ETC emphasis User Manual
emphasis™
Lighting Control System
Console User Manual
v1.4.0
Copyright © Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
All Rights reserved.
Product information and specifications subject to change.
Part Number:
4200M1211-1.4.0
Released: May 2003
Rev A
ETC®, Emphasis™, Expression®, Insight™, Imagine™, Focus™, Express™, Unison®,
Obsession
®
II, ETCNet2™, EDMX™, Sensor®, and WYSILink™ are either registered trademarks
or trademarks of Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
The name WYSIWYG
Microsoft
®
and Windows® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United
™
is a trademark of CAST Lighting Limited.
States and other countries.
®
Dell
is a registered trademark of Dell Computer Corporation.
Autodesk
®
and AutoCAD® are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the United States and
other countries.
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Using this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Help from ETC Technical Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Americas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Asia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Chapter 1
System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Emphasis Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Server Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Channel Counts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Facepanels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Emphasis Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Emphasis Facepanel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Emphasis Visualization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Emphasis Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Installation Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Hooking Up the Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Connecting a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Software Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
System Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Power-up Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Login as a Different User . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Shut-down Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
How do I find the software version? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Chapter 2
Table of Contents i
Emphasis Console User Interface . . .21
Emphasis Facepanel Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Express Two-Scene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Express ECS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Expression ECS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Insight ECS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Setting the Facepanel Type on the Server . . . . . . . . .22
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Console Displays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Display Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Stage, Blind and Fader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Spreadsheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Tracksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Expression LED displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Hard keys vs. Softkeys by Facepanel Type . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Softkeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Channel Concepts in the Emphasis Control System. . . . . .43
HTP vs. LTP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Independent Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Preset vs. Tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Chapter 3
System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
The Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Options Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Clock Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Clear Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Print Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Macro List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Time Code Events and Real Time Programs . . . . . . .54
Channel Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Moving Light Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Interactivity with Emphasis Visualization . . . . . . . . . . . 61
EDMX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Modifying dimmer output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Label Dimmers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Patching to a Strand Lighting CD80 Dimmer Rack . . .66
Using the About Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
About Dimmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
About Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
About Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Chapter 4
ii Emphasis Console v1.4.0 User Manual
Live Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Displays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Stage Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Fader Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Manual Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Select Channels, Dimmers and Fixtures . . . . . . . . . . .72
Set Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Captured channels and [Release] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Dimmer and Channel Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
Solo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Moving Light Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Sneak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Channel Faders (Express Two-Scene/Insight only) . . 84
Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Cues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Cue Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Record Cues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Link Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
Tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Stage Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Using Cues as Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
Submasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
Submaster Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
Record Submasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
Using [Load Sub] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
Using Submasters as Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
Time Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98
Cues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Submasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
Special Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Except . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
Solo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
Delete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Chapter 5
Blind Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105
Displays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106
Blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106
List Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107
Spreadsheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108
Tracksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109
Cues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Cue List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111
Spreadsheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Tracksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Subroutines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Subroutines in Cues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Subroutines on Submasters (Subs-on-Subs) . . . . . . 120
Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123
Blind Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Submasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128
Submaster List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Submaster Spreadsheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130
Supermasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132
Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Group List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134
Group Spreadsheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135
Focus Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
Focus Point List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Focus Point Spreadsheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139
Table of Contents iii
Chapter 6
Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143
A/B and C/D Fader Pairs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Fader Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144
Playback Cue List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145
Fader Status display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146
Cue Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147
Quickstep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150
Multi-part Cues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Effect Cues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150
Subroutine Cues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150
Submasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152
Submaster Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152
Subroutines on Submasters (Subs-on-Subs) . . . . . . 152
Submaster Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Supermasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155
Create Macros. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156
Learn Macro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156
Display Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156
Macro Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Special Macro Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161
Playback Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Remote Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162
Startup Macro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162
Sample Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Real Time Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . .165
Real Time Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Setting the time and location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166
Create and Edit Real Time Programs . . . . . . . . . . . .168
Enable Real Time Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Time and Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172
Control Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
ETCNet2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
EDMX Basics (ETCNet2 v4.0.0 and above) . . . . . . .176
DMX Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178
DMX Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179
Remote Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179
Remote Trigger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Facepanel Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Show Control Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183
iv Emphasis Console v1.4.0 User Manual
MIDI Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184
ETC MIDI Message Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
MIDI Message definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186
MIDI Show Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188
MIDI Show Control (MSC) Commands . . . . . . . . . . .188
MSC Frame Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
SMPTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Time Code Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .193
Time Code Events Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .193
Run a Time Code Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .197
Emphasis Serial Button Protocol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200
Arguments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Command Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .201
Input Stream Echoing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Things to Keep in Mind... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .202
The Keyword Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .202
Appendix A
Appendix B
System Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207
Emphasis Visualization and Console Defaults . . . . . . . . .208
Facepanel Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208
IO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
ASCII Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .209
Emphasis Visualization Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
File Options Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .210
Emphasis Console Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
System ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211
Expression Facepanel Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Express Facepanel Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Maintenance and Troubleshooting . .215
Return the Facepanel to v3.1 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216
Export your Show File to “.shw” Format . . . . . . . . . .216
Create a v3.1 Console Software Disk . . . . . . . . . . . .217
Install v3.1 Console Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Open the Facepanel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Spare parts kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .219
Replacing fuses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .220
Connecting desk lights (Express facepanels only) . . . . . . 221
Expression and Insight DIP switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Internal DIP Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
VGA monitor connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .223
Connecting DMX cable to facepanel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .224
Table of Contents v
Using an optional pointing device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .225
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .225
Device check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Connecting an alphanumeric keyboard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .226
Installing Remote Focus Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .227
Connecting MIDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .228
MIDI Out/Thru jumper setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .228
Connecting SMPTE (Expression and Insight only) . . . . . .230
SMPTE facepanel connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Using Remote Macros. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .231
Wiring Remote Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Expression/Insight facepanels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .232
Appendix C
Appendix D
Lighting Playback Controllers . . . . . .235
Expression/Insight LPC Installation and Configuration . . .236
Installation Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .236
Configuration Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .236
Expression/Insight LPC User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
The Cue Playback Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .237
The Macro Playback Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
The Edit Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .237
Express LPC Installation and Configuration . . . . . . . . . . .238
Rack-mount Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Surface-mount Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .239
Install Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240
Configuration Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240
Express LPC User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .243
Emphasis Control System Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . .244
Express Facepanel Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250
Expression Facepanel Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .254
Insight Facepanel Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Appendix E
vi Emphasis Console v1.4.0 User Manual
Foldout Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .265
Emphasis Control System Riser Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Emphasis Facepanel Rear Panel Connections. . . . . . . . 268
Insight Facepanel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Expression Facepanel Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Express 125/250/ECS Facepanel Overview . . . . . . . . . . 271
Express 24/48 Facepanel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Express 48/96 & 72/144 Facepanel Overview . . . . . . . . 273
Emphasis LPC Facepanel Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Command Keypad Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Express Facepanel Two-Scene Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .276
Setup Two-scene Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .276
Playback Looks using the AB Fader Pair . . . . . . . . .276
Playback Looks with Timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .276
Table of Contents vii
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viii Emphasis Console v1.4.0 User Manual
Introduction
This manual covers the basic installation and operation of the Emphasis Control System.
Specifically, this volume contains the operational instructions for Emphasis Console, the
facepanel interface to your Emphasis Control System. For information on using Emphasis
Visualization, please see the Emphasis Visualization User Manual.
The introduction contains the following sections:
• Using this Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
• Help from ETC Technical Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
If you are reading these manuals cover-to-cover, please begin with
the Emphasis Visualization User Manual.
The Emphasis Visualization User Manual contains a Quick Start
chapter that contains a tutorial for new users, and some basic
information for users familiar with WYSIWYG and/or Expressionstyle consoles.
Introduction 1
Using this Manual
This manual is intended for use in conjunction with the Emphasis Visualization User
Manual.
This manual assumes that you have a basic familiarity with the Microsoft Windows
operating system, opening and closing files, closing and resizing windows, using Windows
Explorer, and performing basic disk operations.
In order to be specific about where features and commands are found, the following naming
and text conventions will be used:
• Emphasis™ Server (hardware): the computer used to run the Emphasis applications.
This is also referred to simply as the “Server”.
• Emphasis Facepanel (hardware): the control console hardware. This is also referred
to simply as the “Facepanel”.
• Emphasis Visualization (software): the application that resides solely on the Server
and provides WYSIWYG
• Emphasis Console (software): the application that drives the Facepanel. The Console
displays resemble the traditional Facepanel displays, and can be viewed on either the
Server or Facepanel monitors. This application usually remains hidden, as the displays
can be accessed through the Facepanel and Visualization.
• Menus and commands found on the Server are indicated in bold text. For example: In
the File menu, click Open.
™
-based functionality.
®
• Server keyboard buttons are indicated in all CAPS. For example, TAB or CTRL.
• Facepanel buttons and softkeys are indicated in bold [brackets]. For example, [Stage]
or [Enter]. Optional keys are indicated in <angle brackets>, for example, <Dim> or
<Channel>. A note about <S7 - More Softkeys>: this command is always indicated as
optional, and is only indicated once in an instruction regardless of how many pages of
softkeys exist. This is because there is no way to predict what softkey page you are on
at any given time. Press <S7 - More Softkeys> until you find the required command.
• References to other parts of the manual are indicated in italics. When viewing this
manual electronically, click on the reference to jump to that section of the manual.
Note:
CAUTION:
Notes are helpful hints and information that is supplemental to the main text.
A Caution statement indicates situations where there may be undefined or
unwanted consequences of an action, potential for data loss or an equipment
problem.
WARNING: A Warning statement indicates situations where damage may occur, people may
be harmed, or there are serious or dangerous consequences of an action.
Please email comments about this manual to: TechComm@etcconnect.com
2 Emphasis Console v1.4.0 User Manual
Help from ETC Technical Services
If you are having difficulties, your most convenient resources are the references given in
this manual and the Help system. To search more widely, try the ETC website at
www.etcconnect.com
Services directly at one of the offices identified below. Emergency service is available from
all ETC offices outside of normal business hours.
When calling for help, please have the following information handy:
• Console model and serial number (located on back panel)
• Emphasis Server serial number (located inside the door on the front of the Server case)
• Software version (see How do I find the software version?, page 19)
• Dimmer manufacturer and installation type
• Moving light information (manufacturer, mode, data cable type)
• Other components in your system (Unison
Americas
ETC International
Technical Services Department
3030 Laura Lane
Middleton, WI 53562
+1-800-775-4382
+1-608 831-4116
. If none of these resources is sufficient, contact ETC Technical
®
, other consoles, etc.)
service@etcconnect.com
Europe
ETC Europe Ltd.
Technical Services Department
5 Victoria Industrial Estate
Victoria Road,
London W3 6UU England
+44 (0)20 8896 1000
service@etceurope.com
Asia
ETC Asia, Ltd.
Technical Services Department
Room 605-606
Tower III, Enterprise Square
9 Sheung Yuet Road
Kowloon Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
+852 2799 1220
service@etcasia.com
Introduction 3
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4 Emphasis Console v1.4.0 User Manual
Chapter 1
System Overview
Emphasis integrates the functionality of WYSIWYG with the Expression-style control
consoles to give you a powerful, but user-friendly, control system offering both a graphical,
point-and-click environment and a tactile button-and-wheel interface. Emphasis ensures
consistency and accuracy with total integration of data across all modes. Data input in any
mode is applied through the paperwork, on the light plot, in the console patch, on reports,
and on screen, in every view.
This chapter contains the following sections:
• Emphasis Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
• System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
• Installation Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
• System Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
• Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
1 System Overview 5
Emphasis Options
Emphasis systems are created by choosing the server type, maximum channel count and
Facepanel type. Emphasis is offered as an upgrade to an existing Express or Expressionstyle console (see below for compatible Facepanel types), or as a complete package.
Server Types
• 3D - Includes full console feature set and full visualization functionality: paperwork and
presentation tools, data tasks, 3D CAD drafting, complete visualization and rendering.
WYSIWYG Design stand-alone software is included. The 3D Server will support up to
two monitors.
• 2D - Includes full console feature set and limited visualization functionality: paperwork
and presentation tools, data tasks, and 2D CAD drafting. WYSIWYG Report standalone software is included. The 2D Server will support one monitor.
Channel Counts
• 500 channels
• 1000 channels
• 2500 channels
• 5000 channels
Channel counts refer to the maximum number of control channels you can have in a show.
All channel options have 32,767 EDMX™ addresses available.
Facepanels
• Expression with Emphasis (Expression ECS), Expression 3, Expression 2x,
Imagine™ 3
• Insight™ with Emphasis (Insight ECS), Insight 3, Insight 2x, Focus™
• Express (all varieties)
6 Emphasis Console v1.4.0 User Manual
System Components
Emphasis Server
The Emphasis server is a Dell® computer optimized by ETC for the best performance of the
Emphasis Visualization and Emphasis Console applications. The Server is provided preconfigured and should not require any software installations for its initial use. This section
contains information on specific differences between your Server and a regular PC.
The Server contains all of the software required for Emphasis to run, a hard drive for show
data storage, a CD-RW drive for show data storage, and a 3.5” floppy drive for Facepanel
Software Disk creation.
There is a special hardware key called a “dongle” inside your Server, coded for the software
features you have purchased. If this is removed, Emphasis will not run. This dongle is not
usable on other computers and cannot be used with WYSIWYG stand-alone applications.
Note:
There are two USB ports located behind the door on the front of your Server. The
Emphasis dongle is connected internally to the rear port of this pair, so it may not be used
for other USB devices. The front port is available for your use.
A keyboard and mouse are included with your Server. The keyboard may have a number
of buttons designed for use with common internet tasks. These buttons have been
disabled, as the Server should not be connected to the internet at any time.
When you power up your Server, it will automatically launch the Emphasis applications.
The first time you do this, the Registration dialog box will appear (see Registration, page
13).
Emphasis Servers can be configured for 2D or 3D operation. The following table illustrates
the differences between the standard 2D and 3D Servers:
Feature 2D Server 3D Server
Monitors 1 Up to 2
CAD Views Wireframe only Wireframe, Isometric and Shaded
Emphasis Views Wireframe only Wireframe, Isometric and Shaded
Rendering No Yes
Emphasis Facepanel
The Emphasis Facepanel can be any of the following consoles:
• Expression with Emphasis, Expression 3, Expression 2x, Imagine™ 3
• Insight™ with Emphasis, Insight 3, Insight 2x, Focus™
• Express (all varieties)
When used in an Emphasis system, the Facepanel becomes an input device on the
network, rather than a stand-alone device. You are limited to some of the constraints of the
individual Facepanel types, such as submaster quantities, channel-fader availability and
monitor counts; however, you gain cue-, channel- and dimmer-counts when connected to
an Emphasis Server.
When a Facepanel has been upgraded to Emphasis operation, it will no longer operate as
a stand-alone console. The Facepanel essentially becomes a keyboard with some DMX
Node functionality. As such, the Facepanel cannot operate without the Emphasis Server
online. In case of an emergency, you can export your Emphasis show file as a v3.1 show,
reload the v3.1 software to your Facepanel and run it as a stand-alone console. The
1 System Overview 7
procedure for exporting your show to v3.1 format is described in the Emphasis Visualization
User Manual. The procedure for returning your Facepanel to v3.1 operation is described in
Return the Facepanel to v3.1 Operation, page 216.
Emphasis Visualization
Emphasis Visualization is the software application that provides the graphic interface to the
Emphasis Control System. It is based on the powerful WYSIWYG suite of software
applications. This is where you patch your show, create your plot and prepare your
paperwork. You can also select and control fixtures, pre-cue your show and preview
recorded cues using the visualization features.
While Emphasis Visualization is based on WYSIWYG, there are some significant changes
that allow for interaction with the Emphasis Console. See the Emphasis Visualization User
Manual for more information on these new features.
Emphasis Console
Emphasis Console is the software application that drives the Facepanel. This application
usually remains hidden. You can access the settings and controls either from the
Facepanel or from the virtual Facepanel in Emphasis Visualization.
8 Emphasis Console v1.4.0 User Manual
Installation Guidelines
Hooking Up the Hardware
Emphasis systems can range from a simple Server and Facepanel combination to fully
integrated network systems. Regardless of the size of your system, there are some basic
connections that are common to all systems.
Note:
Note:
Note:
See Expression and Insight DIP switches, page 222 for the correct network settings.
Incorrect settings will not allow your Facepanel and Server to communicate.
Emphasis uses UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cable and a hub or switch for
communication between the Facepanel and Server. A hub or switch is required for network
connections between Facepanels, Servers and other network devices such as ETCNet2™
Nodes and Unison Architectural Controls. In all cases, networking equipment and cables
must meet or exceed the Cat 5 standard.
To connect your system devices:
Step 1: Place your Facepanel and Server on a stable, flat surface. The Server may be
placed flat (horizontally) on the table or on its edge (vertically). The Server’s CD
tray is designed to work in either orientation.
Step 2: Connect the Facepanel Twisted Pair jack to the Server using UTP cable through
a hub or switch.
Step 3: Connect DMX cables to the Facepanel DMX outputs.
You may also connect DMX cables to Nodes, if available.
Step 4: Connect RFU cable to the Facepanel RFU connector.
You may also connect your RFU cable to a Node, if available.
Step 5: If you have ETCLink in your system, the cable must be connected to an
ETCLink-enabled DMX Node. The ETCLink connector on your Facepanel is not
supported in Emphasis.
Step 6: Connect any MIDI or SMPTE cables to the appropriate connectors on the
Facepanel.
Step 7: Connect the Dell keyboard and mouse that came with the Server to the
appropriate connectors on the Server. These connections are colour coded. You
may also have a second keyboard connected to the Facepanel, if desired, for
labeling items on the console, such as cues, groups and submasters. The
second keyboard is not required, but may be added for convenience.
Step 8: Connect your monitors. There will be at least one monitor on the Server and one
on the Facepanel.
• Servers configured for 2D operation will only support one monitor.
• Servers configured for 3D operation are supplied with a dual-video card.
Monitors are connected to this card using a Y-cable, provided with your
Server.
• Expression and Insight consoles support two monitors. Express consoles
support one monitor only.
1 System Overview 9
Step 9: Connect power cables to Server, Facepanel, and hubs or switches.
CAUTION:
If you plug in the server it may boot - it may not wait for you to press the power
button. If the keyboard and/or mouse are not plugged in when your power up, they
will not be recognized by the Server. You will have to force the Server to power
down, plug them in, and restart.
Connecting a Printer
Connecting a printer to your Emphasis Server follows the same setup rules as any
Windows computer. If your printer requires a software installation, you will need to logon as
the System Manager. If you have problems connecting a printer to your Emphasis Control
System, please contact ETC Technical Services (see Help from ETC Technical Services,
page 3).
Install a printer from the System Manager login:
Step 1: Login as the System Manager (see Login as a Different User, page 17).
Step 2: Right-click on Start menu on task bar and click Explore. Alternatively, you can
press á+E to launch Windows Explorer at any time.
Step 3: Click to expand My Computer in the file tree.
Step 4: Click Control Panel.
Step 5: Double-click Printers and Faxes.
Step 6: Double-click Add Printers.
Step 7: Uncheck Automatically detect and install my Plug and Play printer. If this is left
checked, you will be asked for a password that you do not have.
Step 8: Continue through the wizard to setup your printer.
CAUTION:
Modification to hardware or software components or settings may affect the
stability of the Emphasis Control System. Consult ETC Technical Services before
making any changes. Non-authorized changes resulting in instability may require
reloading the operating system, which will restore defaults, remove any changes,
and may result in a loss of existing show files.
10 Emphasis Console v1.4.0 User Manual
Software Installation
Your Emphasis Server will arrive with all software fully installed. If you have purchased a
complete Emphasis Control System, including an Emphasis Server and a Facepanel, the
Facepanel Software should also be loaded and ready to use.
If you have purchased Emphasis as an upgrade to an existing Express or Expression-style
console, you will need to upgrade the software in your console.
Installing Facepanel Software
If you have purchased Emphasis as an upgrade to an existing console, or if you install a
new version of software on your Emphasis Server, you will also need to update the software
version in your Facepanel. If Facepanel Software disks are not provided or are lost, you can
create your own Facepanel Software disk. The Facepanel Software Disk must be a 3.5” HD
floppy disk.
You may also create v3.1 software disks for Express and Expression-style consoles. This
provides a way to return a Facepanel to v3.1 operation as a backup. It is recommended to
keep separate disks for v3.1 and Emphasis Facepanel software on hand.
To create and install a Facepanel Software Disk:
Step 1: Exit Emphasis.
Step 2: Insert a 3.5” HD floppy disk into the floppy drive on the Emphasis Server.
Step 3: Login as System Manager (See Login as a Different User, page 17).
CAUTION:
Step 4: Click OK to clear the warning screen.
Step 5: Open the Facepanel Software folder located on the desktop.
Step 6: Double-click the appropriate Facepanel Software file.
Step 7: Click Unzip to extract the software onto the floppy disk.
Step 8: Click OK when completed.
Step 9: Close the WinZip window and the Facepanel Software window.
Step 10: In the Windows Start menu, click Log Off. Click the Log Off button in the dialog
Step 11: Click Emphasis to login as the Emphasis User.
Step 12: Eject the floppy disk from the Emphasis Server. Insert the floppy disk into the disk
Step 13: Power up the Facepanel. The software will load automatically.
Step 14: When completed, eject the floppy disk from the disk drive and restart the
Step 15: Press [
Modification to hardware or software components or settings may affect the
stability of the Emphasis Control System. Consult ETC Technical Services before
making any changes. Non-authorized changes resulting in instability may require
loading the operating system, which will restore defaults, remove any changes, and
may result in a loss of existing show files.
• EmphExpression.exe - for Expression and Insight facepanels used with an
Emphasis Control System.
• EmphExpress.exe - for Express facepanels used with the Emphasis Control
System.
that opens. This will return you to the Emphasis Login screen.
drive on the Facepanel.
Facepanel.
u] or [v] to select the Emphasis Server (processor) to connect to. You will
need to arrow-down to select the processor, even if only one processor is listed.
1 System Overview 11
Step 16: Press [Enter]. The Facepanel will boot and the Stage displays will open on the
attached monitors.
Installing Software on the Emphasis Server
If you are reinstalling a new version of software, you will be provided specific instructions
for installation with the release notes for that version. When installing Emphasis software,
you are given the opportunity to install only Emphasis program files (located on the C drive)
or to install a full disk image for both the C and D drives.
CAUTION:
It is highly recommended to backup all show files before loading new software. To backup
existing show files see the Emphasis Visualization User Manual.
To install new software:
Step 1: Power up the Emphasis Server.
Step 2: When the Dell screen appears, press F12.
Step 3: Insert Emphasis Software CD #1 into the CD drive on the Emphasis Server.
Step 4: Press “4” to select Boot from IDE CD ROM and press ENTER.
Step 5: A warning screen appears allowing you to choose to continue or abort:
Step 6: The installation type screen appears. Choose the type of installation you want to
Installing a full disk image for the C and D drives will delete show files stored on the
Emphasis Server.
• If you want to continue with the installation process, press any key.
• If you want to abort the installation process, Press CTRL+C. When
prompted to “Terminate batch job (Y/N)?”, press “Y”. The DOS prompt will
appear. You may restart the Emphasis Server (press CTRL+ALT+DELETE)
at this point for normal operation.
perform:
• Install Emphasis Program files only (press “E”). This option restores the disk
image of the C drive only, show files are retained.
• Install full disk image (press “A”). This option restores the disk image of the
C and D drives, show files are deleted.
CAUTION:
Step 7: After you press “E” or “A”, the disk image begins to load from the Emphasis
Step 8: When completed, you will be prompted to remove the final CD from the drive and
Step 9: After a new version of software has been installed on your Emphasis Server, you
12 Emphasis Console v1.4.0 User Manual
Installing a full disk image for the C and D drives will delete show files stored on the
Emphasis Server.
Software Disk #1. You will be prompted to load subsequent disks by the disk
utility. Eject the first disk and load the next disk and press ENTER.
restart the Emphasis Server. You can restart the Emphasis Server by pressing
the power button twice, or by pressing CTRL+ALT+DELETE.
will need to install Facepanel Software. See Installing Facepanel Software, page
11, for that procedure.
Registration
When you first start your Emphasis Control System, you will be prompted to register the
system. Registration will enable ETC to track your system for support purposes, and will
enroll your system in the software subscription included with your Emphasis Control
System, providing you with software upgrades for the duration of the subscription.
You have 15 days to use the system prior to registering; however, it is recommended that
you register your system as soon as possible. After 15 days have passed, you will not be
able to use Emphasis Visualization until you enter the registration code. You may register
your Emphasis Control System by phone, fax or email.
To register by phone:
Step 1: Power up the Emphasis Server. If the system is unregistered, the Registration
dialog should open. You can also open the Registration dialog using the Help
menu Registration command.
Step 2: In the Register dialog, click the Phone button.
Step 3: Call ETC at one of the given phone numbers and speak to a Customer Service
Representative. You will need to provide them with the Registration Request
Code and your contact details. They will provide you with a Registration
Validation Code to enter in the dialog.
Step 4: Enter the Registration Validation Code in the dialog. Make sure to use all
uppercase letters when you enter the code.
Step 5: Click Register.
1 System Overview 13
To register by fax:
Step 1: Fill out the registration form included with your Emphasis Server. Fax it to the
appropriate fax number based on your location. You will be sent a Registration
Validation Code within a full business day.
Step 2: If you cannot find the form, you can print a new copy from the Emphasis Server.
Ensure you have a printer connected to your Emphasis Server. See Connecting
a Printer, page 10, for more information.
Step 3: Power up the Emphasis Server. If the system is unregistered, the Registration
dialog should open. You can also open the Registration dialog using the Help
menu Registration command.
Step 4: In the Register dialog, click the Fax button.
Step 5: Print the form, fill in all the information and fax it to the appropriate number
indicated on the form. You will be sent a Registration Validation Code within a full
business day.
Note:
Alternatively, you can email your registration (all the information required on the fax form)
to registeremphasis@etcconnect.com.
Step 6: When you receive your Registration Validation Code, take it to your Emphasis
Control System. Power up the Emphasis Server. If the system is unregistered,
the Registration dialog should open. You can also open the Registration dialog
using the Help menu Registration command.
Step 7: In the Register dialog, click the “I have my validation code” button. Enter the
Registration Validation Code in the dialog. Make sure to use all capital letters
when you enter the code.
Step 8: Click OK.
14 Emphasis Console v1.4.0 User Manual
Upgrades
To upgrade your Emphasis Control System, contact the ETC dealer who provided your
Emphasis Control System to purchase the upgrade. When purchased, you will receive an
Upgrade Code that will unlock the new features you have purchased.
You can upgrade from a lower channel count to a higher channel count, and/or from 2D to
3D operation. You can also purchase an activation code for the Wireless Remote Focus
Unit (WRFU) and/or WYSILink™. If you want to upgrade from a single monitor system to a
dual monitor system to expand your desktop area, you may need to send the Emphasis
Server back to ETC for that hardware upgrade. This hardware upgrade does not affect any
functional abilities of the Emphasis Control System, only the available monitor space.
Emphasis 3D will operate the same on single and dual monitor systems.
To upgrade your Emphasis Control System:
Step 1: Contact your ETC dealer to purchase your Upgrade Code. When you have your
Step 2: Power up your Emphasis Server.
Step 3: In the Help menu, click Upgrade.
Step 4: Enter your Upgrade Code in the dialog box. Make sure to use all uppercase
Step 5: Verify that the code you have entered is correct.
Step 6: Click the Upgrade button.
Step 7: Close and restart Emphasis. Your upgrade will take effect on the restart.
Upgrade Code, continue to Step 2.
letters when you enter the code.
1 System Overview 15
System Procedures
Power-up Procedure
For best performance, power-up your system in the following order:
Step 1: Turn on the hub(s) and/or switch(es).
Step 2: Turn on the Server and monitor(s). Wait for the Emphasis application to start up
completely before proceeding to the next step.
Note:
Note:
In a network with multiple Emphasis Control Systems online, allow one Emphasis Server
to fully startup before starting the other Emphasis Servers. This will ensure that your
network configures correctly.
Step 3: Turn on the Facepanel(s) and monitor(s).
Step 4: Turn on any ETCNet2 Nodes.
Step 5: Turn on accessories such as Remote Focus Units.
When you power-up your Emphasis Control System, the system will default to opening
the last valid show file. If the show file is no longer available in the Shows directory,
Emphasis will open a new show called “Untitled”. You may setup the system to open a
new show on startup if you wish. See Create a Default Show in the Emphasis
Visualization User Manual for more information.
Fader Priority
In an Emphasis system, you have multiple active faders to control the output of the control
system. These include the submasters and cue fader pairs on the Facepanel, as well as
the virtual submasters and cue fader pairs in the Emphasis Console application (visible
from the Emphasis mode in Emphasis Visualization).
Fader levels are accepted only from one source within a system. Each source has a priority.
The source with the highest priority (lowest number) that is currently connected will be the
accepted fader source. All fader movements on other devices are ignored. A device with a
fader priority of zero (0) is disabled. More than one device can have a fader priority of zero
(0). All other devices must have a unique priority setting.
The virtual faders in the hidden Emphasis Console application will always have the lowest
priority. The virtual faders on Emphasis Visualization will have the next higher priority. All
physical Facepanels will have even higher priority or be disabled.
When a Facepanel connects to a Server for the first time, it is assigned the highest (lowest
number) priority not already assigned to something else. The assignments are stored when
you exit Emphasis, so that the assignment will be remembered the next time you startup
your system. To set priorities the first time in a multiple Facepanel system, turn on each
Facepanel in order from highest priority (lowest number) to lowest priority. If you need to
change the set priority order in a multiple Facepanel system, please contact ETC Technical
Services.
Note:
16 Emphasis Console v1.4.0 User Manual
When a Facepanel is attached to the Emphasis Server, only the Facepanel faders can
control channels. Virtual faders in Emphasis Visualization will “move” to mimic the current
levels of the physical faders, but they cannot be used to control channels directly.
Login as a Different User
There are a number of different user accounts contained in the Emphasis system. When
the system is turned on, it will open using the Emphasis User settings. To gain access to
the other user accounts, exit Emphasis.
Note:
When you load new system software onto your Emphasis Server, you will see an
advisory indicating that the library indices are being rebuilt the first time each user type
logs in. This is normal behavior.
• Emphasis User: This user account is not password protected, and is the default user
when Emphasis launches on startup. When this user type is selected, access is limited
mainly to Emphasis. Other applications and computer components are hidden. When
this user account is selected, critical program files may not be deleted (this does not
include show files) and no other software may be installed.
• NCE User: This user account is primarily for adjusting settings in the Network
Configuration Editor (NCE) application. There is no password protection for this user
type. When this user account is selected, critical program files may not be deleted (this
does not include show files) and no other software may be installed.
• System Manager: The System Manager has access to set the password for this user
account, as well as partial Administrative rights, installation of software, system
maintenance, Facepanel code, and all Emphasis and NCE user privileges.
• Technical Services: This user type is reserved for ETC Technical Services and is
password protected.
To change the System Manager password:
Step 1: Exit Emphasis and login as the System Manager.
Step 2: In the Windows Start menu, click All Programs, then click User Accounts. The
User Accounts dialog will open.
Step 3: Under “Pick a task...”, click “Create a password”.
Step 4: Follow the directions in the dialog to create a password and a password hint for
the System Manager account. When complete, click the Create Password button
at the bottom of the dialog box.
Shut-down Procedure
To shut-down your Emphasis Control System:
Step 1: In the Emphasis Visualization File menu, click Save to save your show file.
Step 2: In the File menu, click Exit. You may also click the Exit button at the top-right
corner of the Emphasis Visualization window.
Step 3: In the lower-left corner of the Login screen, click Shutdown Emphasis Server.
The “Turn off computer” dialog opens.
Step 4: Click Turn Off to shut the Server down completely. Alternatively, click Stand By
to place the Server in stand by mode or click Restart to cause the Server to reboot. Click Cancel to return to the Login screen without shutting down the
Server.
Step 5: Turn off any peripheral equipment, such as Nodes and Remote Focus Units.
Step 6: Turn off the Facepanel at the power switch located on the rear panel.
1 System Overview 17
Troubleshooting
The Emphasis Facepanel type defaults to the Expression 3 console. This affects the video
output of your Facepanel and the virtual facepanel in Emphasis Visualization. If you have
an Insight or Express console as your Emphasis Facepanel, or if you swap Facepanels
from an Expression-style to an Insight or Express, you will need to change the default
settings to reflect this in the Emphasis Visualization, Emphasis mode Setup menu. See
Setting the Facepanel Type on the Server, page 22 for more information.
Note:
If you have a show open and only the Emphasis mode is available, you are operating in
Show Mode. See the Emphasis Visualization User Manual: Load Show for information on
leaving Show Mode.
The Emphasis Server is provided fully configured from the factory. It should not be treated
as a regular desktop computer. The following modifications to the factory setup are known
to cause problems of varying severity:
• Screen savers. Do not enable screen savers on the Emphasis server. They can cause
unexpected behavior in your system.
• Power settings are set to never turn off the monitor(s) or the hard disk. The system is
also set to never go into standby mode on its own. The “Sleep” button on the keyboard
is also disabled. Do not put your Emphasis Server into standby or sleep mode while
running Emphasis software.
• Microsoft Windows XP appearance. Windows XP appearance settings are graphics
heavy and will impact the performance speed of your system. The appearance settings
are set to minimize the impact of the operating system on performance.
• View contents while dragging windows. This setting is also graphics-heavy and will
impair the performance speed of your system.
• Wallpaper on the desktop. Wallpapers are graphics heavy and will impact the
performance speed of your system. The wallpaper is set to “None” as a default.
• Additional software applications (games, internet browsers, word processors, etc.). It is
not advisable to load additional applications onto your Emphasis Server. Conflicts may
occur between applications that could severely impact your system’s performance. The
Emphasis Server should not be connected to the Internet.
• On a 3D Server with dual monitors, you may experience problems with shaded views,
especially on the second monitor. If your shaded views appear to refresh incorrectly
(especially after shaded view windows have been overlapped), you may want to
change the OpenGL options to “Safe Rendering”.
To change the OpenGL settings:
Step 1: In the Emphasis Visualization Options menu, click Application Options.
Step 2: Click the OpenGL tab.
Step 3: Click the button for the following settings:
• Fast Rendering: This is the ideal setting.
• Fast Rendering for Primary Display Only: (Default) This sets the primary
monitor to Fast Rendering and the second monitor to Safe Rendering and
will solve the incorrect refresh problem on the second monitor.
• Safe Rendering: This sets both monitors to “Safe Rendering”.
18 Emphasis Console v1.4.0 User Manual
If you have problems using your Emphasis Control System, please refer to your manuals
for additional information.
If you do not find the answer in a manual, please call your local dealer or ETC Technical
Services (see Help from ETC Technical Services, page 3. Please have the following
information available before you call:
• Console model and serial number (located on back panel)
• Emphasis Server serial number (located inside the door on the front of the Server case)
• Software version (see below)
• Dimmer manufacturer and installation type
• Moving light information (manufacturer, mode, data cable type)
• Other components in your system (Unison, other consoles, etc.)
How do I find the software version?
Emphasis is actually a suite of software, all with different version numbers. In general, all
you need to provide to Technical Services is the suite version number.
To find the Emphasis Control System suite version number:
Step 1: In the Emphasis Visualization Help menu, click About Emphasis. The About...
dialog box will open.
Step 2: Find the Emphasis Visualization Version number at the top of the dialog box. The
suite version number is indicated in parentheses at the end of the full version
number.
Note:
To find the suite version number outside Emphasis Visualization:
Step 1: Minimize Emphasis Visualization and right-click on Start menu on task bar and
click Explore. Alternatively, you can press
any time.
Step 2: Right-click My Computer and click Properties.
Step 3: Click the General tab. You will find the Windows version information as well as
the Emphasis system version. The Support Info button also displays the version
number, as well as the phone numbers for ETC Americas, ETC Europe and ETC
Asia.
You can also use the shortcut á+PAUSE/BREAK to view the System Properties.
á+E to launch Windows Explorer at
1 System Overview 19
If you are asked to provide specific component version numbers, it is recommended that
you use the first method to find all the version numbers at the same time. If that is not
possible, use one of the other methods to find the specific information you are looking for.
To find the complete list of version numbers on the Server:
Step 1: Minimize Emphasis Visualization and right-click on Start menu on task bar and
click Explore. Alternatively, you can press
any time.
Step 2: Navigate to this location: C:\Program Files\ETC
Step 3: Double-click the Emphasis Component Report. This report contains version
information for all the installed Emphasis components.
á+E to launch Windows Explorer at
Note:
Note that this will not update version information if you have upgraded individual
components rather than the whole disk image.
To find the Emphasis Visualization version number:
In the Help menu, click About Emphasis.
To find the Emphasis Console version number:
Step 1: Minimize Emphasis Visualization and maximize Emphasis Console.
Step 2: In the Help menu, click About.
To find the Facepanel version number:
Restart the Facepanel and watch CRT1. The Facepanel version number appears on the
bottom of the screen just after the boot screen and before the ETC logo.
20 Emphasis Console v1.4.0 User Manual
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