and feature discrepancies between components.
4.1.4
Network
X-Agora relies on the proper functioning of your network, and makes a few assumptions:
• TCP and UDP communication is open on the network. These protocols
are used for small file transfers, clock synchronization, and the communication of interactive signals.
• All X-Agora machines have the same Windows credentials. This ensures
that the use of Windows file sharing works for the transfer of media
files.
• All X-Agora machines automatically log on to a Windows session at
boot time. This ensures that all the necessary applications are running
when needed.
You may wish to isolate the X-Agora network from external inputs for security reasons.
Please keep in mind that X-Agora uses different network protocols for its proper func-
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tioning, and that within the X-Agora network it is recommended to leave all communication open.
4.2
The X-Agora architecture
The X-Agora system operates according to a client-server architecture to allow maximum
scalability. A typical X-Agora deployment comprises a Controller PC and multiple
Player PCs, connected together as the X-Agora network. The Controller PC runs the XAgora Server application that manages and coordinates the Player PC clients (all of
which run the X-Agora Player and X-Agora Agent applications). For larger venues, the
X-Agora architecture can be extended to support additional clients and servers according
to project needs.
The X-Agora software suite components include:
• X-Agora Designer
• X-Agora Agent
• X-Agora Player
• X-Agora Server
4.2.1
X-Agora Designer
X-Agora Designer allows you to create a project, import media, assign outputs to player
machines and monitor the status of your event while it is running.
This application allows you to work with 2D projects, in which all playback takes place
on LED or LCD displays, or with 3D projects, in which you can also use projectors and
import your own 3D models.
4.2.2
X-Agora Agent
X-Agora Agent is an application that supports the X-Agora Player application. It is installed on every machine in the X-Agora network to facilitate the server's control of the
network and communication between the player and the server.
4.2.3
X-Agora Player
It is as simple as this: “The player plays your media.”
Everything programmed in X-Agora is made visible or audible by a player.
Note
The X-Agora Player is not capable of media playback on its own. It requires
the X-Agora Server and X-Agora Agent applications to coordinate its actions.
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Hardware and software licenses protect each X-Agora Player with regard to managing
the number of outputs that can be connected to a physical machine and validating the
number of live input devices that can be used.
4.2.4
X-Agora Server
X-Agora Server is a Windows service installed on the controller PC to coordinate all of
the X-Agora elements on the network. Every application in the X-Agora network operates
as a client of X-Agora Server, allowing you to remotely monitor and maintain your XAgora network from the controller PC.
The X-Agora Server—
• Coordinates all nodes on the X-Agora network.
• Acts as a centralized logger and message relay carrier between players.
• Hosts all media files.
• Synchronizes all players with updates to the media and virtual scene.
This documentation can be accessed from within X-Agora by pressing the F1 key. You
can also press F1 in each pane to display its documentation.
Figure 4.1. X-Agora F1 Help
4.3
X-Agora Wizard—Install, Uninstall, and Update
1.
Launch X-Agora Installer.exe.
2.
Select Next.
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Figure 4.2. Launch the installer, and select Next
3.
Select Accept to accept the license; then select Next.
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Figure 4.3. Accept the license, and select Next
4.
Select either Install, Uninstall, or Update in the drop-down menu;
then select Next.
If the software is already installed, select Uninstall or Update in the
drop-down menu and select Next. If the software is not already present,
the Installation Wizard automatically chooses the Install option. You
can choose where to put the software and also where to put the project
files. By default, the Installation Wizard picks the disk partition with
the most free space as the target for project files. If previous versions
of the software are found (e.g., Version 2.0.100 found when installing
Version 2.2.40), the option to uninstall them is enabled by default.
Minor upgrades (e.g., Version 2.2.28 to Version 2.2.40) do not count as
"other versions of X-Agora."
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Figure 4.4. Start the Installation or Update
5.
Select Next to start the Installation or Update.
You may have to confirm to some prompts for X-Agora requirements.
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Figure 4.5. X-Agora
6.
Select Close to exit the Installation Wizard.
Note
Uninstalling the software removes all the files that were placed on the
computer at installation: binary files, some configuration files, and the demo
project. Extra files such as your own projects or additional configuration files
are not removed.
Note
Updating an installation is possible for upgrades and also downgrades, using
the same steps.
4.4
Network setup
4.4.1
Players
Every machine in your setup can be a Player or the Master Player.
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Also, as explained in Remote mode (p.211), it is possible to connect remotely to the Master
Player (e.g., with your laptop), so you can modify your project remotely.
To set up a project on multiple machines, you need a Server machine and at least one
Player machine.
1. On a Server machine, open X-Agora Server.
The process opens in the background, and an icon appears in the notification area on the taskbar.
2. On a Player machine, open X-Agora Agent and follow the steps in
Configuring Agent (p.60).
Every machine in your setup can be a Player or the Master Player.
It is also possible to connect remotely to the Master Player (e.g., with your laptop), so
you can modify your project remotely.
4.4.2
Connections
The rear panel of the Barco Media Server has two Ethernet ports. The Ethernet port
nearest to the power supply is Port #1, and the other is Port #2. See Figure 4.6, “Ethernet
Ports #1 and #2”.
Figure 4.6. Ethernet Ports #1 and #2
Connect all X-Agora Agents (the Designer, Server, and Players) on any Barco Media
Server through Ethernet Port #1. Connect any other external controls, such as Art-Net
or open sound control (OSC) through Ethernet Port #2.
4.5
Configuring Agent
X-Agora Agent is configured by default to connect to its local X-Agora Server service.
When changing the Master Player in your project, all the required instances of X-Agora
Agent point to the new Master Player. You can also change the default configuration
manually.
To change the default configuration manually—
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1.
Launch Agent as an administrator.
(Double-click on the Agent icon in the notification area.)
2.
Select the Configuration tab.
3. Enter the X-Agora Player Executable path (if not entered already).
The default path is C:\X-Agora\xagora-projection\xframe-3d.exe.
4. Enter the Media Server Directory path (if not entered already).
The default path is C:\X-Agora\xagora-projection\.
5. Enter the Master Player type:
•
For a local Master Player, select Manual, enter address
127.0.0.1 or 'localhost', use Port 5000, and select Connect.
• For a remote Player, select the address of the server,
use Port 5000, and select Connect.
6.
Select Save to save the settings parameters.
X-Agora asks you to restart.
7. Restart X-Agora Agent.
Note
If remote share has not been configured prior to X-Agora installation, enter
User and Password to access the remote machine and select Connect To
Remote Share.
For more information on X-Agora Agent, see X-Agora Agent (p.216).
4.6
Launching X-Agora
Launch X-Agora Designer by selecting the X-Agora Designer shortcut from the Desktop
or from the Start Menu.
Note
The Windows service xagoraServer MUST be running for X-Agora to launch.
It is enabled by default and launched automatically at Windows boot time.
Also make sure that you have the proper license for running the software.
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4.7
X-Agora interface
Figure 4.7, “X-Agora start screen” shows the X-Agora start screen. From this screen, you
can open a new project or an existing project by clicking either New Project… or the
name of an existing project, for example xagoraShape.
Figure 4.7. X-Agora start screen
4.7.1
Parts of the interface
X-Agora opens the project, defaulting to the workflow layout that was in use the last
time the project was open. In the case of a new project, X-Agora opens the Study layout.
Figure 4.8, “X-Agora Programming workflow layout” shows an existing project open in the
Programming workflow layout.
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Figure 4.8. X-Agora Programming workflow layout
The interface comprises a menu bar, divided into left-hand and right-hand halves, and
a workspace containing various panes.
Menu bar
The left-hand side of the menu bar has five menus: File, Edit, Window, Tools, and Help.
From the File menu you can select…
New…
to open a new project
Open
to open an existing project
Save
to save a project
Save As…
to save a project with a different name
Import…
to import a file into a project
Export…
to export a project as a 3D model (*.fbx)
Connect to a Remote Server
to connect to a remote server
Close
to close a project
Exit
to exit X-Agora
From the Edit menu you can either undo or redo changes to a project.
From the Window menu you may choose which panes to display in the workspace. See
Workspace (p.64) for a brief description of the Window menu panes.
From the Tools menu you may open any of the listed tools.
Content Production
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Projection Study Wizard
X-Agora Media Encoder
Export Projectors Textures
Logs
From the Help menu you may select About to open the X-Agora splash screen, which
displays the copyright and the software release number. You can also select Help (or
press the F1 key) to open the X-Agora Designer User Guide.
Workflow layouts
The right-hand side of the menu bar allows you to choose from among the four workflow
layouts in X-Agora.
Study: Study, also called Projection Study, is mostly used in the initial phases of a production. It is the layout best suited for creating your 3D scene and arranging your displays. You can create multiple display configurations, and produce a study document
to detail and evaluate each configuration. If there is no need to produce such documents,
you should still use the Projection Study layout to create your scene and displays, because
this layout has features that may help people working at a more technical level: technical
directors, architects, and integrators.
Programming: The Programming tool allows you to build content Timelines. X-Agora
allows you to create as many Timelines as you want in each X-Agora project. Because
it was designed for large-scale installations, X-Agora also allows you to playback multiple
Timelines simultaneously. Often, in large-scale installations, there are multiple screen
spaces, and often it is easier to compartmentalize content for each screen space on a
dedicated Timeline.
Outputs: Use the Outputs layout to connect individual projectors and displays to the
physical outputs of the graphic cards on your Player computers. The Outputs layout
also allows you to tweak settings, such as the position of windows and the amount of
anti-aliasing.
Playback: The Playback layout is meant to play your show. It features a simplified interface for streamlined playback, in which Timelines are not editable to avoid accidental
changes. It also features the control room view of player outputs, allowing you to
monitor the output and performance of your player machines during operation.
Workspace
The workspace is divided into several panes. You may show or hide any of the panes
by selecting or deselecting them in the Window menu. The central pane is the Viewport.
The Viewport pane is where most manipulation and visualization of your 3D scene occurs.
Displays pane: The Displays pane allows you to adjust the properties of projectors and
screens to the real-world constraints of your project.
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Media pane: X-Agora supports various types of video, image, sound, and real-time
media formats (such as live inputs and dynamic text). See Supported 3D, audio, image,
and video formats (p.255). The Media pane allows you to import, preview, and refresh
media.
Timelines: The Timelines pane contains all the Timelines and Timeline Groups in a
given scene. Do not confuse the Timelines pane with the Timeline pane, in which you
assemble media assets to compose a show or multimedia installation.
Actions pane: Actions give you real-time tools to go beyond basic video and sound
playback. They make it possible to add real-time visual effects to your Timelines, control
external systems such as Art-Net lighting fixtures, and move 3D objects in the scene.
3D objects pane: The 3D objects pane provides a list of all the 3D objects in a scene. It
also allows you to select them individually in order to highlight them in the Viewport
and expose their parameters in the Properties pane.
Timeline pane: The Timeline pane displays the layered content of one timeline. Do not
confuse the Timeline pane with the Timelines pane, which contains all the Timelines
and Timeline Groups in a given scene. Use the Timeline pane to compose the show or
multimedia installation by assembling media assets in time. Create as many Timelines
as you want, and add video, image, sound, or real-time graphics in layers.
Properties pane: The Properties pane gives access to all user-editable elements. To access
the properties of any user-interface element, click on the element to open its Properties
pane.
Inputs: The Inputs pane allows you to create open sound control (OSC), tangible user
interface object (TUIO), and digital multiplex (DMX) inputs that can then be used to
control real-time media elements in your project.
Viewport: The Viewport pane provides up to four distinct views of the 3D scene in order
to facilitate viewing and moving 3D objects and displays. Click on the Views Template
button, in the top right-hand corner of the Viewport pane, to change the number and
layout of views.
Presets pane: Use presets to store and restore different property values at runtime. The
two families of presets are position presets and calibration presets.
4.7.2
The X-Agora Designer User Guide
The X-Agora Designer User Guide documents the panes, tools, and workflow layouts in
X-Agora. You may access this documentation from within X-Agora by selecting the
Help menu from the left-hand side of the menu bar and selecting Help from the Help
menu. You may also access this documentation by pressing the F1 key. With your
cursor in any pane, you can press the F1 key to display the documentation for that pane.
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Section 5: Workflow layouts
The right-hand side of the menu bar at the top of the X-Agora interface allows you to
choose from among the four workflow layouts in X-Agora: Study, Programming, Outputs, and Playback.
5.1
Study workflow layout
Assessing and documenting the various options for projector placement, and the advantages or disadvantages for each option, is referred to as a "projection study.” The
Study workflow layout, also called a Projection Study workflow layout, allows you to
generate detailed technical plans of projector placement options.
To switch into the Projection Study workflow layout, select Study from the menu bar
in the top right-hand corner of the X-Agora interface, as shown in Figure 5.1, “Study on
the menu bar”.
Figure 5.1. Study on the menu bar
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5.1.1
Layout purpose and workflow
The Projection Study workflow layout is mostly used in the initial phases of a production.
It is the layout best suited for creating your 3D scene and arranging your displays. You
can create multiple display configurations, and produce a study document to detail and
evaluate each configuration. If there is no need to produce such documents, you should
still use the Projection Study workflow layout to create your scene and displays, because
this layout has features that may help people working at a more technical level: technical
directors, architects, and integrators.
The usual workflow in the layout as follows:
1. Create your 3D scene.
2. Create and set the properties of displays, and evaluate the luminance
and resolution quality of your display or projector configuration by
selecting a visualization mode.
3. Create and arrange pages for the printable document that details crucial
information concerning the advantages and disadvantages of each
configuration.
4. Export or print the resulting document.
5. Repeat steps 2 to 4 for different display configurations if necessary.
Optionally, for complex projects, once a final display configuration has been chosen,
use the Content Production tool to create 2D templates for the artists to work in the
scene. If your project contains only flat surfaces, this step can be ignored, because the
mapping of media on flat surfaces can be done easily by using the media element
properties in the Programming layout.
5.1.2
Viewport
The Viewport pane is where most manipulation and visualization of your 3D scene occurs. Because most 3D object manipulation should be done in this layout, it is important
to know how the Viewport works. See Viewport (p.174).
5.1.3
Scene creation workflow
The workflow to create the 3D objects and displays in the Projection Study workflow
layout depends on what type of project you are creating and what are the possible display
configurations. The workflow presented here is one for the most complex projects, where
external geometries need to be imported. Depending on the nature of projects, some of
these steps may be omitted or altered.
1. Import a 3D model (.fbx, .obj, .dwg, .dxf, .svg).
For CAD file formats (dwg, dxf, svg), if you want to project on the imported model, it must be made out of faces and not only lines.
Importing 3D objects in X-Agora can be done in many ways; see Import-
ing 3d objects (p.71).
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Figure 5.2. Import 3D model
2. Make sure that the imported model's scale is in proportion to the XAgora 3D space and that it is properly positioned.
a. The default unit scale of the X-Agora 3D space is 1
unit = 1 m.
b. To adjust the scale or position of your model, select
the model in the player Viewport or the 3D Objects
pane and then click on the Properties tab to expose
its position, scale, and dimension properties.
c. To change between metric and imperial units, go to
the Project settings.
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Figure 5.3. Create a 3D object
Figure 5.4. 3D Object Properties pane
3. Create projectors to cover the imported projection surfaces using the
Create Projector Array function.
If you select a single object and click on Create Projector Array in the
Properties pane, X-Agora automatically detects the projection area by
choosing the biggest surface of the selected model. The Projection Study
Wizard then creates the required number of projectors.
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Note
In the event that you are using X-Agora to project onto a traditional flat
surface (screen or otherwise), you can use the Projection Study Wizard from
the Tools menu. This creates a projector array and also a screen that can
be used as a projection surface. When using the Projection Study Wizard this
way, you can manually enter the coverage area dimensions.
For more information on the Projection Study Wizard, see Projection Study
Wizard (p.120).
5.1.4
Importing 3d objects
Importing 3D objects in X-Agora can be done in many ways. You can import objects by
using the File menu of the X-Agora interface, the Add Object menu of the 3D Objects
pane, or by dragging a valid file directly in the Viewport. X-Agora can import many
file formats, however, because each file format stores different information, not all file
formats have the same possibilities once they have been imported.
The supported file formats are .fbx, .obj, .dwg, .dxf and .svg. Those file types can be
separated in two categories: modeling software formats (.fbx, .obj) and CAD drawing
formats (.dwg, .dxf and .svg). The most complete file format for X-Agora is .fbx, however
you may not have control over which of those formats can be used, because the models
are usually provided by an external source. (See Supported 3D model formats (p.255) for
more information.)
CAD drawing formats
CAD drawing formats (.dwg, .dxf and .svg) are usually made for architecture and
technical plans and are created by application like AutoCAD and Sketchup. These file
formats can contain either lines or faces. X-Agora can import both lines and faces, but
lines cannot be projected on. If you want to use such a file and project on it, have someone
with 3D-modeling software skills re-create the model with faces. Creating faces out of
lines is not a trivial task. If the projection surfaces are simple, or only screens are used
for projection, the lines can still be used as a reference, and simple 3D shapes or screens
can be created in X-Agora.
X-Agora stores no UV information for any CAD file format, therefore UV Sets in the
media elements properties will not work. To use the imported model as a projection
surface, the content must use projective texturing, or a Viewpoint must be created by
using the Content Production tool.
Modelling software formats
Modeling software formats (.fbx, .obj) are created by applications such as 3DS Max and
Cinema4D. These files almost always contain triangular faces. If they do not, most 3Dmodeling software allow you to easily export a file so that all faces are triangles. Models
made from these kinds of files can be projected in the same way as CAD drawing files
containing faces.
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Modeling software format files can also contain UV information about how to apply
content to the object. The .obj format contains only a single UV set (UV Set 0). The .fbx
format can contain up to four different UV sets. These UV sets are usually created in
the modeling software by people who know how to create the UV sets, while also creating a template from the UVs in which the artists can work. To use a specific UV set
for a media element, it simply has to be selected in the media element properties.
5.1.5
Using the Projection Study Wizard
Using the Projection Study Wizard, you can easily define a projection pixel space in
your 3D scene. Once your model has been imported, you can use the Projection Study
Wizard to automatically generate an array of projectors to cover the specified pixel
space. The Projection Study Wizard can also create a plane or curved plane that matches
the pixel space.
For more information on the Projection Study Wizard, see Projection Study Wizard (p.120).
5.1.6
3D objects pane
The 3D Objects pane provides a list of all the 3D objects in your scene. It also allows
you to select them individually in order to highlight them in the Viewport and expose
their parameters in the Properties pane. For more information, see 3D objects pane (p.153).
3D Objects workflow
1. To expose and edit the properties of a 3D object, select the object in the
3D Objects pane.
Figure 5.5. 3D Objects pane
2. To import or create a new 3D object, or to create a New Measure, press
the + button on the top right of the 3D Objects pane.
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Figure 5.6. Create a 3D Object
Use the + button to create a 3D primitive (a plane, sphere, or cube), to
create a light or Measure, or to import a 3D model created with thirdparty 3D modelling software. Each object in the 3D Objects pane can
be renamed, duplicated, hidden, or locked.
Measure workflow
Measure is a powerful tools with many uses. A Measure can be used to calculate a distance between objects, display this information on a page, or to resize an object based
on a known real dimension.
When you create a Measure by using the 3D Objects pane, the Measure's properties
appear in the Properties pane.
Follow these procedures to create and manipulate a Measure:
1.
Click the + button in the top right-hand corner of the 3D Objects pane.
2.
Select New Measure from the drop-down menu.
3. Go to the Properties pane
4. Enter a name for the Measure.
5. Click on the target icon next to the field for the First object and then
select an object in the 3d view to pick the first point.
Clicking on and dragging an object in the 3D view changes its position.
Position can also be adjusted manually by entering the coordinates in
First Position (M) fields.
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6. Click on the target icon next to the field for the Second object and then
select another object in the 3D view to pick the second point.
Clicking on an object in the 3D view causes the measurement to appear
automatically between the two objects in the 3D view. Moving one of
the two objects also moves the Measure and changes its Distance
property.
7. Click on the Color picker icon to modify the color of the measurement.
8. Click on X/Y/Z Decompose to decompose the Measure on the X, Y,
and Z axes.
9. Click on the Detach icon to detach a Measure.
10. Press delete when a Measure is selected to delete the Measure.
5.1.7
Displays
Once you have created your displays (either manually or by using the Projection Study
Wizard), you can make adjustments to your displays by using the Displays pane, which
can be accessed in the Projection Study workflow layout or from the Window tab on
the menu bar at the top of the screen. Once you have created your displays (either
manually or by using the Projection Study Wizard), you can make adjustments to your
displays by using the Displays pane, which can be accessed in the Projection Study
workflow layout or from the Window tab on the menu bar at the top of the screen.
For more information, see Displays pane (p.133).
5.1.8
Studies and pages
Projection Studies
A projection study is a configuration of displays in your scene. When creating a new
project, a default study is created, but you can add more studies if you need to assess
different display configurations. These studies contain pages, showing different elements
of your study, which can be printed or exported to PDF. The layout of what is printed
or exported is "WYSIWYG," what you see in the Viewport is what you get in your document.
•
To create a new Projection Study, click on the + in the Study workflow
layout toolbar, in the upper right-hand corner of the Viewport, and select
New Study from the drop-down menu.
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Figure 5.7. New Study
•
To switch between Projection Studies, click on the Default Study tab in
the upper left-hand corner of the Viewport, and select a study from the
drop-down menu.
Figure 5.8. Switch between Projection Studies
Pages
•
To create a new Page in the current Projection Study, click on the + in
the Study workflow layout toolbar, in the upper right-hand corner of
the Viewport, and select New Page from the drop-down menu.
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Figure 5.9. New Page
Pages have different properties, which the Properties pane displays, when you click on
the Page tab in the Viewport. Pages can be printed or exported to PDF from the Properties
pane of the page.
Visualization mode
Visualization modes are among the most crucial features of Pages. Each visualization
mode displays a heat map to indicate areas of high and low quality luminosity or resolution, based on display placement.
The heat map displays values from blue to red. Values under the minimum or over the
maximum are shown with diagonal stripes. The heat map's scale is displayed in print
layout. It can also always be seen in the Properties pane of the Page.
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Figure 5.10. Visualization mode
Luminosity Visualization mode indicates the luminosity quality across the projection
surface.
Resolution Visualization mode indicates the resolution quality (or pixel density) across
the projection surface.
You may select the unit used for the visualization mode from a list of common units.
Please take note that while some units measure illuminance (incident light) and others
measure luminance (reflected or emitted light), all units take into account the gain of
the surface (configurable in the Project settings), although luminance units should not.
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Figure 5.11. Heat map
Print Layout
Two different layouts are available in the Viewport. The default layout is the Study
Layout, which is 3D-manipulation friendly. The other layout is the Print Layout, which
is the layout used to prepare a page for printing.
To switch to Print layout, click on Study Layout on the toolbar in the upper right-hand
corner of the Viewport, and select Print Layout from the drop-down menu.
Figure 5.12. Change to Print layout
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More print-specific features are available in the Print layout.
• The Projector Specifications appear, showing the specifications of all the
projectors in the projection study.
• The Cartouche appears on the right of the Viewport.
In the Cartouche, you can specify a logo, a company name, an author
name, revisions, and notes.
• Notes can also be added anywhere in the Viewport, with any text.
Figure 5.13. New note
The Projector Specifications, the Cartouche, and the Notes can be shown or hidden for
each page. To show or hide these items…
1.
Click on the Extras icon in the toolbar, in the upper right-hand
corner of the Viewport.
2.
Click on Show Notes, Show Cartouche, or Show Projector Specifica-
tions to toggle them On or Off.
A check mark indicates that the item is toggled On.
Figure 5.14. Hide elements of Print layout
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View styles
View styles allow you to customize how content is visualized, and can be used in either
Print mode or Study mode. A view style defines the colors to be used for the background,
the edges, and the objects.
To assign a view style to a view …
1.
Click on the Extras icon in the upper left-hand corner of the desired
view.
2.
Select Edit View Styles from the drop-down menu. See Figure 5.15,
“Edit View Styles”.
Figure 5.15. Edit View Styles
3.
Select the view style, for example, View Style 1, from the View Styles
window. See Figure 5.17, “View Styles window”.
You can also access the View Styles window by right-clicking anywhere in the Viewport,
then select View Style and Edit View Styles from the pop-up menu. See Figure 5.16,
“Edit View Styles pop-up menu”.
Figure 5.16. Edit View Styles pop-up menu
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The View Styles window, shown in Figure 5.17, “View Styles window”, allows for the
selection or creation of view styles.
Figure 5.17. View Styles window
5.1.9
Exporting templates with the Content Production tool
For a description of the Content Production tool, see Content Production (p.119).
Figure 5.18. Content Production layout
The Content Production tool allows you to:
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1. Create cropping templates for motion graphics and video artists tasked
with creating content for large-scale, multi-screen or multi-projector
pixel spaces.
2. Visualize the relationship between content pixels and projected pixels
with a special shading, in order to find the optimal resolution for the
templates.
3. Visualize any discrepancy between projector coverage and template
coverage, and vice versa.
Viewpoints
A viewpoint is a virtual representation of a point of view, from which content can be
created by video and motion graphics artists. Content can be created for ISO or perspective templates. Most of the time ISO can be used, unless you are creating visual effects
to be seen from a specific perspective.
Viewpoint properties
Viewpoint properties share many of the same properties as projectors: Position, Target
position, Roll, Orientation, Color, Show cone, and Show measurements.
Dimension/View angle:
Defines the size of the area covered by the viewpoint.
Align to Object:
Used to align the viewpoint to a selected surface. It
will be positioned to look at the surface, and its dimensions will be large enough to cover it entirely.
Resolution:
Resolution of the viewpoint, which will be the resolution of the exported template.
Split Content:
Specifies the projectors for which content produced
from this viewpoint will be cropped. Only one
viewpoint can be used to split content.
Export 2D Image Template:
Exports a simple image as seen from the Viewport,
which can then be used as a template to draw into
and make artistic images or videos.
Export 3D FBX Template:
Exports an FBX file containing all the 3D Objects of
the project, as well as a single camera that can then
be used in 3D-animation software to produce content
inside a 3D workflow.
Exporting Viewpoint templates
For a given viewpoint, X-Agora allows the export of both a 2D and a 3D template, depending on how the artists work.
The Export 2D Image Template button exports a simple image as seen from the Viewport,
which can then be used as a template to draw into and make artistic images or videos.
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To apply this content back onto the selected surface, make sure to select the same
viewpoint in the Mapping section of the Timeline element properties. If the viewpoint
has split content enabled, crops are also exported in a crops.xml file, and an image defining all the crop regions is output.
The Export 3D FBX Template button exports an FBX file containing all the 3D Objects of
the project, as well as a single camera that can then be used in 3D-animation software
to produce content inside a 3D workflow. This allows the creation of fake light effects,
crumbles, illusions, and trompe l'oeil effects. The supported software includes 3DsMax,
Cinema 4D, and Maya. Because of FBX specification limitations, make sure that after
exporting a file you read the README file that contains additional information and
steps to follow for setting up the render properly in each supported application.
Figure 5.19. Export template
To generate a cropping template from a particular viewpoint:
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1. Select the viewpoint in the Viewpoints pane to expose its properties in
the Properties pane.
2.
Click on the Export Template button in the Properties pane.
3.
Save your template *.xml file in a folder, from which you can retrieve
it for use with the Media Encoder tool.
4. Use the cropping template to crop content with the Media Encoder.
This produces a video package. The package can be dragged on the
Timeline like a video. To output the package from multiple player
machines, enable the "Canvas texturing" option for the video element.
Exporting UV templates
It is also possible to export existing UV templates from the Properties pane of any selected
Viewport object. Make sure to specify a resolution for the template, and choose which
UV channel you want to export (from up to four different channels). See Figure 5.20,
“UV export template”.
Figure 5.20. UV export template
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This results in an image that shows the UV mapping as a green wireframe. See F igure 5.21,
“UV-mapping wireframe”.
Figure 5.21. UV-mapping wireframe
Working with UV mapping
The use of content viewpoints can be limiting in the following situations:
1. Video projectors surround the projection surface on which you expect
to project from all angles.
2. The projection surface surrounds the video projectors.
In both scenarios, using a single content viewpoint is not enough to cover the whole
projection surface. In those situations, you might consider using the UV mapping
technique to achieve an 'all-around' projection.
UV mapping consists of unfolding a 3D model onto a flat surface. It is similar to the
way in which a 3D article of clothing can be created from a 2D pattern, except that UV
mapping starts with the 3D article of clothing and ends with the 2D pattern from which
it was made. An unfolded version of a 3D model can then be exported as a 2D image,
so that artists can draw into it, as they would do within a content viewpoint. The main
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difference is that a custom-made UV map allows coverage of ALL desired angles for
the projection surface.
Figure 5.22. 3D cube
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Figure 5.23. Cube UV map—unfolded
X-Agora does not include a UV Editor, and the "unfolding"process (called UV mapping)
of the 3D model should be done in a specialized 3D authoring software like 3DsMax,
Maya, Blender, etc. Then, simply export the 3D model into the fbx format to be loaded
in X-Agora. By default, all the content applied to the imported 3D object uses the UV
map exported with the fbx model.
It is also possible to use multiple UV maps, meaning different ways (called channels)
to unfold the 3D model, in the same fbx, and choose any map when applying videos or
images to the 3D model. To do this, in the Mapping property of the media in the timeline,
choose the channel you desire. There is a choice of up to 4 channels (UVSet0-3). By default, the first one is used.
5.2
Programming workflow layout
Once you have completed your projection study, select Programming from among the
workflow layouts on the right-hand side of the menu bar and start building content
Timelines.
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5.2.1
Layout purpose and workflow
The Programming tool allows you to build content Timelines. X-Agora allows you to
create as many Timelines as you want in each X-Agora project. Because it was designed
for large-scale installations, X-Agora also allows you to playback multiple Timelines
simultaneously. Large-scale installations often have multiple screen spaces, and often
it is easier to compartmentalize content for each screen space on a dedicated Timeline.
This is where Timeline Groups are useful for such compartmentalization. Timeline
Groups allow you to group together multiple Timelines in order to control them simultaneously or assign them playback priority.
1. Create Timelines and Timeline Groups in the Timelines pane.
2. Add media from the Media Pane to the Timeline.
3. Edit the Timeline and media's properties in the Properties pane on the
right.
4. Add actions, if needed, from the Actions pane onto the Timeline.
5. Play back the Timeline using the Timeline Playback Controls.
Figure 5.24. Programming layout
See Window menu panes (p.133) for descriptions of the elements of the interface.
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5.3
Outputs workflow layout
Use the Outputs workflow layout to connect individual projectors and displays to the
physical outputs of the graphic cards on your Player computers. The Outputs layout
also allows you to tweak settings, such as the position of windows and the amount of
anti-aliasing.
5.3.1
Outputs workflow layout
1. Click on each Display in the top part of the Outputs pane, and configure
its attributes—including its resolution and orientation—in the Properties
pane.
The top part of the Outputs pane is called the Display Map. See Display
Map (p.89).
2. Click on Add Player and select the type of Player to add (based on the
number of outputs). Do this for as many Players as you need based on
the number of outputs required by your show and your Player license
limit.
3. Drag-and-drop the name of a Display onto one of the physical outputs
of a Player to connect a Display to the Player output.
4. Click on each Player and configure the attributes of the Player in the
Properties pane.
5. Click on the gear icon in the Display Map to show and modify the
global color correction settings, such as brightness and gamma.
Note
In X-Agora, a display can be connected to only one Player at a time. To
connect a Display to two Players, you must first copy that Display, and then
assign the copy to the second Player. You must also make sure that the
media you expect to play appears on this copy.
5.3.2
Displays
Display Map
The top part of the Output workflow layout is the Display Map. It is a visual representation of all the Displays (Projectors and Screens) in the current Projection Study of your
3D project. For 2D projects, all the Displays are available, because there is no concept
of Projection Study. Displays can be moved around in this 2D map without any impact
on their actual output. This can be useful to group Projectors based on arbitrary categories
or physical connections.
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When Players are running, their related Displays show periodically refreshed output
previews, so you can see the visual output from those Displays.
When you click on a Display, the Properties pane shows you all its attributes. When
this Display is assigned to a Player Output, the properties of this Player Output are also
shown.
Figure 5.25. Outputs Display pane
Display Map controls
Figure 5.26. Display Map controls
The controls in the top-right corner of the display map allow the following operations:
Auto refresh:
Updates automatically the low-resolution previews of active
Displays.
When this box is unchecked, a Refresh Preview button
appears, so that you may manually refresh these previews.
Auto fit:
Fits all the Displays in one view.
Show thumbnail:
Displays a zoomable map of all the Displays in the Display
Map.
Align to viewpoint:
Aligns the Displays in the 2D map according to the Canvas
viewpoint defined in the Content Production tool. See
Content Production (p.119).
Show properties:
Show the global Color Correction properties. See Global
color correction settings (p.114).
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5.3.3
Display properties
In addition to its name, a Display has properties related to its orientation, resolution,
and model, which are shown in the Properties pane. Projectors, LED screens, and LCD
screens each have their own properties on top of these, for example, for the projector
lens or LED pixel pitch.
When it is attached to a Player Output, a Display also indicates the name of that Player
and the index of the output to which it is connected. It is also possible to access the
color correction properties of the Display.
Specifications
Technical information related to the model, resolution, orientation, attached Player,
LED pixel pitch, and screen brightness is displayed in the Specifications section of the
Properties pane. This information is typically entered in the Projection Study layout
during the early stages of a project.
Once a display has been attached to a Player, the name of that Player and the output
index of the attached display are also shown in this section.
Test Pattern
The Test Pattern section of the Properties pane has an Image property that can be used
to replace the Display's output with a predefined image. This can be helpful to ensure
that your physical displays' colors match or to quickly identify a physical projector on
site.
Player
The Player section of the Properties pane displays the name of the Player to which a
Display is assigned, and the index of the output to which the Display is attached. If the
Display is not attached to a Player, this section is not shown.
Color Correction
The following properties can be modified in the Color Correction section of the Properties
pane.
Object Mask (Projectors only): The Object Mask field provides a list of 3D objects that
can be used as masks for this projector. This is useful if you want a projector to never
project onto specific objects in your scene. The objects are always displayed in black.
PNG Mask: The PNG Mask field shows the file name of an image that can be displayed
as an overlay over the displayed content. This image must contain an alpha channel,
and therefore be in an image format that allows it, in this case PNG. A PNG mask is
useful for masking specific regions of content that are not 3D objects, or applying final
on-site feathering of overshooting regions. This image must be drag-and-dropped from
the Medias pane (as opposed to from Windows explorer), which can be shown (or hidden) by using a button next to this control.
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Remap Image (Projectors only): A Remap Image allows per-Projector pixel remapping.
This texture contains information for where each pixel is supposed to be in the final
image. (Red and green stand for X and Y positions in the destination image.) This feature
allows you to perform advanced projector-specific adjustments that are impossible with
a PNG mask or regular Projector calibration. This image must be drag and dropped
from the Medias pane (as opposed to from Windows explorer), which can be shown
(or hidden) by using a button next to this control.
Dimmer: Dimmer allows you to adjust the value of the dimmer, between 0.0 (all black)
and 1.0 (no dimmer), for the Display.
Min Input: This is a minimum value to clamp the displayed color channels.
Max Input: This is a maximum value to clamp the displayed color channels.
Hue Offset: Self-explanatory
Saturation: Self-explanatory
Brightness: Self-explanatory
Red Dimmer: a slider to dim or boost the red component
Green Dimmer: a slider to dim or boost the green component
Blue Dimmer: a slider to dim or boost the blue component
Invert Colors: a toggle to invert all colors
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Figure 5.27. Outputs Properties pane for a projector
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Figure 5.28. Outputs Properties pane for an LED display
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Figure 5.29. Outputs Properties pane for an LCD display
5.3.4
Players
Players Map
The bottom part of the Output Control layout is the Players Map. It is a visual representation of all the Players in the current projection study. Players can be moved around
in this 2D map without any impact on their actual output. It can be useful to group
Players based on arbitrary categories or physical proximity. Figure X shows an example
of a Players Map.
Note
The Master Player, Player Center 1 in the figure, is shown differently than are
other Players. The Master Player has a tab labeled "Master."
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Figure 5.30. Outputs Players Map
Player Types and Licenses: X-Agora Players with different numbers of outputs are
available. In order to launch X-Agora Player on a Player machine, its host needs to have
the right local license, either as an embedded software license or a physical USB dongle.
These licenses include checks on the number of connected outputs, available physical
live inputs, and the genlock card. Runtime protection enforces these restrictions: if you
try running a Player that has hardware for which the license was not intended, or that
has more Player outputs connected than allowed by the license, the Player either closes
or is launched with watermarks. See Licensing (p.34) for more information on Licensing.
Player Status: A Player's status can be either “offline,” “ready,” or “playing.” A Player
is “offline” when the Player machine is turned off, X-Agora Agent is not running, or
the Player is not connected to the same X-Agora Server. When the X-Agora Agent connection is established, the Player is “ready,” meaning that the Player can be launched.
Once a Player is launched, its status is “playing,” and its performance information and
preview are updated.
Player Performance: When a Player is running, it periodically sends performance information to X-Agora Designer. You can access this detailed performance information
by hovering your cursor above each property and its related gauge.
The information available includes:
CPU usage
average processor usage and processor usage per core
GPU usage
graphics card name, load, and temperature
Memory usage
combined random-access memory usage
Disk usage
combined and partition-specific disk usage
SMPTE signal strength
the real-time audio level of the SMPTE signal, if it is used
X-Agora performance
software version, frame rate, application uptime, CPU
usage by X-Agora Player, and computer uptime
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Figure 5.31. Player performance
Figure 5.32. Player performance—CPU usage
Individual Player controls
Shutdown
Restart
Wake-on-LAN (available only when the Player is offline)
Play/Stop (available only when the Player is ready and has outputs
connected to it)
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