Brompton TESSERA T1, TESSERA M2, TESSERA S4, TESSERA SX40 User Manual

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 - Introduction 3

Chapter 2 - General Overview 4

Tessera SX40 LED Processor 7 Tessera XDDistribution Unit 9 Tessera M2 LED Processor 11 Tessera S4 LED Processor 13 Tessera T1 LED Processor 15

Chapter 3 - Quickstart 17

Chapter 4 - System Configuration 21

Redundancy Configuration 22 Output Capacity 27 Combining Processors 29

Chapter 5 - Tessera Management Software 30

Chapter 6 - Project Setup 38

Chapter 7 - Fixtures 46

Adding Fixtures To A Project 53 Sub-fixtures 59 Understanding Topology And Association 66 Fixture Layout 72

Chapter 8 - Main Project Screen 77

Canvas View 77 Presets 89 Log 93 Moving Around The Canvas 94 Project Data Export 95 Online View 96 Topology View 98

Chapter 9 - Inputs 99

Input Colour Control 102 Histograms 103

Chapter 10 - Processing 107

Active Area 112 ChromaTune 115

Chapter 11 - Test Patterns 120

Chapter 12 - Global Colour 124

Dark Magic 126 Low End Boost 128 Studio Mode 129 On-Screen Colour Adjustment 130

Chapter 13 - Network 142

Chapter 14 - Live Control 145

DMX Control 152 EDMX Control 153 Tessera Control 154

Chapter 15 - Processor Settings 155

Security 159 Date And Time 160 Fixture Library 161 Preferences 166

Crash Management 168 Restore Factory Settings 169 Format Internal Storage 170 Reload Firmware 171 Processor Status 172 About 173

Appendix A - Keyboard Shortcuts 174

Appendix B - Cable Requirements For Tessera SX40 And XD 177

Appendix C - Setting IPAddresses 179

Appendix D - DMXChannel Allocations 183

Appendix E - Warranty 187

Glossary 188

CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION

TRADEMARKS

Brompton is a registered trademark owned by Carallon Ltd.

All other brand and product names used in this document may be trademarks, registered trademarks or trade names of their respective holders.

CHANGES

The information and specifications contained within this document are subject to change without notice. Brompton Technology Ltd reserves the right to make improvements and changes to the hardware and software described in this document at any time and without notice.

Brompton Technology Ltd assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that might occur in this document.

ABOUT THIS MANUAL

This manual provides all the information required for the correct and safe use of the Tessera processors and the supplied software.

This revision of the manual was written for Tessera software version: 2.2 published on: 04/06/2019

ABOUT THE TESSERA SYSTEM

The Tessera system comprises processors, distribution units, receiver cards and software. These elements can be used with a wide range of LED fixtures.

Brompton Technology partners with both purchasers and manufacturers who wish to use Brompton processing to control their LED video products.

For more information about Brompton Technology please contact: info@bromptontech.com

HANDLING AND SAFE OPERATION

The Tessera processors and distribution units are packaged in a rugged custom-designed 19" rack mounting case with integral mounting handles.

The processor should be adequately supported in a rack at all times. The weight of the processor should never be supported entirely on the rack ears as this can lead to distortion, especially if the rack is roughly handled.

The processors and distribution units should only be opened by professionals as it will expose the user to potentially dangerous voltages. The units must never be operated with the cover removed. Opening the units without an approval from Brompton Technical Support will invalidate the warranty. The product is designed to operate from a grounded power source between 100 and 250V AC, 47 -63Hz. Ensure the useof a stable power source. If your power source is prone to surges, place the unit on an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to prevent exposure to voltages that could potentially damage the system.

CHAPTER 2 - GENERAL OVERVIEW

GENERAL

Brompton Technology makes a variety of Tessera LED video processors for different applications.

Tessera SX40 is currently our highest capacity processor, able to support a nominal 9 million pixels and 4K canvas resolutions with HDMI 2.0 and 12G SDI inputs. Four 10 Gigabit ports allow data transfer using fibre or CAT6 copper cable. The SX40 can support up to 2000 connected fixtures and offers maximum flexibility with the use of the XD distribution system.

Please note: sub-fixtures are supported on Tessera SX40 from firmware version 2.3 and upwards.

Tessera M2 is the most powerful processor to drive HD content. It can control a nominal 2 million pixels over four 1 Gigabit outputs to a fixture count of up to 2000. Supports 3G-SDI and DVI-I inputs.

Tessera S4 processor is ideal for high resolution screens. The S4 processor does not have the front-side processing, scaling or degree by degree rotation of the T1 and the M2 but can control the same number of pixels across four Gigabit outputs as the M2.

Tessera T1 is ideal for creative shows requiring flexibility over number of fixtures. It has a DVI-D input and supports a capacity of 0.5 million pixels in an HD canvas. The T1 includes most of the main features available with the Tessera systems, with one output port supporting up to 500 fixtures.

SYSTEM OVERVIEW

The Tessera system can be controlled locally using a monitor, keyboard and mouse connected directly to a Tessera processor. Alternatively, you can use the Tessera Remote software on a Windows PC or Mac connected to the processor via a Gigabit Ethernet network. The Tessera Remote software can be used in Offline Editor mode, to allow preparation of project files without a processor.

The processors have an integral DisplayPort (DP++) output and USB ports for local control and monitoring. Each Tessera output can be distributed using standard Gigabit Ethernet switches or fibre optic transceivers.

SYSTEM SETUP DIAGRAM: TESSERA M2

Figure2-1 . Typical system set-up for a M2 processor (A similar diagram can be applied to S4 and T1)

SYSTEM SETUP DIAGRAM: TESSERA SX40

Figure2-2 . Typical system set-up for SX40 processor

TESSERA SX40 LED PROCESSOR

FRONT PANEL

Feature Description

Front Panel Status LEDs

Blackout button Sends the output of the processor to black

Freeze button Freezes the output of the processor

Press to reset the processor, press and hold to restore to factory settings.

Reset button

2 x USB 2.0 type A ports

Warning, this will delete all project files and fixture packs not included with the base firmware.

To connect USB memory storage devices and peripherals e.g. keyboard and mouse

FRONT PANEL STATUS LEDS

LED Name Indication

Active

Ethernet The processor is detecting a network connection Video In The processor is connected to a valid video input source Tessera Out The processor is connected to fixtures

Reference In

Overtemp

On: Processor in operation

Blinking: Processor booting up

The processor has a valid source of genlock connected to the reference input connector

Off: Processor is in normal operating temperatures

Blinking: Processor overheating but operational

On: Processor overheated and shutdown

REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS

Feature Description

Connect a PC or Mac running Tessera Remote, Tessera Control applications or an

Management Ethernet

Local User Interface

HDMI Input

Reference Input Used for analog bi-level or tri-level sync.

12G-SDI Input

Loop Thru Ports All video inputs and syncs have re-clocked loop thru ports.

10 Gigabit Ethernet Outputs

DMX512-A Input and Thru For DMX real-time control.

On/Off Switch

IEC Mains Input The input is auto ranging from 100-250v/47-63Hz.

eDMX protocol directly to the local data Gigabit Ethernet port. The two ports work as a switch to daisy-chain units.

Tessera SX40 LED processor can be operated locally with a monitor connected via DisplayPort. Peripherals such as mouse and keyboard can be connected to the USB ports on either the front or rear panel.

A HDMI 2.0 input with support for digital 4k progressive signal up to 4096x2160 @ 60Hz (600MHz pixel clock). See “Canvas Resolutions” on page 42 for more

information.

A 12G-SDI input is available. The SDI inputs supports HD-SDI, 3G-SDI level A or level B, 6G-SDI and 12G-SDI, 2SI format; SQ not supported. 12G-SDI accepts a progressive signal of up to 4096 x 2160 resolution at 23.98Hz to 60Hz framerate with 10 bits per channel colour depth.

The Tessera SX40 LED processor has four 10 Gigabit outputs which can be used by plugging an XD unit to distribute the signal. Fixtures should be connected to the EtherCON connectors in the XD unit with Gigabit Ethernet cable (Cat-5e or above).

See “System Configuration” on page 21 for more information.

The processor can be shut down from the local interface or remote computer. No harm will result from turning the processor off at the switch.

TESSERA XDDISTRIBUTION UNIT

FRONT PANEL

Front Panel Touchscreen

A front touchscreen displays some information for confirmation during setup and troubleshooting. This includes:

l All Ethernet port link states l Processor connection state l The name of the current project open on the Tessera SX40 l XD name for easy identification in largeprojects

The screen orientation and brightness is configurable, and the screen and per-port LEDs may be disabled for operating in dark environments.

Firmware is reloadable from the Tessera SX40, just as with other Tessera fixtures.

REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS

Feature Description

Supports Neutrik EtherCON Cat 6A / etherCON (CAT5e) connectors

Two 10G Tessera Protocol copper inputs for connection from Tessera SX40

Compatible with standard RJ45 connectors

Requires Cat6A cable (up to 60m) or Cat5e cable(up to 30m)

One of the 10G ports can be used as thru connection for daisy-chaining of additional XDs

Supports Neutrik opticalCON DUO / DUO ARMORED / DUO X-TREME / DUO LITE connectors

Two 10G Tessera Protocol fibre inputs for connection from Tessera SX40 (Single mode ONLY)

Up to five XDs may be daisy-chained

Ten 1G Tessera Protocol outputs for connection to fixtures

Compatible with standard LC-Duplex connectors

Requires 1310nm, 9/125um single-mode fibre (up to 2KM) with PC or UPC connectors

One of the 10G ports can be used as thru connection for daisy-chaining of additional XDs

Auto-switching between fibre and copper

Thru port auto-switches independently from input Position 1G output ports in multiple locations for cabling convenience

Bandwidth of each 1G port is shared between all daisy-chained XDs

Extend 10G cable lengths using an XD as a signal repeater

Convert between 10G fibre and 10G copper (or vice versa) using an XD as a media converter

Neutrik etherCON connectors, compatible with standard RJ45

Each 1G output supports a nominal 525K pixels at 8bpc, 60Hz

Pixel capacity per 1G port scales according to selected bit depth and framerate

TESSERA M2 LED PROCESSOR

FRONT PANEL

Feature Description

Front panel status LEDs

Press to reset the processor, press and hold to restore to factory settings.

Reset button

2 x USB 2.0 type A ports

Warning, this will delete all project files and fixture packs not included with the base firmware

To connect USB memory storage devices and peripherals e.g. keyboard and mouse

FRONT PANEL STATUS LEDS

LEDName Indication

Active

Ethernet The processor is detecting a network connection DMX In A DMXSignal is being received by the processor Video In The processor is connected to a valid video input source Reference In The processor has a valid source of genlock connected to the reference input connector Tessera Out The processor is connected to fixtures Black/Freeze Either the blackout or freeze button has been enabled

Overtemp

On: Processor in operation

Blinking: Processor booting up

Off: Processor in normal operating temperatures

Blinking: Processor overheating but operational

On: Processor overheated and shutdown

REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS

Feature Description

Connect a PC or Mac running the Tessera Remote, Tessera Control application or

Management Ethernet

Local User Interface

DVI Input

Reference Input Used for analog bi-level or tri-level sync.

3G-SDI Input

Loop Thru Ports All video inputs and syncs have re-clocked loop thru ports.

Gigabit Ethernet Outputs

DMX 512-A Input For DMX real-time control.

On/Off Switch

IEC Mains Input The input is auto ranging from 100-250v/47-63Hz

an eDMX protocol directly to the local data Gigabit Ethernet port. The two ports work as a switch to daisy-chain units.

The M2 processor can be operated locally with a monitor connected via DisplayPort. Peripherals such as mouse and keyboard can be connected to the USB ports on either the front or rear panel.

A DVI input of up to 1920x1080 @ 60Hz (148.5MHz pixel clock) is supported. This is a DVI-I input which supports DVI-D, VGA/ RGBHV and Component Analogue (YPbPr) with a suitable adapter. See “Canvas Resolutions” on page 42 for more

info.

Two 3G-SDI inputs are available. Both inputs can be used concurrently as an independent input. The SDI inputs support 3G-SDI level A or level B. Both inputs can be used together to support Dual Link HD-SDI.

3G-SDI accepts progressive and interlaced signal of up to 1920x1080 resolution at

23.98Hz to 60Hz framerate with 10 bits per channel colour depth.

The M2 processor has four 1 Gigabit Ethernet outputs which are provided on EtherCON connectors. Fixtures must be connected using Gigabit Ethernet cable (Cat-5e or above). See “System Configuration” on page 21 for more info.

The processor can be shut down from the local interface or remote computer. No harm will result from turning the processor off at the switch.

TESSERA S4 LED PROCESSOR

FRONT PANEL

Feature Description

Front panel status LEDs Black button Sends the output of the processor to black Freeze button Freezes the output of the processor

Press to reset the processor, press and hold to restore to factory settings.

Reset button

2 x USB 2.0 type A ports

Warning, this will delete all project files and fixture packs not included with the base firmware

To connect USB memory storage devices and peripherals e.g. keyboard and mouse

FRONT PANEL STATUS LEDS

LEDName Indication

Active

Ethernet The processor is detecting a network connection Video In The processor is connected to a valid video input source Tessera Out The processor is connected to fixtures

Overtemp

On: Processor in operation

Blinking: Processor booting up

Off: Processor is in normal operating temperatures

Blinking: Processor is overheating but operational

On: Processor overheated and shutdown

REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS

Feature Description

Management Ethernet

Local User Interface

DVI Input

Gigabit Ethernet Outputs

On/Off Switch

IEC Mains Input The input is auto ranging from 100-250v/47-63Hz

Connect a PC or Mac running the Tessera Remote, Tessera Control application or an eDMX protocol directly to the local data Gigabit Ethernet port.

The S4 processor can be operated locally with a monitor connected via DisplayPort. Peripherals such as mouse and keyboard can be connected to the USB ports on either the front or rear panel.

A DVI input of up to 1920x1080 @ 60Hz (148.5MHz pixel clock) is supported. This is a DVI-D input, with a re-clocked DVI-D thru. See “Canvas Resolutions” on page

42 for more info.

The S4 processor has four 1 Gigabit Ethernet outputs which are provided on EtherCON connectors. Fixtures must be connected using Gigabit Ethernet cable (Cat-5e or above). See “System Configuration” on page 21 for more info

The processor can be shut down from the local interface or remote computer. No harm will result from turning the processor off at the switch.

TESSERA T1 LED PROCESSOR

FRONT PANEL

Feature Description

Front panel status LEDs

Press to reset the processor, press and hold to restore to factory settings.

Reset button

2 x USB 2.0 type A ports

FRONT PANEL STATUS LEDS

LED Name Indication

Active

Ethernet The processor is detecting a network connection DMX In A DMXsignal is being received by the processor Video In The processor is connected to a valid video input source Tessera Out The processor is connected to fixtures Black/Freeze Either the blackout or freeze button has been enabled

Warning, this will delete all project files and fixture packs not included with the base firmware

To connect USB memory storage devices and peripherals e.g. keyboard and mouse

On:Processor in operation

Blinking:Processor booting up

Off:Processor is in normal operating temperatures

Overtemp

Blinking: Processor is overheating but operational

On: Processor overheated and shutdown

REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS

Feature Description

Management Ethernet

Local User Interface

DVI Input

DMX 512-A Input For DMX real-time control.

Gigabit Ethernet Outputs

On/Off Switch

IEC Mains Input The input is auto ranging from 100-250v/47-63Hz

Connect a PC or Mac running the Tessera Remote, Tessera Control application or an eDMX protocol directly to the local data Gigabit Ethernet port.

The T1 processor can be operated locally with a monitor connected via DisplayPort. Peripherals such as mouse and keyboard can be connected to the USB ports on either the front or rear panel.

A DVI input of up to 1920x1080 @ 60Hz (148.5MHz pixel clock) is supported. This is a DVI-D input, with a re-clocked DVI-D thru. See “Canvas Resolutions” on page

42 for more info.

The T1 processor has one 1 Gigabit Ethernet output which are provided on EtherCON connectors. Fixtures must be connected using Gigabit Ethernet cable (Cat-5e or above). See “System Configuration” on page 21 for more info

The processor can be shut down from the local interface or remote computer. No harm will result from turning the processor off at the switch.

CHAPTER 3 - QUICKSTART

Follow this chapter to get a basic system up and running. This guide covers starting a new project with fixtures connected. To set up a project offline and connect fixtures at a later stage, see “Tessera Management

Software” on page 30 for more info.

TESSERA PROCESSOR SETUP

1. a. M2, T1 and S4 users: Connect fixtures to the Tessera output ports on the rear panel of the processor using Gigabit Ethernet cable (Cat 5e or above) and network switches.

b. SX40 users: Connect the XD unit to the processor using either copper or fibre optic cables.

Fixtures are required to be connected to the XD unit.

Note - Tessera SX40 processor does not feature support sub-fixtures. Tessera firmware version 2.3 will introduce support for sub-fixtures.

2. Connect the video input source(s) to the DVI, HDMI and/or SDI input ports.

3. Connect a monitor to the Local UI using the DisplayPort connector and connect a mouse and keyboard.

Alternatively, access the processor's user interface through a Mac or Windows PC running the Tessera Remote application.

4. Connect the IEC mains input and switch the processor on. When the processor has powered up, the

monitor displays the start screen. By default, the processor is configured to automatically load the previous project after a set amount of time if the user does not intervene.

Figure3-1 . The Start Screen

TESSERA PROJECT SETUP

1. From the Start Screen, select New to launch the Project Wizard.

Figure3-2 . The New Project Wizard

2. The project name can be manually entered, if no entry is made, a default project name containing the

processor’s model with a date and time stamp is assigned.

3. Select a canvas size from the drop-down menu. When selecting a resolution other than the native

1920x1080, Tessera M2 and T1 processors enforce Low Latency Mode.

4. Click Create to be taken to the Main Project Screen.

5. The project is saved to the processor’s internal storage. When using Tessera Remote, project files are

also saved to the connected computer.

Figure3-3 . Main Project Screen

CONNECTING FIXTURES

Figure3-4 . Add Fixtures from Network button

1. Ensure that all fixtures are connected to the processor with the desired topology, taking into

consideration the output port’s capacity limit.

2. Click the Add Fixtures From Network button. The canvas toolbar is replaced with a row of currently

connected fixtures. When using Add Fixtures From Network, strings of fixtures are highlighted with colours corresponding to the ones shown in the UI. Each string is assigned a unique numeric code which appears on the first fixture of the string during association.

Figure3-5 . The Add Fixtures From Network toolbar, the right-side shows connected fixtures whilst in Add Fixtures

From Network menu.

3. Entering this code on the processor (using number keys or numpad) selects the corresponding string for

association. The string is then ready to be drawn in the canvas using the cursor.

Figure3-6 . Associat ing Fixtures

Figure3-7 . A highlighted Recoloured string

4. The first fixture in the string is highlighted white, while other fixtures display varying shades of the same

colour to denote the order of the fixtures in the string - from brightest to darkest.

5. Click on the canvas to add fixtures one by one. The currently selected fixture is highlighted in white on

the LED panel.

6. Clicking and dragging will draw an array of fixtures. The topology is defined by the direction taken when

drawing the array.

7. Repeat the process for all strings, then press Enter or click the Back arrow to return to the Main Project

Screen.

8. Fixtures on the canvas display a green circle to indicate online status. If the input source is connected,

the fixtures will output video.

CHAPTER 4 - SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

CONNECTING FIXTURES

Tessera processors drive Tessera compatible devices. Tessera compatible fixtures are fitted with an Tessera receiver card inside, either in each tile or cabinet, or in a root node connected to strings of sub-fixtures.

All Tessera compatible fixtures have two gigabit Ethernet ports: one to connect to the processor and one to connect to the next device in the chain. These ports are interchangeable for convenience.

The processor communicates with fixtures on the network using the Tessera protocol. The system topology requires fixtures to be connected to the HD processor or XD distribution unit. Once connected, a group of fixtures in a daisy-chain becomes a string.

Note - Tessera Protocol only supports gigabit ethernet compliant equipment and does not function with 100BASE-T (Fast Ethernet) or 10BASE-T.

The 10 gigabit connection between the XD and SX40 processor must be direct, using fibre

optic or Cat6a or above cabling.

See "Cable Requirements For Tessera SX40 and XD" on page 177.

CONNECTION GUIDELINES

1 GIGABIT DATA CONNECTION

Tessera devices need to be connected to the HD processor or XD unit directly or via a gigabit ethernet network switch, using cables that conform to Cat 5e or above and include RJ45 and EtherCON terminations.

The maximum supported individual cable length is 100 meters. The Tessera protocol can be transmitted over standard gigabit ethernet compliant fibre optic hardware for single runs exceeding this distance.

The suggested maximum number of nodes between the processor and the furthest fixture in any system is five switches and 50 fixtures (XD units and fibre optic transceivers count as switches). By using switches, up to 500 fixtures can be run from a Tessera processor output port (assuming this does not exceed the pixel limit of the output).

Note - The Tessera Protocol does not support connection over Wi-Fi due to the bandwidth required to alter content and fixtures.

10 GIGABIT DATA CONNECTION

The connection between the SX40 processor and the XD distribution units needs to be direct by using singlemode fibre-optic cables with PC or UPC DUO connectors for a length of up to 2Km or Cat6a or above cabling with RJ45 or EtherCON terminations to reach a maximum distance of 60m.

REDUNDANCY CONFIGURATION

CLOSED LOOP REDUNDANCY

Closed loop redundancy is supported on Tessera SX40, M2 and S4 LED processors where two outputs can be configured to operate as a redundant pair. Closed loop redundancy is not supported on Tessera T1 LED processors as they only feature a single output.

For the Tessera M2 and S4processors with closed loop redundancy, a cabling loop is created from the primary port, through a string of fixtures, and then back to the processor. One output acts as the primary port, while the second output acts as the backup. In the case of signal loss or errors with the primary feed, the backup port takes control and re-allocates fixtures to use the backup feed. The changeis done within one frame, ensuring live content continues to display in the event of failures occurring anywhere in the loop.

Figure4-1 . Tessera processor setup with redundancy

The load capacity for each redundant pair is the same as for a single non-redundant port. Redundancy is only available from port 1 to port 2, and from port 3 to port 4.

Once the system has been cabled correctly, click on the Network pipeline tile. Under redundancy the user can enable redundancy for connected ports. The processor is also able to detect faults with cabling and reports Loop OK or Errors Detected for connected ports.

For Tessera SX40 processor, loop redundancy is created between two trunks, from A to B and C to D. For more

information see on page 24

Figure4-2 . Redundancy options on the Network tab for Tessera processors

The Network tab includes the loop status indicator and a load bar for a redundant output pair on ports 1 and

2. Ports 3 and 4 continue to operate independently without redundancy.

Note - The system load will double when redundancy is enabled, this is because twicethe amount of bandwidth is needed to ensure primary and backup signals are maintained.

In the Tessera SX40, 10Gb trunk pairs can be (independently) configured for redundant operation (A+B, C+D) however symmetry must be maintained.

Figure4-3 . Tessera interface with redundancy configured on trunks A and B

Fixture chains must be connected to the same port of the same XD on both primary and backup trunks. XDs aremirrored on the backup trunk.

Figure4-4 . Tessera SX40 configured with redundancy for trunks A and B and C and D

When operating in redundancy mode:

l Fixtures can be cabled in a singlechain of up to 50 fixtures, with each end of the chain connected back

to the processor (or Tessera XD when using a Tessera SX40). Ethernet switches must not be used to split the signal. Other Ethernet hardware (such as fibre extenders) are supported.

l Closed loop redundancy should be enabled on the processor. l The output capacity limits that apply to a single port also apply to the pair of ports. This effectively

halves the overall processor capacity, as each output signal is being 'doubled up'. This also applies to Tessera SX40, therefore twice the amount of XD units would be required.

l The total network load for the two ports combine into a single bar indicating the load for that pair. l Switching in and out of redundancy mode will momentarily black-out the video signal for all connected

fixtures on all ports. Redundancy mode should be configured in advance.

l The active feed (primary or backup) used by each fixture can be viewed in the Online tab. l If both the primary and backup signals are operational, each fixture can alternate between either signal.

If a fixture receives a video error or complete signal loss from one port, it will switch to the backup port for the next frame.

l For Tessera M2/T1/S4 LED processors, each loop must be cabled between the two adjacent ports on the

same processor. (I.e. Port 1 to Port 2, and Port 3 to Port 4.)

l For Tessera SX40, the loop is created using the same trunk port number in two adjacent XD units (i.e.

Trunk A to Trunk B, and Trunk C to Trunk D)

PROCESSOR REDUNDANCY

Only available for the Tessera SX40, processor redundancy is designed as a backup system should the primary processor fail to send a signal to the fixtures. If the primary processor stops outputting video signal, the backup processor will detect the fault and re-associate fixtures. Fixtures will losevideo signal momentarily and will automatically resume within 1-2 seconds.

Different types of failure can trigger failover including; power issues, closing project, loss of input signal, fixture data cable disconnection, processor failure, or if failover is activated by the user.

To set up processor redundancy:

1. Connect the primary and backup processor to the X1 and X2 ports of the XD units.

2. Enable failover in the failover tab of both processors.

3. Select the role of each processor, either primary or backup.

4. Different criteria can be set for auto-failover behaviour:

l If the primary processor fails for (x) seconds

The backup processor takes control if the primary processor’s Tessera output is missing for (x) seconds

l If the primary video source is lost for (x) seconds

The backup processor takes control if the primary processor’s video feed is missing for (x) seconds

l If both front panel buttons are pressed together

Failover can be triggered manually by pushing both front panel buttons at the same time

l Always prefer primary if available , auto-failover back to the primary processor whenever it

becomes available

5. Video input cabling

Both processors may be fed from the same video source if required. HDMI/SDI thru can be used but isn't recommended; an upstream splitter is preferable.

Each processor may be fed from a completely independent video source if required. These may be different formats (HDMI/SDI), resolutions, framerates, etc. - there's no requirement for any aspect of the sources to match.

External reference signals (if in use) may similarly be shared or independent between the two processors.

6. Both processors must be set up independently of each other. Set the project in both processors to

display the desired image. Settings such as fixture position in the canvas, video input and colour correction can be modified independently, so precautions should be taken to avoid differences between processors. Using the same settings with the samevideo source is advised. It is a good practice to use the same show-file in both processors, making sure that one is set as primary and the other one as backup.

Figure4-5 . Processor redundancy

Processor redundancy is compatible with closed loop redundancy, offering different setup possibilities based on the system requirements.

Figure4-6 . Tessera SX40 LED processor and loop redundancy

OUTPUT CAPACITY

The Tessera output port capacity depends primarily on the network bit depth and frame rate. The nominal pixel capacity per port is outlined in the table below:

Refresh/Bit Depth 8 bit 10 bit 12 bit

24hz 1,312,500 1,050,000 875,000 25hz 1,260,000 1,008,000 840,000 30hz 1,050,000 840,000 700,000 50hz 630,000 504,000 420,000 60hz 525,000 420,000 350,000

OTHER FACTORS AFFECTING OUTPUT CAPACITY

Fixture Rotation

Rotating fixtures on-axis (i.e. by 0°, 90°, 180° or 270°) has no effect on the output capacity.

However, each fixture rotated off-axis is counted twice towards the output capacity.

Mapping Mode For Projects With Multiple Fixtures

The M2 and T1 processors can use different mapping modes to fit the project’s necessities. The SX40 and S4 always work with 1:1 mapping.

1:1 mapping doesn’t affect the output capacity. This mode sends the pixels of the input to the fixtures without taking into consideration the fixture size, only the pixel number.

When using interpolated mapping, the content on fixtures with a coarser pixel pitch is scaled so that the content appears the samesize across all fixtures. In this mode, all fixtures are assumed to have the same pixel pitch as the finest fixture, and the output capacity is calculated according to the physical dimensions of the fixture.

See “Mapping Options” on page 43 for more information.

Small Fixtures

Small fixtures - with either dimensions smaller than 16 pixels - have a high processing overhead. Therefore, the number of these fixtures supported may be fewer than that calculated from the nominal pixel capacity.

In terms of processing, the SX40 processor considers any connected fixture to be at least 64px in either dimension, so the total number of fixtures per port might be affected.

Estimating Fixture Capacity

When associating fixtures to a project, network load bars display the output capacity on each port. The UI updates in real time as settings such as network bit depth, genlock frame rate and fixture rotations are applied.

See “Network” on page 142 for more information.

Figure 4-7. Network property editor showing system load and port load

To help with estimating the number of processors required for a project, we have created a simple web-based calculator tool which models all the factors outlined above. For further details, please contact support at:

support@bromptontech.com

COMBINING PROCESSORS

The Tessera T1, S4, M2 and SX40 processors are designed to be used together in a configuration without issues. Different types of processors can be used to run different sections of the same wall.

When combining processors, to avoid tearing, it is important to synchronize them by matching their end to end delay and genlocking the sources.

The end to end delay of the different processors is:

S4 2 frames (this processor is always in low latency mode)

SX40 2 frames (this processor doesn't have low latency mode)

When working with different types of processors, the video latency requires re-adjusting per processor.

I.e. If using T1 and SX40 processors together, a frame of latency will have to be added to the SX40 processors, initially with 2 frames latency, to match the 3 frames of latency of the T1.

The processors need to be genlocked to the same source or to each other.

For more information about video delay and genlock, see “Network” on page 142.

3 frames

2 frames in low latency mode

3 frames

2 frames in low latency mode

Note - Please note that the difference in features between processors still apply. The SX40 does not have Low Latency mode but the scaler is disabled when using custom resolutions.

See “Low Latency Mode” on page 43 for more details in the limitations when working in Low Latency mode.

CHAPTER 5 - TESSERA MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

The Tessera Management Software is used to configure and control all aspects of Tessera Processors. The user interface can be accessed in two ways – locally with the use of a monitor, mouse and keyboard, or remotely using the Tessera Remote application.

The user interface is consistent across both access methods, with only subtle differences in functionality.

LOCAL USER INTERFACE

When using the local user interface on the processor itself, no external computer is required.

To view the user interface, connect a monitor to the local UI port on the rear of the processor. DisplayPort monitors are natively supported, other connection types require an adapter. Once connected, the native resolution of the monitor is automatically detected. To change the default resolution, navigate to Settings > Processor, select a resolution from the dropdown menu and click Commit. The minimum supported resolution for M2, T1 and S4 processors is 1024x768 and the maximum resolution is 1920x1080. Tessera SX40 processor supports UIresolutions of up to 3840x2160.

The user interface is controlled by connecting a mouse and keyboard to the processor’s USB ports.

TESSERA REMOTE AND OFFLINE EDITOR

Tessera Remote is a Windows PC and Mac OS application that allows remote control of Tessera processors across a network. Additionally, the Remote application can be used as an ‘offlineeditor’ allowing the set up and editing of Tessera projects when not connected to a processor.

The main difference in functionality when working with the Tessera Remote app (not offline) is that the video on canvas edit modes are not available.

Tessera Remote is free to download from the Brompton Technology website:

http://bromptontech.com/support

Note - Tessera Remote software versions and the processor firmware versions must match. If the processor firmware version and Tessera Remote do not match, the firmware or remote software must be updated. The processor firmware can be updated from the remote app.

INSTALLATION FOR WINDOWS PC

1. Download Tessera Remote Windows software from https://www.bromptontech.com/support

2. Open the downloaded file to begin Setup Wizard. Hit Next to continue.

3. The setup wizard gives options to create shortcuts for your computer and whether to associate relevant

files to the application.

4. The setup wizard asks for an install location, once selected click Next to begin the installation.

5. When the application has finished installing, a completion dialog box is displayed. Tick the ‘Run Tessera

Remote’ box to launch the application after clicking Finish.

INSTALLATION FOR MAC OS X

1. Download Tessera Remote Mac OSX installation file from Brompton’s website

https://www.bromptontech.com/support

2. Double click the .dmg file and drag the Tessera Remote icon into the Applications Folder, or copy (⌘ + C)

and Paste (⌘ + V) the Tessera Remote icon into the Applications folder

3. Multiple software versions of Tessera Remote Application can be installed on the same Mac computer. It

can be helpful to store these in different folders within the Applications folder.

NETWORK SETTINGS FOR REMOTE MANAGEMENT

To connect a computer to a Tessera processor, connect to the same network via Ethernet by setting the computer and processor to the same subnet mask and IP range. As the Tessera processor’s remote network port supports Auto MDI-X, this network can be as simple as using a Cat 5e cable connected to the Mac or Windows PC without the need for a switch.

The default IP settings for the processor are 192.168.0.50, with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0.

For further details on setting IP addresses on Windows and Mac OS, see "Setting IPAddresses" on page 179.

Note - Due to the bandwidth limitations and reliability, wireless connections are not supported within the Tessera systems.

CONNECTING TO A TESSERA PROCESSOR

Having physically connected a Mac or Windows PC to a Tessera processor via network, launch the Tessera Remote application. This will open a dialogue box to start Tessera Remote or the Offline Editor.

Figure5-1 . Start up menu f or Tessera Remote

Click ‘Start Tessera Remote’ to start the application in Remote mode.

The application automatically detects connected processors on the network. Note the Tessera Remote software version. If it does not match the processor firmware version, reload processor firmware or install a matching Tessera Remote software version.

Figure5-2 . Tessera Remote main menu with processor select options.

When reloading processor firmware, the processor is temporarily inaccessiblewhile firmware is written to the processor. Once this process is complete, the processor will reboot before becoming accessible again.

Discovered processors display the following details:

l User-defined name of the processor l Firmware version l Processor type

l IP address l Project file that is currently in use

To connect to the processor, double click the processor, or select a processor and click Connect.

TESSERA REMOTE SETTINGS

The Tessera Remote offline mode Settings menu contains preferences which allow general customisation of the canvas, fixture packs management and selection settings within Tessera Remote. These settings are stored locally and not applied to the processor itself.

Figure5-3 . Tessera Remote s ettings menu

Once connected to the processor, the Remote application functions in a very similar way to the local user interface. For further detail about the Settings, see “Processor Settings” on page 155

When Tessera Remote is connected to the processor, the Local Management app running on the processor cannot be used. Take control of the processor by clicking the Take Control icon.

DISCONNECTING FROM THE PROCESSOR

When closing the app or disconnecting from the processor, several options can be selected.

Closing the app:

Figure5-4 . Tessera Remote, closing the app options

Disconnecting from the processor:

Figure5-5 . Tessera Remote, disconnection from processor options.

l Clicking “Leave the project open on the processor” will return control to the processor’s local UI while

keeping the project open.

l Clicking “Close the project on the processor” returns control to the processor’s local UI and closes the

current project. The user will see the project management screen on the local UI.

l Clicking “Disconnect from the processor” returns control to the processor’s local UI. l Clicking “Shutdown the processor” will shutdown the processor remotely. It will disappear from the

network and won’t be accessible to the user however it will need to be powered down locally. The message “It is now safe to switch off the processor” is shown. A reboot button is located underneath this message if the user requires a reboot.

Figure5-6 . Processor shutdown screen

OFFLINE EDITOR

When using Tessera Remote in Offline Editor mode, the user can modify projects without a processor. Offline Editor allows the user to create new projects, open previously created projects, or import projects from another location.

Drawing panels on the canvas using the “Add Fixturefrom Library” tool and other features are also available but limited until connected to a processor. See “Creating A New Project in Offline Editor” on page 41 and

“Add fixtures from library” on page 58 for more details.

MULTIPLE PROCESSOR CONTROL

There are different approaches to control multiple processors:

Use a single Tessera Remote instance - It is easy to connect and disconnect from different processors on a network. Theoutput from the processors will continue uninterrupted when Tessera Remote is not connected.

Use multiple Tessera Remote instances - Although Tessera Remote only supports connection to one processor at a time, it is possible to run several instances of Tessera Remote on the same computer for remote control of several processors from one device.

Use the Tessera Control application - Tessera Control provides a simple user interface for controlling multiple processors simultaneously. Controls available include Global colour, input colour and presets. See

"Tessera Control" on page 154 for more information.

Use DMX and eDMX Control – Several control profiles are available and can be customised to control adjustments in colour, position, rotation, presets, etc. See " DMX Control" on page 152 for more information.

RUNNING MULTIPLE INSTANCES OF TESSERA REMOTE

When controlling multiple processors from one computer it is recommended to use a fixed IP address on each processor and on the computer running Tessera Remote. It can also be helpful to name each processor. See

the section "Identification" on page 156.

Controlling different processors is then as straightforward as ‘tabbing’ (Alt + Tab in Windows, ⌘ + Tab in Mac OSX) to the relevant instance of Tessera Remote as required. Several monitors can also be used to control different instances at the same time.

Note - MacOSX - To start Tessera Remote so that multiple instances can be run it is necessary to run Terminal in Utilities.

In Terminal, type: open /applications/remote.app then press Enter.

To run another instance of Tessera Remote type the following into Terminal:

open -n /applications/remote.app

Figure 5-7. Alt-Tab to monitor or swtich through multiple instances of Tessera Remote

CHAPTER 6 - PROJECT SETUP

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

OPENING AND IMPORTING PROJECTS

Select a project from the list then click Open from the left menu. You can also import projects from USB drives or the local computer storage drive.

Figure6-1 . Importing projects in the project management screen

To import a project using the processor:

1. Insert a USB flash drive containing the project file into a USB port of the processor.

2. Click Import Projects on the project management screen to display the File Browser.

3. Navigate to a project file, select and click OK. Theproject file is copied and displayed in the list of projects

stored on the processor.

4. Double click the file to open it.

To import a project while connected to the processor via Tessera Remote:

1. Click Import Project to open a file browser window and navigate to the project file stored on the

computer.

2. Select the file and click OK. The project file is copied to the list of projects stored on the processor.

EXPORTING PROJECTS

In the remote app, to export a project stored in the processor, select the desired project from the project management screen and click Export project to select the location.

When a project is open, pressing Save as... is used to create a copy of the project and set it as the active project.

Save a copy, creates and saves a copy of the project to the computer whilst keeping the current project open

for editing.

Figure6-2 . Exporting projects in the project management window.

In the Local user interface, projects can be exported to a USB drive.

1. Insert a USB flash drive into a USB port of the processor.

2. Click Export project on the project management screen to display the file browser.

3. Navigate to the desired location, make selection and click OK.

DELETING PROJECTS STORED ON THE PROCESSOR

1. From the project management screen, click to individually select projects and click Delete Projects to

remove the file.

2. To delete multiple projects, hold Ctrl and use the mouse cursor to select multiple files.

CREATING A NEW PROJECT ON LOCAL UI AND TESSERA REMOTE

Figure 6-3. The New Project Window

To start a new project, select New on the project management screen. Once the New Project Wizard launches:

1. Enter a project name

2. Select a canvas size, Low Latency modeis automatically enabled on Tessera T1 and M2 LED processors if

canvas sizes other than 1920x1080 are used.

3. The Tessera SX40 features custom resolutions, see “Custom Canvas Resolution” on page Custom

Canvas Resolution for more information.

4. Seam Brightness, Module Colour correction, Low Latency Mode, and Loop/Processor Redundancy can

be enabled from this menu.

5. Click Create to move to canvas edit mode.

The project is automatically saved to the processor’s internal storage but can also be saved to a USB storage device. See "Project Management" on page 38 for more information.

CREATING A NEW PROJECT IN OFFLINE EDITOR

Figure6-4 . The off line editor’s New Project Wizard differs from Remote and Local UI mode

To start a new project, select New from the menu on the Main screen. Once the New Project Wizard launches:

1. Select the processor platform where the project is to be used.

2. Enter a project name and the location for the project file to be saved to.

3. Select a canvas size, Low Latency Mode is automatically enabled on Tessera T1 and M2 LED processors if

canvas sizes other than 1920x1080 are used.

The Tessera SX40 features custom resolutions, see “Custom Canvas Resolution” section on page 42 for more information.

4. Seam Brightness, Module Colour Correction, Low Latency Mode and Loop or Processor Redundancy can

be enabled from this menu.

5. Click Create to move to canvas edit mode.

CANVAS RESOLUTIONS

Tessera systems allow the source to send any input resolution that fits within the canvas size, except when working at 2880x720 or 720x2880 in the HD processors.

Tessera M2/S4/T1

l The native canvas size for processors is 1920x1080 pixels l The following list of non-standard canvas sizes are allowed, but places the processor in Low Latency

Mode. See “Low Latency Mode” on page 43 for more information.

l 1080x1920 l 1600x1200 l 2880x720 – This resolution requires the input to match the canvas size l 720x2880 – This resolution requires the input to match the canvas size

Tessera SX40

l HD1920x1080 l DCI (4096x2160) or UHD (3840x2160) can be selected as native resolutions. l Custom canvas resolutions are available. The scaler function is disabled.

Custom Canvas Resolution

Only available for the Tessera SX40, the user can enter a canvas size of their choosing, unrestricted by aspect ratio.

Figure6-5 . The Canvas properties, the user can adjust the canvas size on the f ly

There are some rules to bear in mind when using custom resolutions.

l The scaler function is disabled l Width:

l Minimum: 720 pixels l Maximum: 4094 pixels l It must be an even value

l Height

l Minimum: 720 pixels l Maximum: 4095 pixels

l The maximum total number of supported pixels is 8,847,460

Custom resolution settings should be thoroughly tested before being used in a production environment.

LOW LATENCY MODE

Low Latency Mode reduces the overall latency by one frame.

Tessera T1 and M2 LED processors work at a latency of 3 frames. In Low Latency Mode, the latency is reduced to 2 frames. Tessera S4 LED processors are always in Low Latency Mode, and non-standard canvas sizes automatically switch the Tessera M2 and T1 LED processors into Low Latency Mode.

Note - When using several processors with different end to end latencies to run the same wall, video delay needs to be modified. See “Combining processors ” on page 29 for more

information.

Working in this mode, the following features are disabled:

l Scaling (upscaling and downscaling). As a result, the active area modifications are disabled l Deinterlace l Frame-rate conversion, forcing the processor to lock to the source framerate

Colour functions, such as contrast, brightness and RGB gain remain unaffected. The input source is set at its default resolution and sync frequency and is positioned 1:1 in the top left corner of the canvas.

The Tessera SX40 LED processor does not have a Low Latency Mode, keeping all its features available at 2 frames latency end to end.

Note - We define latency (video delay) as time between the last cycle of a source frame appearing on the processor's input, and the first cycle that an LED on a fixture is lit with that frame.

MAPPING OPTIONS

Interpolation can be activated from the Canvas properties. Tessera projects can be set to work in two different mapping modes depending on the requirements. See “Canvas Properties” on page 78 for more information.

When working in 1:1, the physical size and pixel pitch is not taken into account, every pixel is sent to the correspondent position, independently of the fixture size.

In Interpolated mode, the physical size of panels is accounted for, interpolating every pixel to match the size of different panels, keeping the proportions of the image.

Figure6-6 . Fixtureoutput in 1:1 mode

Figure6-7 . Fixtureoutput in Interpolated mode

PORT CAPACITY IN 1:1 OR INTERPOLATED

When using 1:1 mapping, the output capacity is not affected.

In interpolated mapping, the content on fixtures with a coarser pixel pitch is scaled to take the panel size into consideration, so that content appears the same size across all fixtures.

For example, assume we have a project with three fixture types:

l Type A: 5mm pitch, 500mm x 500mm physical size, 100 x 100 = 10,000 pixels l Type B: 7.8mm pitch, 500mm x 500mm physical size, 64 x 64 = 4096 pixels

l Type C: 15.6mm pitch, 1000mm x 500mm physical size, 64 x 32 = 2048 pixels

Figure6-8 . Different pixel pitch fixtures

Real Pixel Count Size (mm) Pixel Count Interpolated Pixel Count 1:1

A 10,000 500x500 10,000 10,000 B 4096 500x500 10,000 4096 C 2048 1000x500 20,000 2048

Fixture type A counts 10,000 pixels towards the capacity regardless of whether interpolated mapping is used as it has the finest pixel pitch.

With 1:1 mapping, each fixture of type B would count 4096 pixels towards the capacity limit, but with interpolated mapping it counts the same as a type A fixture of the same size, so 10,000 pixels. Fixture type C is the physical size of two type A fixtures, so counts 20,000 pixels towards the limit.

COLOUR AND BRIGHTNESS

There are several ways to modify colour and brightness of fixtures connected to the Tessera system. The controls to use depends on the source or the creative effect desired.

l Global colour - The controls on the Colour Pipeline Tile affects all fixtures connected to the processor,

except where per-fixture or per-group overrides are active. See "Global Colour" on page 124 for more information.

l Per-fixture and per-group colour override - Colour and brightness settings can be superseded for

specific fixtures or groups by enabling Override Global Colour on the Fixture Properties editor. See "Per-

fixture and Per-group Colour Override" on page 47 for more information.

l Input colour - provides controls for modifying the colour balance of a specific input (DVI, SDI, HDMI or

analogue). See "Input Colour Control" on page 102 for more information.

l On-Screen Colour Adjustment (OSCA) –OSCA provides a way of compensating for colour mis-matches

between modules and the appearance of bright or dark seams. See “On-Screen Colour Adjustment” on page 130 for more information.

l ChromaTune - ChromaTune provides tools for making more precise tweaks to specific colours in an

incoming video feed. See "ChromaTune" on page 115 for more information.

CHAPTER 7 - FIXTURES

FIXTURE LIBRARIES

To correctly communicate with fixtures, the processor needs to have the fixture firmware included in the fixture library. A fixture pack is installed with every version of the processor’s firmware and updated fixture packs can be found on our website. See “Fixture Library” on page 161 for more information.

FIXTURE PROPERTIES

When selecting an online fixture from the canvas or from the online tab, the Fixture property editor appears. The property editor sections are divided into Fixture, Colour and Device. See “Properties Area” on page 86 for

more information.

Figure7-1 . Fixtureproperty editor

FIXTURE

Fixture displays basic information about the selected fixture including manufacturer, fixture type and the name of the group containing the fixture.

The second section of this editor displays the position and rotation of the fixture on the canvas. Modifications can be made by typing or using the spin box arrows. Changes can be locked to avoid modifications. Reorient rotates square fixture by 90 degrees clockwise, rectangular fixtures are re-oriented by 180 degrees.

COLOUR

Colour modifications can be enabled in the selected fixture independently from the Global Colour. When the Override Global Colour box is ticked, colour modifications for the selected fixture are enabled and Global Colour property editor values have no effect on the fixture.

PER-FIXTURE AND PER-GROUP COLOUR OVERRIDE

Figure7-2 . Global Colour Override options in Co lour property editor

Single fixtures or groups of fixtures can be made exempt from Global Colour control and assigned separate values. This is useful to maintain one screen at a constant brightness when other fixtures are grouped into separate screens on a processor.

To Override Global Colour, select the fixtures or groups to override and choose from options from the property editor. Different options are made available depending on the users selection.

l If the selection is an ungrouped fixture or a combination of fixtures/groups, the options that can be

adjusted are:

l Intensity gain l Red gain l Green gain l Blue gain

l If the selection is a group, the options that can be adjusted are:

l All the previous settings l Brightness l (Colour) Temperature l Gamma

Note - Once a selection has been overridden on the Colour property editor, the Global Colour controls have no effect on the selected fixtures until the checkbox for Override Global Colour is unchecked.

DEVICE PROPERTIES

The device property editor shows information stored on the R2 receiver card.

FIXTURE QUICK ACCESS BUTTONS

In the title bar for the Device property editor, there are three quick access buttons:

l Reset: Reboots the fixture, video will stop displaying in the following devices connected in the same

string, as data is not passed through while the fixture is rebooting.

l Beacon: Activates the “Identify” test pattern, also called beacon, for the selected fixture. This can be

used to identify the panel from the back. While the panel is in beacon, the rear status indicator LED of the panel blinks yellow.

Figure7-3 . A beaconed panel showing the Identify internal test pattern

l Reload firmware: Re-applies firmware for selected fixtures from the prioritised pack in the Fixture

Library. See “Fixture Library” on page 161 for more information.

DEVICE INFORMATION

The first section lists the MAC address, serial number and firmware version information of the R2 receiver card. The OSD property editor can enable and control OSD shown on selected fixtures See “OSD” on page 50 for

more information.

TEST PATTERN

The Test Pattern drop-down menu allows the user to select a range of internal test patterns that are preprogrammed within the fixtures R2 receiver card. These patterns are viewable regardless of whether the fixture is associated to the processor or not.

Figure7-4 . Internal Test Pattern drop- down menu

Although fixture models vary, most fixtures have a self-test button on the back of the fixture which can be used to activate test patterns by holding on the button for 4 seconds. (Refer to fixture manufacturer documentation for specific functionality).

SELECTED CALIBRATION

The Selected Calibration drop-down menu allows the user to select between the different calibration profiles that are stored within the fixture's R2 receiver card.

Figure7-5 . Selected Calibration list

DISABLE STATUS INDICATOR

The status indicator of the root nodes can be disabled if necessary, by toggling the tick box.

SENSORS INFORMATION

Information from sensors such as temperature or humidity is displayed if available in the fixture.

OSD

OSD or On-Screen Display is supported on R2-based fixtures and offers the possibility to display information on the fixture itself, the processor or the project.

Note - OSD is supported on rectangular fixtures with a minimum sizeof 64x64 pixels but no larger than 1024 pixels in either dimension and up to 262,000 pixels (e.g. 512x512, 1024x256, etc.)

Note - RA-16 based fixtures are not supported

Figure 7-6. OSD controls

To access OSD, click on or select multiple fixtures to reveal the Fixture properties editor.

Click on the OSD button to activate, click again to deactivate. To navigate OSD, use the left and right arrows to cycle through categories, and use the up and down arrows to cycle through pages within each category.

If viewing OSD from a distance, it can be useful to use enlarged fonts by pressing the size button next to the OSD buttons. Fixtures must have a minimal of 128x128 pixels to use this feature.

To trigger OSD from using the rear self-test button on the back of a fixture, press and release the button three times. OSD is only applicable to fixtures running firmware Tessera version 2.1 and above.

STUDIO MODE

Studio Mode reduces a fixture's maximum brightness while maintaining the PWM bit depth, thereby resulting in improved image quality (with less banding) when running at low brightness. The maximum benefit is seen on particularly bright fixtures, especially those running at relatively low PWM bit depth (14 bit or below). See

Studio mode on page 129 for more information.

For fixtures supporting this feature, Studio Mode can be enabled or disabled using the Studio Mode checkbox.

Below are somecomparison images showing the advantages of Dark Magic and Studio Mode.

Normal (no Dark Magic or Studio Mode)

Banding clearly visible at the low end of the gradient

Dark Magic (only)

Banding eliminated, some slight 'sparkle' visible

Studio Mode (only)

Banding less pronounced, but still visible

Dark Magic and Studio Mode

No banding and reduced sparkle

FIXTURE CONTEXT MENU

Right-click a fixture to open a context menu with a list of options. These options are grouped by type and some options have keyboard shortcuts displayed on the right side column. If a fixture is un-associated, some options areunavailable.

Figure7-7 . Fixturecontext menu options

Function Description

Copy Copy the selected fixtures

Place the copied fixtures in the canvas

Paste

Group

Ungroup

Remove from group

Reorient

Rotate selection Rotate the selected fixtures around the selection’s axis Select string Select all the fixtures connected to the same string as the one selected

Send to back

Move to layer Move the selection to a layer Disassociate Remove the association of the selected fixture Correct association Fix the topology re-associating fixtures Zoom to selection Fits the canvas zoom to display the selected fixture/fixtures Snap active area to

selection Delete Delete the selected fixture/fixtures

The rotation value is also added but other values such as the modifications in the fixture Colour property editor (see “Fixture Properties in page 46”) are not copied into the new fixture.

Make a group with the selected fixture/fixtures.

Grouping fixtures is necessary to create group presets or to control fixtures properties via DMX or eDMX protocols.

Break the selected group/groups. Please note that ungrouping deletes the group information (name, colour, etc) and movement records of the selected group in all relevant presets.

Removes the selected fixture from a group without breaking the group.

To select one or several fixtures from a group, hold the Shift key while selecting the fixture/fixtures.

Rotates square fixtures around their own axis by 90° and rectangular fixtures by 180°

Send to the back of the z-axis of the selected layer.

Please note that, above the z-axis order in a layer, the order of layers determine which fixtures can be seen on top

Applies the scaler to fit the active area to the selected fixtures

ADDING FIXTURES TO A PROJECT

There are two main workflows for adding fixtures to a project.

l With fixtures connected to the processor. The project and fixture layout are created on a processor with

fixtures physically connected. In this caseuse Add Fixtures from Network

l Without fixtures connected to the processor (or in offline mode). If a fixture is not connected, select Add

Fixture from Library to access the fixture library containing all fixtures packs that are currently installed on the processor.

See “Fixture Library” on page 161 for more information.

Users can use whichever workflow is most convenient for their project, including a combination of the two.

ADD FIXTURES FROM NETWORK

On the toolbar above the canvas space, the circular indicator on the Add Fixtures from Network button is greyed out if fixtures are not detected or not connected to the processor. This feature is not accessible until

fixtures are physically connected and detected by the processor. Once detected, the indicator turns green.

After clicking Add Fixtures from Network, the toolbar displays detected fixtures and strings of fixtures grouped by output ports. A string is a continuous daisy-chain of Tessera compatible fixtures.

Associating Fixtures

There are two ways to associate fixtures:

Quick association

When fixtures are connected to the processor, each string is assigned a unique numeric code. Entering the code on the processor (using number keys or numpad) selects the corresponding string, the string then has the first fixture attached to the cursor for placement on the canvas.

Figure 7-8. This figure shows a connected fixture wall output. The left image shows a numeric value

corresponding to the fixture when entering Associate Fixtures from Network. The right image shows

when a numerical value has been entered in the processor

Note - This feature is only supported by R2-based fixtures with at least 64x64 pixels.

Note- When the processor recognizes more than 9 strings attached, string numbers have more than one digit, therefore strings must be entered with the samenumber of digits as the number of the last string detected. e.g. 01 or 005.

Figure7-9 . Use the keyboard to enter the shown number on fixture string to add to canvas

Mouse selection association

Associating fixtures can also be done by selecting the port. All fixtures connected to each port are highlighted with the same colour. For example, on a Tessera M2 LED processor, the fixtures on output 1 are always highlighted in red. Similarly, when selecting a port on a root node, the ports is always highlighted in the same colour such as port 1 is always red.

Figure7-1 0. Click on either port A or B to associat e to canvas

Figure7-1 1. Tessera SX40 with XD units, select one to associate to canvas

When associating by selecting ports for each string, the string is represented by a uniquecolour in the user interface and physical fixtures. Fixtures illuminate corresponding to identified strings.

l The Tessera T1 LED processor only has a single output port so there is no port selection and only

displays available strings of fixtures.

l For the Tessera SX40 LED processor, the user needs to first select the trunk where the XD is connected

before continuing to ports compared to other processors.

l During fixture association, if the string contains multiple types of fixtures they are illustrated in the user

interface, and the current part of the string is highlighted.

Blind mode

Blind association is available to associate fixtures without highlighting. This feature can be toggled on/off in Add Fixtures from Network view. To enter this mode with fixtures remaining in this state, hold the Alt button when clicking on Add fixtures from network .

Rotation

Fixtures can be rotated before being placed on the canvas. Use the Rotation slider on the Draw Array property editor or alternatively use Alt + mouse wheel to modify the rotation angle.

Figure 7-12. Draw array feature for rotating fixtures before placing

Array types

To place an array of fixtures, hold the left mouse button while placing the fixture. The array is direction sensitive and topology changes depending on which direction the mouse is dragged.

Topology can be adjusted or re-assigned later from the Canvas view using the Topology tool.

Once an array is created, the Add Fixtures property editor is shown with the following options:

Group Fixtures

Groups the array that the user has created.

For Tessera M2 and T1 LED processors, there are 3 types of array layouts: Grid, Circle and Radial.

Note - Tessera SX40 or S4 LED processors only support grid arrays, circle/radial are not available.

Grid arrays

The Grid Add Fixtures property editor contains options for the user to adjust position, change grid size, define spacing between fixtures or rotate to a desired location.

Figure7-1 3. Grid fixture layout property editor

Circle arrays

The Circle Add Fixtures property editor contains options for the user to place fixtures in a circular array. The radius, position, rotation and fixture count can be changed.

Figure7-1 4. Circle fixture layout property editor

Radial Arrays

Differs to the circle option by offering the option to place multiple fixtures in a circle, spanning outwards to create a wider display. Unique options with Radial include adjusting the quantity of fixtures used per spoke, the width and distance between fixtures.

Figure7-1 5. Radial fixture layout property editor

ADD FIXTURES FROM LIBRARY

It is possible to work offline and create a layout when fixtures are not connected either by using the Tessera Offline Editor in Tessera Remote, or by using the local user interface. In each case the user will need to add fixtures from the library, as no fixtures are connected so Add Fixtures From Network will be disabled.

Add Fixtures from Library displays the Fixture Library and Draw Array Fixture editor, allowing the user to draw fixtures to your project’s utilizing the installed fixture packs available on the processor or on Tessera Remote.

Figure7-1 6. Fixture library with list of installed fixture firmware on the processor

The Search bar can be used to filter the list or find a specific fixture. To only display fixtures that are already placed on the canvas, select Used in the top-right corner. Similarly, to only show connected fixtures click Online to reducethe list to fixtures types that are connected to the processor.

Select a fixture from the list and click on the canvas to add the fixture.

ASSIGNING OR MODIFYING ONLINE FIXTURE TOPOLOGY

To associate a fixture already placed on the canvas:

Click the relevant fixture on the canvas.

1. If the fixtures on the canvas already have topology applied, the user is prompted to associate the rest of

the string using the highlighted red string. Press enter to associate the fixture to the string.

2. If only part of the string is required, hold the Shift key and select the last fixture to associate.

3. Alternatively, continue to associate fixtures individually by clicking each fixture on the canvas in turn.

If the user creates a new topology for panels which have already been associated, the old topology will be discarded in favour of the new topology/association.

See “Understanding Topology and Association” on page 66 for more information.

SUB-FIXTURES

Sub-fixtures do not have a Tessera interface and so cannot be connected directly to a Processor or XD output. Instead multiple fixtures are connected to a single power/control box. These fixtures are represented in the Tessera system as sub-fixtures. The power/control boxes are called root nodes.

Each root node contains a R2 receiver card, and like normal panel-type fixtures are connected to the rest of the system over daisy-chained Gigabit Ethernet. Root nodes connect to sub-fixtures using a proprietary data/power connection.

Figure7-1 7. Sub-fixtures being used with conventional LED panels

Note - Sub-fixtures are supported on Tessera SX40 version 2.3 and upwards.

SUB-FIXTURES PROPERTIES

The Fixture property editor is displayed when selecting an online root node or sub-fixture from the canvas or the online view. See “Fixture Properties” on page 46 for more information.

ROOT NODES PROPERTIES

Figure7-1 8. Device property editor

The device property editor shows the information of the R2 receiver card and the root node.

Device Information

The first section lists the MAC Address, serial number and firmware version information of the R2 receiver card.

Note - OSD is not available for sub-fixtures. See “OSD” on page 50 for more information

Configuration Buttons

Next to Root Node there are three buttons:

l Configure root node

Allows the user to specify sub-fixtures on each port. See the “Configuring the root nodes online, steps 5 and 6” on page 62 for more information.

l Copy root node configuration

Copy the configuration for the selected root node.

l Paste root node configuration

Paste the copied configuration for the selected root node.

Using Copy/Paste can make the workflow quicker when using larger amounts of root nodes. Several root nodes can be selected, and the configuration pasted to all of them at the same time.

Test Pattern

The Test Pattern drop-down menu allows you to select a range of internal test patterns that are generated on the fixtures R2 receiver card. The patterns can be displayed on all connected sub-fixtures whether they are associated to the processor or not. See “Sub-fixture internal test patterns” on page 65 for more information.

Disable Status Indicator

The status indicator of the root nodes can be disabled by toggling the tick box.

Sensors Information

Information such as Temperature or Humidity is displayed if the root node has the appropriate sensors.

SUB-FIXTURES CONTEXT MENU

Right-click the root node to open a context menu with a list of options. Sub-fixture options are the same as other fixture’s options. Root nodes have additional functions to “Configure” (only when the root node is online) and “Add Sub-fixtures” options for root note configuration and the addition of sub-fixtures.

Figure7-1 9. Extra option for sub-fixtures in context menu

ASSOCIATING SUB-FIXTURES

Sub-fixtures may be individually positioned and rotated on the canvas, just like normal fixtures. Root nodes arenot typically able to detect what types and quantities of sub-fixtures are connected to their outputs and must be assigned by the processor. Root nodes can be added to the canvas using the Add Fixtures from Library or Add Fixtures from Network tools.

ADDING SUB-FIXTURES ONLINE OR OFFLINE

Using Add Fixtures from Library or Add Fixtures from Network

1. Click Add Fixtures from Library or Add Fixtures from Network

2. Select the root node and place it on the canvas.

3. Press Enter to return to the Canvas view.

4. Right-click the root node and select Add Sub-fixtures.

5. The type of fixture can be selected from the Library list. Select the relevant sub-fixtures and add them to

the canvas.

6. Repeated presses of Tab or the Next Port button advances through the ports, before returning to

adding root nodes.

Figure7-2 0. Adding a sub-fixture to canvas

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until all fixtures are placed.

8. Press Enter or Escape to confirm the association

9. If the configuration of the root nodes does not match the fixtures on the canvas, a notification is

displayed. Click the button to confirm.

Figure7-2 1. Notification to configure root nodes not matching fixture topology

CONFIGURING THE ROOT NODES ONLINE

Using Add Fixtures from Network . The root nodes need to be connected to the processor and online.

1. Click Add Fixtures from Library or Add Fixtures from Network

2. Select the root node and place it on the canvas.

3. Press Enter to return to Canvas view.

4. Right-click the root node and select Configure. A new window opens with the root node configuration

options.

Figure7-2 2. Strip cont rol box configuration menu

5. The control box stores the last configuration from previous projects. To delete all associated sub-

fixtures click Clear all ports or to delete individual sub-fixtures, select and press the delete button.

6. Select the port, sub-fixture type and the number of sub-fixtures then click Add devices. This may take a

couple of seconds for the root node to configure.

Once configured, sub-fixtures can be added. If the topology differs from the root node configuration, root nodes can be reconfigured by pressing the Configure Root Nodes button in the error message.

Figure7-2 3. Notification to configure root nodes not matching fixture topology

OFFLINE

Using Add Fixtures from Library

1. Click Add Fixtures from Library.

2. Select the root nodes and place on the canvas. The search bar can be used to filter fixtures.

Figure 7-24. Adding a Root node to canvas

3. Press Tab to start associating sub-fixtures. Repeated presses of Tab or the Next Port button advances

through the ports.

4. The type of fixture can be selected from the Library menu. Select the sub-fixtures and add them to the

canvas.

Figure 7-25. Adding a sub-fixture to canvas

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all your fixtures are placed.

6. Press Enter or Escape to confirm the association.

Once fixtures are connected to the processor, the root nodes can be associated. Strings of root nodes appear the same as strings of normal fixtures in the Add Fixtures From Network tool. See "Adding Fixtures to a

Project" on page 53 for more information.

When a root node is associated, its outputs is automatically reconfigured with the correct types of sub-fixtures drawn in the topology, and sub-fixtures are automatically associated.

ONLINE

Using Add Fixtures from Network

This option restricts the addition of sub-fixtures to the configuration of the root node. The processor does not receive information regarding the number of connected sub-fixtures.

1. Click Add Fixtures from Network

2. Select the port for connected fixtures.

3. Select the root node and associate it to the canvas. This step is not necessary but is useful if the root

node configuration needs to be changed.

4. Select the sub-fixtures.

5. Select the root node where the sub-fixtures are connected.

6. Select the port connected to the root node for association.

7. Draw the sub-fixtures of the selected port on the canvas and continue to other connected ports.

8. Press escape to got to the previous menu or enter to finish association and return to Canvas view.

If the configuration is correct, all sub-fixtures are now ready for use.

Note - Root nodes are limited in terms of the types, quantities and combinations of subfixtures that can be connected to their outputs. These constraints are enforced when adding sub-fixtures to root nodes. See the fixture manufacturer's documentation for more information.

The Edit Topology tool can be used to modify the connections between root nodes and/or sub-fixtures after they have been added.

If fixtures are placed on the canvas and physically connected to the processor, use the Add Fixtures from Network tool to associate strings of root nodes in the same way as strings of normal fixtures. When a root node is associated, its outputs are automatically assigned with the correct types of sub-fixtures.

It is not normally necessary to individually associate sub-fixtures. If a sub-fixture doesn’t appear associated, the root node can be disassociated by right-clicking and selecting Disassociate.

Figure7-2 6. Context menu to disas sociate a f ixture

To re-associate the root-node, right click and select Correct Association to automatically correct the topology for the root node and all connected sub-fixtures.

Figure7-2 7. Context menu to correct association once a f ixture on canvas is discovered

SUB-FIXTURE INTERNAL TEST PATTERNS

Test patterns can be enabled on sub-fixtures from the fixture properties editor. Different patterns can be enabled on each sub-fixture. If test patterns are enabled on one sub-fixture, all other sub-fixtures on that root node will cease to display live video.

A small subset of internal test patterns can also be enabled on root nodes. All sub-fixtures connected to the root node, including one’s not currently configured/associated to sub-fixtures areilluminated.

UNDERSTANDING TOPOLOGY AND ASSOCIATION

Tessera processors can detect the topology of connected fixtures. Topology is the order which fixtures are connected, which port on the processor they are connected to and if fixtures are broken into strings by switches. The topology tools are used to help users associate physical fixtures with fixtures on the canvas.

Fixtures are identified by a unique MAC address. When a physical fixture is associated in the project, the MAC address is recorded, and association persists until the user makes changes.

If the real-world topology is changed after fixtures are associated, For example; a video wall is re-cabled, the fixture association is not automatically re-configured by the processor. Turn on Show Topology Errors in Canvas Properties (right-click on canvas) or in the View dropdown menu to highlight in red any changes found on the canvas.

Figure7-2 8. Example of incorrect topology, notice the arrows on the far left and right are highlighted in red

SWAPPING FIXTURES AND CORRECTING ASSOCIATION

Each fixture connected to a Tessera processor is recognised as a unique fixture. Each unique fixture is associated with a position on the canvas. If a fixture goes offlineor is removed, the fixture remains on the canvas but is now disassociated. The status indicator on the Add fixtures from network button only turns grey when fixtures are offline.

In instances where a fixture is swapped out from the string, the processor will detect a disappearance and a new fixture will appear in the same position. The processor will detect a swap-out has taken place and will offer the user the option to perform Correct Association.

TO PERFORM A SWAP-OUT OF ONE FIXTURE:

1. Disconnect and remove the fixture.

2. Insert and connect a new fixture into the same position of the string. The processor prompts the user

with the following message:

Figure7-2 9. The correct association dialog box

3. This message is available for 10 seconds. After this message expires, the Correct Association option can

be found by right-clicking on the icon of the affected fixture or by selecting Correct Association from the Edit dropdown menu or edit topology toolbar .

CHANGING PHYSICAL TOPOLOGY

If the fixtures’ topology is modified, for example to balance the ports load, the fixtures are automatically reassociated.

Example: The fixtures in a wall are associated to the processor in a topology using ports 1 and 2 as shown below:

Figure7-3 0. Fixtures associated to the process or using ports 1 and 2

Due to the port capacity restrictions, the topology of some fixtures need to be changed from port 1 to port 2 to balance the load on ports.

Figure 7-31. Fixtures with topology changed to balance laod on ports

The processor automatically recognizes the fixtures MAC addresses and re-associates this fixture in the project. To see the topology errors, enable Show Topology Errors in the canvas view. The fixtures automatically begin functioning at this stage.

The processor may prompt the following message:

Figure7-3 2. The correct association dialog box

Confirm by pressing the Correct Association button .

The Correct Association option can be also done by selecting Correct Association from the Edit dropdown menu or in the Edit topology toolbar menu .

Pressing the correct association button repairs the canvas topology.

CHANGING CANVAS TOPOLOGY

The topology can be manually changed using the topology toolbar that appears when pressing the Edit Topology button.

Figure7-3 3. Topology viewoptions

As an example, if the fixtures were first cabled in a continuous string from left to right and from bottom to top as viewed from the front of the screen.

Figure7-3 4. First topology

The second time the fixtures are connected, the cabling topology is changed, as shown below.

Figure7-3 5. Second topology

To correct the screen, use the following steps:

1. On the canvas select all fixtures with the incorrect topology. Right-click the fixtures and select

Disassociate.

2. Click Edit Topology to view the Topology toolbar and select the string of fixtures requiring correction by

double-clicking on the dot in the centre of a fixture. The whole string is coloured red.

Figure7-3 6. The topology is drawn on all fixtures in the string

3. The strike in the Remove Link button changes from grey to red once a string is selected, indicating that it

can now be used. Click on it to remove the topology.

4. Hover the mouse over the centre spot of the fixture which is to be at the start of the string. Click and

drag the pointer to the centre spot of the second fixture on the string. A dotted red line is drawn which turns solid as the line becomes pinned to the centre spot of the next fixture in the string.

5. Repeat the process until the string is complete.

Figure7-3 7. Re-applying the string

The topology direction can be reversed by clicking Reverse topology when a string is highlighted.

Figure7-3 8. Completed topology string

7. Once corrections are complete, return to the main project view by pressing Esc or clicking on the arrow

located at the top left of the interface . The processor detects a new topology which doesn’t match the current association and displays the Correct Association message for 10 seconds.

Figure7-3 9. The incorrect topology notification

8. Click the Correct Association button to finish the process. The fixture icons display a green indicator

when associated to the canvas. Source content can be displayed on associated fixtures.

Figure7-4 0. The fixtures areonline and associated.

Alternatively, the string can be associated using Add Fixtures from Network. See “Associating fixtures” on page

53 for more information.

FIXTURE LAYOUT

SELECTING INDIVIDUAL FIXTURES

Click to select a fixture.The fixture will turn blue and the Fixture property editor will be displayed on the right sideof the user interface. See “Fixture Properties” on page 46 for more information. Right-click on a fixture to display a context menu. See “Fixture Context Menu” on page 52 for more information.

SELECTING MULTIPLE FIXTURES

There are various methods to select multiple fixtures:

l Ctrl + left-click on fixtures to individually select them. l Hold the left mouse button and drag to create a selection box around the fixtures, release button to

finish selecting. For more information about selection modes, see “Selection Mode” on page 166 for more information.

l To select all fixtures on the canvas, use Ctrl + A, or ⌘ + A on Mac OSX.

GROUPING FIXTURES

A selection of fixtures can be combined into a group. When changes are madewith the group selected, such as moving or adjusting colour, the fixtures contained within the group always change together. This feature saves time by not having to configure fixtures separately and improves accuracy by moving a wall of fixtures making sure that the relative position of the fixtures don’t change.

To set a group, select the required fixtures, right-click to show the context menu and choose Group, the same method is used to ungroup fixtures. Use Ctrl+G to group fixtures or Ctrl+Shift+G to ungroup fixtures.

To select one or several fixtures from a group, hold the Shift key while selecting the fixture/fixtures. These fixtures remain in the group while being modified, without breaking the group.

Note - If a group is broken by ungrouping or removing fixtures, all relevant presets where the group has a recorded position will also be updated/deleted accordingly. Thefollowing warning is displayed: “Any colour overrides associated with that group will be lost”.

GROUP PROPERTIES

The Group property editor appears when a group is selected. It is composed of Group and Colour.

Figure7-4 1. Group properties

Group

The group property editor is divided in three sections.

Group info

l Name: Change the name of the group. l To see the name in the canvas, activate Show Group Names in the View dropdown menu or in the

Canvas context menu. See “Canvas Context Menu” on the page 80 for more information.

l Colour: Click in the colour box to select a different colour from the palette.

Position

The second section of this property editor displays the position and rotation of the fixture in the canvas. Changes can be locked to avoid modifications. Modifications can be made by typing or using the spin box arrows. The Reorient button rotates the fixture by 90 degrees clockwise for square fixtures, or 180 degrees for rectangular fixtures.

Rotation centre

The rotation centre of the group can be modified. The canvas coordinates for the centre can be typed or selected in the spin boxes. Alternatively, choose one of the Snap To options to place it in the predefined positions of the group.

Colour

GROUP CONTEXT MENU

Right-click in a group to open a context menu with a list of options. Group options are a small selection of the Fixture options. The Select Grouped Fixtures option eases the selection of the fixtures contained in the group instead of the group itself.

Figure7-4 2. Context menu when selecting a group, including an option to ungroup

Select one or several fixtures from a group by pressing the Shift key while selecting the fixture/fixtures. These fixtures remain in the group while being modified, without ungrouping.

MOVING FIXTURES

Fixtures can be moved anywhere on the Canvas, either within or outside of the Active Area by selecting the fixture and dragging with a mouse or pressing arrow keys on the keyboard. Pressing the arrow keys will move the fixture by grid-space increments. The grid space increment size can be modified in the Canvas properties dropdown menu. See “Canvas Properties” on page 78 for more information.

ROTATING FIXTURES

Fixtures can be rotated by 90-degree increments on all processors, however Tessera M2 and T1 LED processors support free rotation, allowing rotation to any degree at a cost of doubling the bandwidth required to drive the fixtures.

Figure7-4 3. Network load is increased when rotating fixtures by 9 0 degrees

Fixtures can be individually rotated around their top-left corners by first selecting the fixture, then either click the rotation icon in the toolbar or right-clicking and selecting Rotate Selection. An anchor spot with a handle

appears over the fixtures. Both can be dragged to a desired position to change the rotation axis and the rotation angle, respectively.

Figure7-4 4. Manually rotate a f ixture using the anchor handle

Alternatively press Ctrl+Shift+R or select from the Edit property editor to enter rotation mode.

Fixtures can also be rotated during association by pressing the Alt key and using the mouse wheel to change the rotation angle.

Note - The Tessera S4 and SX40 LED processors can only rotate in 90-degree increments.

For further information on how rotating fixtures affects network load see "Other factors affecting output

capacity" on page 27.

CHAPTER 8 - MAIN PROJECT SCREEN

When creating a new project, the Main Project Screen opens with multipleview modes:

l Canvas view: Allows layout editing and visualization of fixture position on the selected canvas,

topologies, video source and access to the tools for image adjustment in the LED devices, and troubleshooting.

l Topology view (Tessera SX40 only): Provides a representation of the connections between the

processors, XD units and fixtures.

l Online view: Provides a list of the fixtures connected and information received by the processor

including ports, errors etc.

CANVAS VIEW

The Canvas View gives access to tools for content placement on fixtures, video modifications and adjustment.

Figure8-1 . Tessera Processor showing Canvas View in detail

CANVAS PROPERTIES

The canvas properties editor can be accessed by selecting Properties in the canvas properties toolbar, on the top-right of the canvas.

Figure8-2 . Canvas properties

Size

The canvas size can be freely modified however the input source must fit within the width and height dimensions. Depending on the selected resolution, some limitations might apply. See “Canvas Resolutions” on

page 42 for more information.

Pixel Pitch

This option is for Tessera M2 and T1 processors and only appears when fixtures with two different pixel pitches are drawn in the canvas. Clicking the check-box alternates between 1:1 and interpolated modes. See

“Mapping Options” on page 43 for more information.

Units

Select between millimetres, inches or pixels for the background modifications.

BACKGROUND

Show

Toggle to enable or disable the background view.

File

Click Browse to navigate to a image file from the USB drive or computer (when in Remote mode) to display in the background on the canvas. GIF, JPG or PNGfiles are compatible.

By default, the image aligns to the top-left of the canvas.

Video snapshot will capture a image of the selected input source and apply it to the canvas background.

Clear

Deletes the assigned background.

Scale

If the image size differs to the canvas size or to the desired size, the sizecan be modified by selecting a pixel ratio. When the selected units are pixels, a 1px value will show the real size of the image, values lower than 1px reduces the image size while values above increase its size.

Press edit to click and drag a line on the background image and specify the final length that it should take in the canvas. The limit of this value is 1000px.

X/Y

Adjust the position of the top-left corner on the background image.

GRID

Colour

If desired, the grid dots colour can be modified. This can be useful when using a background with an identical colour, to be able to differentiate the grid dots.

Spacing

Define the grid space in pixels. This value also modifies the number of pixels that a fixture is moved when using the keyboard arrows to move it around the canvas.

CANVAS EDITS ENABLED

Enables or disables modifiying the active area size or position of the canvas. This can be done by clicking the edges of the canvas and dragging to resize it.

See “Active Area” on page 112 for more information.

CANVAS CONTEXT MENU

Right-click an unused area of the canvas to open a context menu with a list of options to customize the appearance and usability of the canvas.

Figure8-3 . Context menu when right-clicking unused area on canvas

Function Description

Paste Paste the previously copied fixture to this place on the canvas.

Zoom To Fit

Zoom to selection

Zoom 1:1 Adjust the zoom to show the canvas with a 1 to 1 resolution of the display. Toggle Navigator Show or hide the navigator window.

Show Root Nodes Root nodes can be shown or hidden. Show Topology Fixture’s topology can be shown or hidden. Show Group Names Group Names can be shown or hidden.

Show Grid Grid dots can be shown or hidden at convenience.

Snap to Grid

Snap to Fixtures

Adjust the zoom and view position to display the complete canvas in the centre of the screen.

Adjust the zoom and view position to fit the selected fixtures in the centre of the screen

Pull fixtures into perfect alignment with the grid. Is enabled by default, helping to align or space fixtures evenly on the canvas

Pull fixtures into perfect alignment with other fixtures. Is enabled by default to align fixtures evenly on the canvas avoiding overlapping or small gaps.

CANVAS TOOLBAR

The Main Toolbar offers a selection of tools to draw fixtures on the canvas and select zoom and view positions.

Figure8-4 . Canvas toolbar features

Icon Icon Description Description

Undo/Redoarrows

Add Fixtures from Library

Add Fixtures from Network

Edit Topology

Free Rotation of Selected Fixtures

Undo and redo the last action performed. The shortcut commands for Undo are Ctrl+Z (⌘ +Z) and Redo with Ctrl+Shift+Z or Ctrl+Y

Access to a menu with all the fixtures included in the fixture packs currently added to the processor. Once connected, these fixtures require associating. See “Adding Fixtures to a Project” on page 53 for

more information.

This button does not appear in the offline mode and is greyed out if there are no fixtures connected to the processor. Gives access to a menu for associating physically connected fixtures. See “Adding

Fixtures to a Project” on page 53 for more information.

Modify and correct the topology connections between fixtures already added.

After clicking, an anchor spot with a handle appears over the fixtures. Both can be dragged to a desired position to change the rotation axis and the rotation angle, respectively. See “Rotating Fixtures” on page 75

for more information.

Zoom In and Zoom Out To adjust the view of canvas to appear larger or smaller.

Zoom To Fit

Zoom To Selection

Zoom 1:1

Toggle Navigator Show or hide the navigator window.

Adjust the zoom and view position to display the full size of the canvas in the centre of the screen.

Adjust the zoom and view position to fit the selected fixtures in the centre of the screen.

Adjust the zoom to show the canvas with a 1 to 1 resolution of the display

CANVAS EDIT VIEWS

EDIT MODE

Edit Mode views allow fixtures to be positioned on the canvas.

Edit Mode:

Keyboard Shortcut: F1

Edit Mode is the default mode for the canvas and allows fixture positioning. In Edit mode the fixtures are displayed as viewed from the front.

Rear Edit Mode:

Keyboard Shortcut: F2

Fixtures are commonly cabled from behind and Rear Edit allows fixtures on the canvas to be horizontally flipped, as if viewed from behind. This is particularly helpful when you are associating fixtures or troubleshooting from behind the fixtures.

VIDEO ON CANVAS MODE

The Video on Canvas Mode view displays the currently selected video input onto the Canvas, including Viewport and Active Area settings. This mode shows how input content is displayed on fixtures in real-time.

Note - Video on Canvas mode is not available on Tessera S4 processor or accessible using Tessera Remote. Fixtures cannot be moved on the canvas whilst in Video on Canvas Modes.

Fixture Only Mode:

Keyboard Shortcut: F3

Fixture only mode displays the currently selected video input as it is being displayed on the fixtures.

Video And Fixture Mode:

Keyboard Shortcut: F4

Video and Fixture Mode displays the current video input on both the fixtures and the canvas. The video within the Active Area that is not being displayed on the fixtures is shown greyed out as shown in the picturebelow.

Video Only Mode

Keyboard Shortcut: F5

Video Only Mode displays the current video input within the Active Area on the canvas without displaying the fixtures. This mode is useful to preview the input source size and position in the canvas.

HEAT MAP

Keyboard Shortcut F6

Selecting 'Heat Map' from the canvas display mode button (or pressing F6) displays fixtures on the canvas coloured based on the temperature reported by internal sensors.

The fixtures display a colour representing the temperature. Temperatures ranging from the coolest fixtures (black) to the hottest fixtures (white). Fixtures that are offline or that haven't reported a temperature are displayed with a grey hatched pattern.

LAYERS

Figure 8-5. The Layers property editor

Layers are an easy way of managing overlapping fixtures.

Fixtures can be assigned to layers which have a Z-order. Z-order refers to the front to back ordering.

Layers are particularly useful when two groups of fixtures are superimposed on the canvas, so that the content can be easily duplicated on two sets of fixtures, such as when using two screens showing the same content on either side of the stage. Layers make it easier and more accurate to select between the two groups of fixtures when making OSCA or other fixture-based adjustments.

Toggling the tick box of a layer shows or hides the layer without affecting the output. Clicking and dragging a highlighted layer up or down allows the Z-order of the layer to be adjusted.

Layers can be assigned or adjusted at any point within the Canvas view. On the right-side of the toolbar, there is a drop-down menu containing layers created for the current project. This menu contains options to add

layers , remove layers , drag to prioritise layers and toggle visibility of layers.

Rename a layer by double-clicking the layer name in the layers dropdown menu.

To assign fixtures to layers, select the fixture and right-click. Under Move to Layer, select the layer to use.

PROPERTIES AREA

When working in canvas mode, the Properties area is located on the right side of the screen. It can be shown or hidden by clicking the double-arrow button placed next to the canvas properties toolbar.

Fixture information, canvas and/or pipeline tiles is displayed in this area.

Figure8-6 . The properties area is on the right side of the canvas

When selecting pipeline tiles, a fixture, a group or a combination of fixtures and/or groups, a property editor with information and properties is shown in the Properties area.

WORKING WITH PROPERTY EDITORS

Activate A Feature

Pipeline tile functions can be activated and deactivated by double-clicking on a pipeline tile or Enable button,

next to the name.

Stack Property Editor Widgets

A selection of property editor widgets can be arranged to be displayed simultaneously. Press and hold the CTRL button while clicking in the desired Pipeline tiles to see how the Property editors get added on the Properties area.

A fixture or group property editor can also be selected.

Note - The property editor for a selection of groups/fixtures only displays common settings. The positions, rotation and colour modifications are applied to all selected objects.

Pin Property Editor Widgets To Properties Area

To pin and fix a property editor widget to the properties area so it does not disappear when a different object is selected, press the pin button located on the right side of the editor title bar.

The editor can still be closed by pressing the close button located on the right side of the editor title bar.

Close Property Editor Widgets

When a new object such as a pipeline tile, fixture or group is selected, a property editor opens, closing all other Property editors, except those pinned.

Property editors can also be closed by using the close button located on the right side of the editor title bar.

Reset All Values To Default

To reset all the values contained in the Properties editor to default, press the reset button located on the right side of the editor title bar.

Re-arrange Property Editors

The order of the property editors can be changed by clicking and dragging the property editor title bar and placing it in a different position.

PIPELINE

The pipeline represents the signal flow through the processor. The pipeline is composed of tiles arranged in groups.

Working With Pipeline Tiles

Activating Settings

A white bar on the pipeline tile appears when settings are active. Double-click the pipeline tile to switch settings on or off.

Unselected Pipeline tile is disabled

Single click Pipeline tile disabled, property editor shown

Double click

Double click Pipeline tile enabled, property editor shown

Pipeline tile enabled, property editor not shown unless pinned to property area

Open The Property Editor

Pipeline tile properties can be viewed and adjusted by single clicking on a tile to prompt the property editor to appear.

Note - The selected tiles settings are only activated by double-clicking on the Pipeline tile or toggling the Enable button in the left side of the property editor title bar.

When a property editor is open, the pipeline tile is highlighted in blue.

PRESETS

At the bottom of the Main Project Screen, presets can be set to store settings on the processor. Presets can be made to affect all fixtures, a selection of fixtures or groups. The video source modifications affects all fixtures on the canvas.

Available options to save into presets include:

l Affecting only selected groups or fixtures

l Fixture or group colour (with override global colour enabled) l Group position on the canvas (Only affects groups. The group must be selected during preset

recording)

l Affecting all fixtures:

l Video source selection l Video source properties l Global Colour l Geometry information (Viewport and Active Area)

Figure8-7 . Main Project Screen with record buttons highlighted

Presets can be used to set different colour and brightness settings to compensate for changes from day to night or cloudy versus sunny conditions.

USING MASKING

Figure8-8 . Preset Recording view

Masking is useful for security when changing fixture position without altering colour information or to change the input source without affecting the global colour.

When a preset is stored, three icons are displayed. The icons represent information that will be stored within the preset. Colour, position, and video settings can be selected or deselected to include or exclude them from the preset.

RECORDING PRESETS

1. Group the required fixtures and allocate a position on the canvas for the preset to record.

Note - A group can consist of a single fixture.

2. Set the parameters of colour, position or video to store as a preset.

Click the red preset record button .

Select or deselect the masking controls for colour , position or video input .

5. The tiles of the available fixture groups appear with striped diagonal lines.

6. Only selected groups are stored into a Position preset. Once selected, the diagonal lines on the groups

change to solid colour.

If no group is selected, the following warning is shown.

7. Click an empty preset tile to store the new preset.

8. When double-clicking a preset, the preset recalls settings for associated groups.

EDITING PRESETS

To change any parameters of a stored preset, the preset must be re-recorded. Double-click the stored preset tile, make changes and click the Preset Record button to save.

Right-click on a stored preset tile to rename or delete it.

PRESET PROPERTIES

Click once in a preset to open its property editor.

Name Option to rename the preset tile Fade Time Select the cross-fade time Fade Through Black Activate to go to black before crossfading to the new source input Cross-fading This feature is only available on the Tessera M2 LED processor

Switching inputs can be achieved by creating a Video preset for each input.

Note - Other values like Colour and Position are not affected by the fade times and are committed as soon as the preset is activated. Crossfade only affects the source selection.

Crossfading between inputs can be achieved by storing the different inputs as presets with a fade time. To store presets to crossfade from one input to another follow these steps:

1. Select the first input for the preset (all tiles are changed to this input).

2. Click the Preset Record button .

3. Select a slot for the preset.

4. Activate a different input by double-clicking on a source pipeline tile (video thumbnail).

5. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to create a new preset for this input.

6. Click on each preset to view properties or set a fade time for the preset.

The presets are ready to crossfade between the inputs.

Note - Note - Tessera M2 LED processor has two input pipelines, each can process up to a 1920x1080 raster at 60Hz. When an input is selected, the input is mapped to the currently unused pipeline then fed into the mixer and scaler functions of the processor. Once any crossfading is complete, the other pipeline is then freed for the next selected input when selected.

LOG

Information about the processes and errors that occur within the processor can be viewed by clicking on Log.

This information can be stored in a USB drive or on the computer using the button Save the Log .

MOVING AROUND THE CANVAS

Move Controls

Vertical scrollbar

Arrow keys

Page up/down keys

Up, down, left and right

Mouse wheel

Horizontal scrollbar

Arrow keys

Shift + mouse wheel Use in the main toolbar

Ctrl + mouse wheel

Zoom in and out

Ctrl + + to zoom in, Ctrl +- to zoom out

Zoom to fit, Zoom 1:1 or Zoom to selection options

Drag the canvas Hold the space bar and left-click + drag with the mouse

Modify the scaler options

Modify the active area

On the edges of the active area, click and drag as the cursor becomes a doubleheaded arrow

Modify the scaler options

Move the active area

On the top-left of the active area, click and drag as the hand cursor appears

NAVIGATOR

The Navigator provides a simple way of moving around the canvas and adjusting zoom levels. A mini preview of the canvas is displayed, with a red box showing the current visible canvas area. Dragging the box moves the canvas view, and a slider is available for zooming in and out.

Open or close the Navigator window by:

Clicking the button from the toolbar

l Clicking the button intersecting the canvas Scrollbars. l Select Toggle Navigator from the canvas context menu. l Select Toggle Navigator from the View menu. l Press Ctrl+Shift+N (or ⌘ +Shift+N on Mac)

PROJECT DATA EXPORT

Tessera software has three types of files that can be exported: Canvas image, device layout and discovered devices.

EXPORT CANVAS IMAGE

To export an image, navigate to Tools and select Export Canvas Image. Several options are displayed for the user to choose and control how exported images are rendered. After selecting export options, the user is prompted to select an export location, either on the local file system when using Tessera Remote or on a USB storage device attached to the processor when using the local user interface.

The exported image in PNG format is a pixel-accurate representation of the canvas and has the same dimensions as the canvas.

Note - If using the exported image for content creation, we recommend using the image as a guide only. This avoids artefacts due to aliasing at the edges of small and rotated fixtures.

EXPORT DEVICE LAYOUT

To export the device layout data as a CSV file, navigate to the Tools dropdown menu and select Export Device Layout. The CSV file contains a row for every fixture on the canvas. To choose the columns, select fields from the left list and press the right arrow to move them to the right list. To individually select multiple fields, Hold Ctrl(⌘ for Mac) and click each field.

After choosing export options, select a storage location, either on the local file system when using Tessera Remote or on a USB storage device attached to the processor when using the local user interface.

Data is exported in Comma-Separated Values (CSV) format, which can be opened with spreadsheet applications such as Microsoft Excel, or a simple text editor.

EXPORT DISCOVERED DEVICES

Export discovered devices, exports information identical to the Online view therefore selected filter options, column hiding, and sorting also applies to the exported data. By default this includes:

l Port l Type l Serial Number l Firmware l Progress l Port 1 Status l Port 2 Status l Temperature l Orientation l Status l Authentication

Navigate to the Tools dropdown menu and select Export Discovered Devices or from Online view and selecting Export Discovered Panels.

Data is exported in Comma-Separated Values (CSV) format.The exported data can be opened and manipulated in spreadsheet applications such as Microsoft Excel, or in simple text editors.

ONLINE VIEW

The Online Fixtures view provides comprehensive information about all fixtures currently detected by the processors output ports.

EXPORTING ONLINE FIXTURE DATA

To export information regarding connected fixtures, navigate to either the Tools drop-down menu or the Online view and click the Export Discovered Devices button.For more information see: Project Data Export on

page 95

NETWORK ERROR MONITORING

To help track down faulty cables and connectors in a large system, the Online tab shows an error counter for each connected fixture. Error counters start at zero when the fixture is powered-up and may be manually reset to zero by right-clicking.

Figure8-9 . Resetting Network Errors

Fixtures must be running V1.5.0 or later firmware and must be associated (i.e. added to the canvas) for the processor to read the error counts.

Errors do not propagate through the system, which helps to quickly locate a faulty cable. For example:

Figure8-1 0. Using Network Errors to locate a faulty cable

The error counter values are not reset by events such as the link going up or down, or the fixture being disconnected and reconnected. This is useful for long-term tests as an unexpected disconnection does not increase the error count.

A small number of receive errors can be expected when hot-plugging data cables or power cycling fixtures or processor. This is normal behaviour and does not indicate a fault. At other times, any error count increase indicates a potential fault that should be investigated.

Error counters update every couple of seconds, which helps to correlate errors with intermittent external events that might cause data corruption (such as using radios or the switching of high-power loads nearby). In this case, either remove or relocate the source of the interference, or consider using shielded data cables.

Note - Standard precautions must be taken if using shielded cables, as this can electrically connect the two device’s earthing. Ensure both devices are at the same earth potential (especially for the link between the processor and first fixture, as these are often connected to different power sources), otherwise the cable's screen can equalise this voltage, causing a current to flow down the screen, which itself risks corrupting data or damaging the cable or connected devices.

TOPOLOGY VIEW

The Topology View is exclusive to Tessera SX40 LED processors. Topology view shows the current network topology of the processor, connected XD units and fixtures.

On the left, the letters A, B, C, & D represent the physical ports of the Tessera SX40. Green arrows represent a connection between the processor ports to any connected XD distribution units and their ports. The names of the XD units are displayed for recognition.

If fixture chains are connected to any ports, the number of fixtures in the chain is displayed in the topology. Other topologies like daisy-chained XD units and fixtures in closed-loop redundancy are also displayed in this view.

Figure8-1 1. Topology View with Fixtures connected to XD units connected to SX40 ports A and B

When working with redundancy, cabling errors are displayed in red port numbers and displays the number of fixtures connected to each port.

Note - Processor redundancy does not appear in the topology view and the offline processor does not show any connections until it is activated on the Failover pipeline tile. See

“Processor redundancy” on page 25 for more information.

CHAPTER 9 - INPUTS

HD SOURCES (FOR M2, T1, S4)

Figure9-1 . Input Sources for Tessera SX40

3G SDI INPUT (M2 ONLY)

Each SDI input on the Tessera M2 LED processor provides support for:

l 3G-SDI Level A l 3G-SDI Level B Dual-Link (Level B Dual-Stream is not supported) l HD-SDI l SD-SDI

Standard broadcast resolutions up to 1920x1080 are supported, with framerates between 23.98Hz to 60Hz and fractional frame rates.

The supported video properties are:

l 10 bits per channel

l YCbCr 4:2:2

The physical connections to the SDI inputs are via standard BNC connectors. In addition to each input there is a thru re-clocked connector that allows for daisy-chaining a signal to a second processor or monitor.

DVI INPUT (M2, T1, S4)

The Tessera HD LED processors support digital (DVI-D) signals up to full HD 1080p resolution at frame rates from 24Hz to 60Hz to a maximum pixel clock of 148.5MHz. The M2 can receive analogue VGA/RGBHV inputs up to full HD (a suitable adaptor for the DVI-I input port is required).

The supported video properties are:

l 8 bits per channel

l RGB

l YCbCr 4:2:2

In addition to the DVI-I input there is also a thru re-clocked DVI-I output.

Brompton TESSERA T1, TESSERA M2, TESSERA S4, TESSERA SX40 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 2 - GENERAL OVERVIEW

TESSERA SX40 LED PROCESSOR

TESSERA M2 LED PROCESSOR

TESSERA S4 LED PROCESSOR

TESSERA T1 LED PROCESSOR

CHAPTER 3 - QUICKSTART

CHAPTER 4 - SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

REDUNDANCY CONFIGURATION

OUTPUT CAPACITY

COMBINING PROCESSORS

CHAPTER 5 - TESSERA MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

CHAPTER 6 - PROJECT SETUP

CHAPTER 7 - FIXTURES

ADDING FIXTURES TO A PROJECT

SUB-FIXTURES

UNDERSTANDING TOPOLOGY AND ASSOCIATION

FIXTURE LAYOUT

CHAPTER 8 - MAIN PROJECT SCREEN

CANVAS VIEW

PRESETS

MOVING AROUND THE CANVAS

PROJECT DATA EXPORT

ONLINE VIEW

TOPOLOGY VIEW

CHAPTER 9 - INPUTS