Extron Electronics VN-COMMANDER User Manual

USER GUIDE

VN-COMMANDER AND VN-COMMANDER CONNECT USER GUIDE (QUANTUM EDITION) Part No. I456GB issue 8 (August 2009)

No part of this documentation may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, without the prior written permission of Electrosonic Ltd.

The information in this documentation is supplied without warranty of any kind, either directly or indirectly, and is subject to change without prior written notice. Electrosonic, its employees or appointed representatives will not be held responsible for any damages to software, hardware, or data, howsoever arising as a direct or indirect result of the product(s) mentioned herein.

Issued by:

Product Support, Electrosonic Ltd., Hawley Mill, Hawley Road, Dartford, Kent, DA2 7SY, United Kingdom.

Documentation written and designed by Andrew M. Bailey.

Printed in the United Kingdom.

VN-COMMANDER User Guide Preface

Preface

About This User Guide This is a User Guide for the VN-COMMANDER and VN-

COMMANDER CONNECT software applications from Electrosonic. This User guide provides information for the following Electrosonic products

- VN-Quantum

- VN-Quantum Connect

To help you to quickly locate the information you require, it is structured into four main sections:

•••• Section 1: Getting Started — which explains how to

install the software and image processing hardware, as well as introducing the user interface and some basic ‘housekeeping’ procedures;

•••• Section 2: System Configuration — which gives

details on setting up VN-COMMANDER to control VN-QUANTUM image processing hardware;

•••• Section 3: Creating a Presentation — which explains

how to manipulate sources on the target display;

•••• Section 4: Viewing a Presentation — which explains

the diff eren t me thod s you can use to view a VN-COMMANDER presentation;

•••• Appendix A: IP Addressing — which briefly explains

what IP Addresses are and how to decide on suitable addresses for your system.

•••• Appendix B: Serial Commands — which gives advice on

the formatting and usage of serial data strings for controlling serial switchers and other RS-232 devices.

•••• Appendix C: Access Control — which describes the

built-in access control functionality, allowing different users to have different access rights.

A summary contents list is provided at the start of each section and a full contents list appears after this preface.

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Preface VN-COMMANDER User Guide

Firmware & Software

Versions

The features and functionality described in this User Guide are based on VN-COMMANDER & VNCOMMANDER Connect control software v1.5f used with VN-QUANTUM firmware v6.xx and later.

For the latest details on new firmware and software releases, please visit the Product Support Area of our Web site — http://www.electrosonic.com/technical-

support-0., or contact your Electrosonic Support

Representative for further details.

Trademarks VISIONETWORK

GLIMPSETM, VN-COMMANDERTM, ELECTROSONICTM,

and the

ELECTROSONIC

trademarks of ELECTROSONIC LTD.

WINDOWS® is a registered trademark of MICROSOFT CORPORATION.

All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

, VN-QUANTUMTM, VN-

logo are registered

I456GB issue 8

VN-COMMANDER User Guide Contents

What is VN

COMMANDER?

..........................

Hardware Requirements

................................

Software Installation

................................

.... 4

Hardware Configuration

..............................

Connection to a VN

QUANTUM Processor

.........

Configuring the Computer’s IP Address

..............

Testing the Ethernet Link

...............................

Running and Exiting VN

COMMANDER

...... 14

The Main

Application Window

.....................

Starting a New Presentation

............................

Loading an Existing Presentation

......................

Saving a Presentation

................................

... 18

Choosing a Display Processor

.........................

Choosing a Display Layout

...............................

Target Display Clock

................................

...........

Communications Setup

................................

.... 36

Set Up Sources

................................

.................

The Set Up Sources Task

................................

.... 44

Working with Scenes

................................

........

Contents

Section 1:

Section 2:

Getting Started

Introduction.................................................

Using the Auto-Backup Function......................

System Configuration

Introduction ...................................................... 23

Section 3:

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Source Parameters............................................ 50

Creating a Presentation

Introduction ......................................................

Creating a New Scene........................................ 71

- v -

VN-COMMANDER User Guide Contents

Adding or

Changing Scene Commands

...........

Copying an Existing Scene

...........................

Changing the Order of Scenes

.......................

Scene Navigation

................................

.......

Deleting a Scene

................................

........

Adding a Window to a Scene

.........................

Removing a Window from a Scene

.................

Choosing the Window Sou

rce

.......................

Choosing the Window Style

..........................

Changing a Source Viewport

.........................

Moving and Resizing a Window

.....................

Changing the Layer of a Window

....................

Changing the Properties of a Scene.................

Working with Windows.................................

Changing the Virtual Display Properties.............

Section 4: Viewing a Presentation

Introduction........................................................ 99

Using the Scene Controller .............................. 100

Overview of the Scene Controller........................... 101

Full Screen Mode...............................................102

Creating a Default Layout......................................104

Customizing the Layout........................................105

Using the Bitmap Manager....................................111

Using The AutoPlay Facility............................. 114

Changing the Order of Scenes...............................114

Changing the Display Time for a Scene....................116

Starting and Stopping the Presentation.................... 116

Changing the Playback Speed...............................117

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VN-COMMANDER User Guide Contents

Appendix A: IP Addressing

What is an IP Address?....................................................119

Choosing IP Addresses......................................120

Appendix B: Serial Commands

Introduction......................................................123

Control of External Devices..............................124

Format of External Control Strings

Examples of External Control Strings

................................. 125

.......................... 126

Remote Control of a Presentation.....................127

R-type Message Format.....................................128

Examples of R-type Messages ............................ 133

ASCII Character Chart ......................................137

Appendix C: Access Control

Overview................................................................................139

Log-In Procedure.................................................................140

Enabling/Disabling Access Control.................................. 141

Changing Role Passwords................................................142

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VN-COMMANDER User Guide Contents

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Introduction

................................

Secti on 1:

G e t t i n g S t a r t e d

•

What is VN-COMMANDER?............... 2

•

Hardware Requirements..................... 3

Software Installation ................... 4

Hardware Configuration.............. 6

•

Connection to a VN Processor ............. 7

•

Configuring the Computer’s IP Address 8

•

Testing the Ethernet Link.................. 12

R u n n i n g a n d E x i t i n g

VN-COMMANDER ..................... 14

The Main Application Window . 15

•

Starting a New Presentation.............. 17

•

Loading an Existing Presentation ...... 18

•

Saving a Presentation ..................... 18

•

Using the Auto-Backup Function........ 19

Section 1: Getting Started VN-COMMANDER User Guide

Introduction

What is VN-COMMANDER?

VN-COMMANDER and VN-COMMANDER CONNECT are Microsoft Windows-based software applications, used to control the VN-QUANTUM and VN-QUANTUM CONNECT Image Display Processors. These products form part of the VISIONETWORK (VN) range.

Under VN-COMMANDER control, the VN-QUANTUM and VN-QUANTUM CONNECT Processors can display multiple image sources on a target display. External analog video sources (e.g. PAL, NTSC or SECAM formats) and external analog and digital graphics sources are supported. In addition, the VN-QUANTUM processor supports the use of internal or network-based image files (e.g. BMP, JPG, GIF or PNG formats) or RGB computer graphics captured using Electrosonic’s VN-GLIMPSE technology.

For clarity, the term VN-COMMANDER and VNQUANTUM will be used throughout this User guide and are interchangeable with VN-QUANTUM CONNECT and VN-COMMANDER CONNECT.

The feature set supported by VN-COMMANDER and VNCOMMANDER CONNECT are slightly different. This user guide covers both software applications. Where features differ, this will be made clear. VN-COMMANDER will not operate with a VNQUANTUM-CONNECT processor. VN-COMMANDER CONNECT will not operate with a VN-QUANTUM processor.

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VN-COMMANDER User Guide Section 1: Getting Started

Scene Control Each source is displayed in a fully resizable ‘window’,

allowing multiple sources to be placed in any position on the display.

VN-COMMANDER uses ‘scenes’ to record different source layouts on the display. Scenes can then be recalled in any order using a customizable user interface or in a pre-defined order at specific time intervals using the built-in AutoPlay function.

Scenes can also be recalled remotely using via RS-232 (see Appendix B) or Ethernet (consult Electrosonic for details).

Co nt ro l of

External Devices

VN-COMMANDER can be set up to include commands which are transmitted (over serial or Ethernet links) when a particular scene or source is selected. These commands can be used to provide automatic control of external devices such as disc players or matrix switchers.

Hardware Requirements

Computer

Specification

To ensure that VN-COMMANDER functions correctly and reliably, it must be installed on a computer that meets or exceeds the following criteria:

Operating System Windows NT4 (SP6) Windows 2000/ XP

Processor Speed 200MHz 450MHz or higher

Memory (RAM) 64MB 128MB or higher

Hard Disk Free Space 30MB >30MB

Graphics 1024x768, 65K colors (16-bit) 1024x768, 16.7M colors (32-bit)

Network Card (Ethernet) 10BASE-T 100BASE-T

Minimum Recommended

These are the minimum requirements for VN-COMMANDER only; if you intend running additional software applications, these applications may require a higher specification.

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Section 1: Getting Started VN-COMMANDER User Guide

Image Processing

Hardware

VN-COMMANDER is designed to be used in

conjunction with a VN-QUANTUM Image Display

Processor.

The VN-QUANTUM hardware comprises a card

frame into which various input/output cards are

installed.

For further details on the VN-QUANTUM, including

connector pin-outs and processing capability, please

refer to the VN-QUANTUM User Guide (part no.

I455GB).

Except for defining an IP Address, it is not necessary to

perform any set-up procedures using the VN-

QUANTUM itself. All other system configuration

is achieved through VN-COMMANDER.

Software Installation

Insert the VN-QUANTUM System Disc into the

CD-ROM drive on the computer.

After afew seconds a disc browser should automatically start.

Choose the Install option in the VN-COMMANDER

section. The on-screen instructions will guide you through the rest of the installation process.

If the disc browser does not run automatically or if you have the Windows auto-play feature disabled, proceed as follows:

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VN-COMMANDER User Guide Section 1: Getting Started

Click on the Windows Start button, and select Run from the pop-up menu.

The Run dialog box will appear.

In the Open box, type in the following command:

d :\setup.exe

where ‘d’ is the letter identifying your CD-ROM drive.

Click on the OK button (or press the Enter key) to run the disc browser.

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Section 1: Getting Started VN-COMMANDER User Guide

Hardware Configuration

Connection to a VN-QUANTUM Processor

The VN-COMMANDER computer communicates with a VN-QUANTUM via an Ethernet link. This can either be ‘direct’ or ‘indirect’ as shown in Fig.1. Connection to a single processor can use either method, but multiple processors must use the indirect method (i.e. via a hub).

Direct Connection This method uses a single cable is connected between the

computer’s Network port and the VN-QUANTUM (see Fig.1a). The cable must be a ‘crossover’ (or ‘null modem’) type; a normal ‘straight-through’ cable will not work.

The computer’s Network port must be capable of supporting a 100BASE-T connection as required by the VN-QUANTUM.

Indirect Connection With this method (see Fig.1b) the connection is made via

a hub, switcher or local area network (LAN). Normal ‘straight-through’ type cables must be used;

a ‘crossover’ (or ‘null modem’) cable will not work.

The hub or switcher connected to the VN Processor must be capable of supporting a 100BASE-T connection as required by the VN-QUANTUM.

Ethernet Cables Electrosonic recommends that you use only Category 5

shielded (STP) cables. Suitable cables are readily available from most computer stores.

A 5 metre (16 feet) ‘crossover’ type cable is supplied with the VN-QUANTUM Processor. This can also be ordered separately under part number ES5960.

For further details on cable requirements and connector pin-outs, please refer to the Technical Data section of the VN-QUANTUM User Guide.

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VN-COMMANDER User Guide Section 1: Getting Started

a) Direct’ Connection

c) Indirect’ Connection

VN-COMMANDER

other VN

QUANTUM P

rocessors

RS-232

Ethernet

This must be a ‘Crossover’

Optional RS

232 link to

Optional RS

232 link to

HUB

These

must be standard

VN-QUANTUM

(or ‘Null Modem’) type cable

100B ASE-T

control source switchers

CONTRO L Port

PROCESSOR

Fig.1: Methods of connecting the

VN-QUANTUM CONNECT is available as a 4U frame.

or network sources/devices

100B ASE-T

control source switchers

VN-COMMANDER

CONTRO L Port

PROCESSOR

‘Straight Through’ type cables

(i.e. not ‘Crossover’ types)

computer to a

VN-QUAN TU M.

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Section 1: Getting Started VN-COMMANDER User Guide

Configuring the Computer’s IP Address

The computer’s Network port must be configured to use th e s a m e c o mm u ni c ati o ns p r o to c o l a s t h e VNQUANTUM (called TCP/IP). It must also be allocated an IP Address that is compatible with the VN Processor. For advice on choosing IP Addresses, see Appendix A.

If the computer is already connected to (and configured for) an existing network, you must consult the network administrator before making any of the following changes. In addition, please note that you will need to be logged on with administrative rights before you can change Windows network settings.

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VN-COMMANDER User Guide Section 1: Getting Started

Setting the IP Address

(Windows XP)

Click the windows Start button and right-click on the

My Network Places icon.

From the popup menu that appears choose

Properties.

The Network Connections window will appear.

Right-click on the Local Area Connection icon.

From the popup menu that appears choose Properties.

The Local Area Connection Properties dialog box will appear.

In the list of loaded components double-click on the

Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) entry.

The Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box will appear.

Click on the 'Use the following IP address' option

and type-in the required IP Address and Subnet Mask.

HINT: Remember that you can, if preferred, change the IP Address

of the VN-QUANTUM Processor to suit that of the computer.

For further information and advice on choosing these values,

refer to ‘Appendix A – IP Addressing’.

Click on the OK button to action the changes (or

Cancel to retain the existing settings).

Restart the computer to implement the new settings.

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Section 1: Getting Started VN-COMMANDER User Guide

Setting the IP Address

(Windows 2000)

Right-click on the My Network Places icon on the

Windows desktop.

From the popup menu that appears choose

Properties.

The Network & Dial-up Connections window will appear.

Right-click on the Local Area Connection icon.

From the popup menu that appears choose Properties.

The Local Area Connection Properties dialog box will appear.

In the list of loaded components double-click on the

Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) entry.

The Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties will appear.

Click on the 'Use the following IP address' option

and type-in the required IP Address and Subnet

Mask.

HINT: Remember that you can, if preferred, change the IP

Address of the VN-QUANTUM Processor to suit that of the computer.

For further information and advice on choosing these values, refer to ‘Appendix A – IP Addressing’.

Click on the OK button to action the changes (or

Cancel to retain the existing settings).

Restart the computer to implement the new settings.

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VN-COMMANDER User Guide Section 1: Getting Started

Setting the IP Address

(Windows NT)

Right-click on the Network Neighborhood icon on

the Windows desktop.

From the popup menu that appears choose Properties.

The Network dialog box will appear.

Select the Protocols tab then, in the Network

Protocols list, double-click the TCP/IP Protocol.

The TCP/IP Properties dialog box will appear.

Select the IP Address tab, click on the 'Specify an IP

address' option and type-in the required IP Address and Subnet Mask.

HINT: Remember that you can, if preferred, change the IP

Address of the VN-QUANTUM Processor to suit that of the computer.

For further information and advice on choosing these values, refer to ‘Appendix A – IP Addressing’.

Click on the OK button to action the changes (or

Cancel to retain the existing settings).

Restart the computer to implement the new settings.

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Section 1: Getting Started VN-COMMANDER User Guide

Testing the Ethernet Link

Using the ‘Ping’ Utility

To test the operation of the Ethernet link between the computer and a VN-QUANTUM Processor, you can use the ‘Ping’ utility supplied with Windows NT/2000/XP.

Click on the Windows Start button, and select Run

from the pop-up menu.

The Run dialog box will appear.

In the Open box type in the following command:

ping xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx –t

where xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx is the IP Address of the VN Processor that you want to test.

Click on the OK button or press the Enter key.

A text box will appear showing a series of messages; these are explained on page 13.

To stop the ping utility, press Ctrl + C on the

keyboard.

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VN-COMMANDER User Guide Section 1: Getting Started

‘Ping’ Utility

Response Messages

When you run the Ping utility, it will display a series of response messages, which you can use to determine the state of the communications link.

For example, if you have ‘pinged’ a VN Processor with the address 208.132.180.48, you should get a message similar to the following:

Reply from 208.132.180.48: bytes=32 time=2ms TTL=32

This is the correct response which indicates that the device at the specified address is communicating correctly. Note that the response ‘time’ value may vary according to network traffic.

If you get the message...

Request timed out.

...this indicates that there has been no response from the specified address. Either the processor is not receiving data from the computer or not sending data back. Check that the VN Processor is powered-up and set to the same address that you ‘pinged’. Also, check that you are using the correct type of connecting cables (i.e. straight through or crossover – see pages 6 & 7) and that they are not damaged or faulty.

I456GB issue 8

If you get the message...

Reply from 208.132.180.48: Destination host unreachable.

this indicates that the IP Address of the computer is not in the same ‘class’ as that of the VN Processor. See ‘Appendix A – IP Addressing’ for further advice.

Section 1: Getting Started VN-COMMANDER User Guide

Running and Exiting VN.COMMANDER

Running

VN.COMMANDER

Exiting

VN.COMMANDER

You can run the VN-COMMANDER application using any of the following methods:

From the Windows desktop, double click

the VN-COMMANDER icon,

Click the Windows Start button, then choose

Programs | Electrosonic | VN-COMMANDER, or

Double-click a presentation file (i.e. with a .ctp

extension) in Windows Explorer.

If the Access Control feature has been enabled, a Login dialog will be displayed, and you will need to select an appropriate Role and enter a Password (see page 139).

The VN-COMMANDER splash screen will appear for a few seconds, and then the main application window will open (see page 15).

You can exit the VN-COMMANDER application using any of the following methods:

Choose Exit from the File Menu, or

Click the button at the top right corner of the

application window, or

Double-click the icon in the top left corner of the

application window, or single click the same icon and choose Close from the drop-down menu.

Press Alt + F4 on the keyboard.

If you haven’t saved your presentation, a message will be displayed asking if you want to save any changes.

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VN-COMMANDER User Guide Section 1: Getting Started

itle bar

bar Tool

bar

Task Bar

Status Bar

Workspace

The Main Application Window

The VN-COMMANDER application window comprises the following elements (see the example in Fig.2):

• Title Bar

• Menu Bar

• Toolbars

• Task Bar

• Workspace

• Status Bar

Title Bar

Menu Bar Toolbars

Fig.2: Elements of the VN-COMMANDER main application window.

I456GB issue 8 15

Task Bar Status Bar Workspace

Section 1: Getting Started VN-COMMANDER User Guide

Title Bar

Menu Bar

Task Bar

Shows the name of the currently loaded presentation.

Provides a selection of drop-down menus, giving access to various functions in VN-COMMANDER. Most of the menu functions can also be performed by buttons on the toolbars. The menus available change according to which task is currently selected on the task bar.

Each major task within VN-COMMANDER is represented by an icon in the task bar. To select a task, simply click on the appropriate icon. The workspace, menus and toolbars associated with the selected task will then appear.

The full standard set of tasks are as follows (less tasks may be displayed depending on security settings):

• Choose Display Processors

• Choose Layout

• Communications Setup

• Set Up Sources

• Scene Design

• Scene Control

Workspace

Each task in the task bar has it’s own workspace. The workspace contains the controls and functionality needed to complete the task.

Toolbars

The various toolbars within VN-COMMANDER allow quick access to the most commonly used functions within the currently selected task. Most of these functions can also be performed using the menu bar. To hide or show a

View menu.

Sta tus B ar

toolbar for the current task, use the

Sho w s i n form atio n about t he c urren t st atus of VN-COMMANDER. To hide or show the status bar, go to the

View menu and select Status Bar.

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VN-COMMANDER User Guide Section 1: Getting Started

Starting a New Presentation

When you run VN-COMMANDER for the first time after installation, a new ‘untitled’ presentation will be created with no system configuration settings.

Thereafter, there are two methods of starting a new ‘untitled’ presentation depending on whether you want to:

• retain the existing system configuration (e.g. to make a new

presentation for the same system), or to

• create a completely new presentation with no system

configuration (e.g. to make a new presentation for a different system).

To Retain the Existing System Configuration

To Create a

Completely New

Presentation

Click the button on the main toolbar.

You can also choose File | New from the menu bar or press Ctrl +

N on the keyboard.

Exit VN-COMMANDER by following the instructions

on page 14.

While holding down the keyboard SHIFT key, run VN-

COMMANDER by following the instructions on page 14.

Once the VN-COMMANDER application window has appeared, you can release the SHIFT key.

• To give your ‘untitled’ presentation a name, you need to

save it as described on page 18.

• If you are creating a presentation for a new system or

need to make changes to the existing configuration, refer to Section 2: System Configuration.

• To start putting sources on the target display, turn to

Section 3: Creating a Presentation

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Section 1: Getting Started VN-COMMANDER User Guide

Loading an Existing Presentation

Click the button on the main toolbar.

You can also choose File | Open from the menu bar or press Ctrl + O on the keyboard.

The standard Windows Open dialog box will appear.

Locate the file to be loaded and click the OK button.

Saving a Presentation

Saving the Current

Presentation

Saving a Copy of a

Presentation

Click the button on the main toolbar.

You can also choose File | Save from the menu bar or press Ctrl + S on the keyboard.

If the presentation has not been saved previously (i.e. it is ‘untitled’), the Save As dialog box will appear, enabling you to specify a name.

From the menu bar, choose File | Save As.

The standard Windows Save As dialog box will appear.

Type in an appropriate name for the presentation

in the File Name field. A ‘.CTP’ extension will be automatically appended to the file name.

Click the Save button to save the file.

When you are creating a presentation, remember to save your work regularly!

For extra protection, you can have VN-COMMANDER automatically create backup files at regular intervals. See page 18 for details.

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VN-COMMANDER User Guide Section 1: Getting Started

Using the Auto-Backup Function

VN-COMMANDER can automatically backup your presentation at specific intervals.

In the event that any changes are lost before saving

(e.g. due to a power outage), you may be able to limit the amount of work you have lost by restoring the last auto-backup file.

Setting the

Backup Timer

From the menu bar, choose Backup | Setup Backup

Timer.

The Backup Setup dialog box will appear:

Ensure that the Disable Backup box is deselected

(unchecked) to enable auto-backup.

If you do not want to use auto-backup, ensure that the Disable Backup box is selected (checked).

Set the desired interval between backups using the

Hours and Minutes fields.

Using the Backup Folder area, type in the full path of

the Windows folder where the backup files are to be saved. By default these will be saved in the VNCOMMANDER folder. Alternatively, click the button to find a specific folder.

Click the OK button to implement the new settings.

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Section 1: Getting Started VN-COMMANDER User Guide

Restoring an

Auto-Backup File

From the menu bar, choose Backup | Restore.

If you have made changes to the current file you will

be prompted to save the file first. Either:

Click on Yes to save the current file (in which case the Save As dialog box will appear).

Click on Save to save the current file.

The standard Windows Open dialog box will then appear.

NOTE: The backup files are held in folders according to the

date they where created.

Double-click the folder for the required date.

Backup files are named with the presentation title and the time they where created.

Double-click the backup file that you want to restore.

Click on No to exit the current file without saving.

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VN-COMMANDER User Guide Section 1: Getting Started

I456GB issue 8 21

Sys tem C o nf i gu r at i on

Introduction

...............................

Se c ti o n 2 :

Choosing a Display Processor . 24

Choosing a Display Layout.. . .. 26

•

Target Display Clock........................ 34

Communications Setup ............ 36

Set Up Sources ......................... 42

•

The Set Up Sources Task.................43

•

Source Parameters......................... 50

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VN-COMMANDER User Guide Section 2: System Configuration

Introduction

There are four procedures or ‘tasks’ associated with configuring VN-COMMANDER to work correctly with a VN-QUANTUM Processor:

•••• Choosing a Display Processor

Used to establish communications with a VN-QUANTUM. See page 24 for further details.

•••• Choose a Display Layout

Used to select the format of the target display and assign screens to a VN-QUANTUM Processor. See page 26 for further details.

•••• Communications Setup

Used to configure the computer’s serial ports (e.g. to allow remote control of VN-COMMANDER) and/or communication with external devices such as source switchers. This task is also used to enable or disable XML drivers. See page 38 for further details.

•••• Set Up Sources

Used to define the sources available to the VN-QUANTUM. See page 43 for further details.

These tasks can be undertaken in any order, although the order in which they are listed above is recommended.

Unless otherwise stated, all configuration settings described in this section are saved in the presentation (.ctp) file.

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Section 2: System Configuration VN-COMMANDER User Guide

Choosing a Display Processor

VN-COMMANDER communicates with the VN-QUANTUM via a direct or indirect Ethernet connection (as described on page 6).

Before VN- COMMANDER c an take control of a VN-QUANTUM Processor, it must be detected and ‘connected’ using the Choose Display Processors task.

Click on the Choose Display Processors icon in the

task bar:

The Choose Display Processors workspace will appear.

Detecting the

Display Processor(s)

Click on the button on the toolbar, or choose the

Detect option from the Detect menu.

V N - C O M M A ND ER w i l l t h e n p o ll f o r a ny VN-QUANTUM Processors accessible via its Ethernet port.

An information panel is displayed for each Processor detected, as in the following example:

The IP Address of the detected Processor. This is for information only and cannot be changed here.

The type of image processor is shown here,

e.g.

VNQuantum.

A Connect checkbox, used to enable or disable communications between this Processor and VN-COMMANDER.

24 I456GB issue 8

A text box for entering an optional

Name for the Processor.

VN-COMMANDER User Guide Section 2: System Configuration

To connect to a VN-QUANTUM Processor...

Select (i.e. check) the Connect checkbox for the appropriate processor:

If you are using more than one processor, you need to ‘connect’ to each processor in this way.

NOTE: If the checkbox does not stay selected, this indicates that VN-

COMMANDER is unable to establish or maintain a connection (e.g. due to a faulty cable).

To disconnect from a VN-QUANTUM Processor...

Deselect (i.e. uncheck) the Connect checkbox for the appropriate processor:

To assign a Name to a VN-QUANTUM Processor...

If you are using VN-COMMANDER to control more than one processor, you may find it helpful to give a name to each processor that more easily identifies its role within the system. This will be especially useful when assigning processors to the target display screens.

For example, if you are using two processors driving the left-hand and righthand sides of the target display respectively, you could name them ‘Left’ and ‘Right.

Click on the Name box for the appropriate processor, then type in a suitable

name:

VN-COMMANDER CONNECT does not support the use of multiple processors.

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Section 2: System Configuration VN-COMMANDER User Guide

Choosing a Display Layout

Your target display may be a single screen, or several screens butted togther to form a larger display area. Therefore, you need to define the layout within VN-COMMANDER.

The chosen layout will also appear as the virtual display in the Scene Design task (see page 70). This will allow you to place sources exactly where you want them on the real display.

The display layout is chosen and configured using the Choose Layout task.

Click on the Choose Layout button on the task bar:

The Choose Layout workspace will appear:

26 I456GB issue 8

If the default layouts don’t match your particular display

VN-COMMANDER User Guide Section 2: System Configuration

Choosing &

Configuring a Layout

Mapping Screens to Processor Outputs

From the layout diagrams displayed, click on the

layout that matches the arrangement of your target display screens.

The currently selected layout is highlighted with a blue background and red outline.

configuration, see Designing a New Layout on page 28 or Modifying an Existing Layout on page 30.

Right-click on a screen (usually starting with the top

left screen) in the chosen layout.

From the popup menu that appears choose Change

Screen Processor IP.

The following dialog will appear:

Select the IP address of the Processor you are using

from the Processor IP listbox.

This will list all processors currently ‘connected’ to VNCOMMANDER via the Choose Display Processors task. If no processors are listed you will need to ‘connect’ to one as described on page 25.

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Section 2: System Configuration VN-COMMANDER User Guide

Channel

Number

Card Slot

Number

Fig.3: Example display layouts and channel configurations.

Click on Available Outputs to see a list of currently

unassigned output cards (by slot number) and choose one to assign to this screen.

IMPORTANT NOTE: There are two output channels on each

Output Card and choosing from the Available Outputs list assigns the primary output (channel 1) to the screen. The secondary output (channel 2) is assigned automatically using the Second Output setting. (See Fig.3 for examples.)

In the Second Output area, select how you want the

secondary output to be assigned. Choose from:

•••• Horizontal – the secondary output is assigned to

the screen immediately to the right of the primary output (when viewed from the front of the display).

•••• Vertical – the secondary output is assigned to the

screen immediately below the primary output.

•••• Don’t Assign – the secondary output is not

assigned; the primary output only is used.

Click OK to confirm the assignments.

NOTE: Screens that have been assigned/mapped will appear

with a gre en backg round in the lay out diag ram. Unassigned screens have a grey background.

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VN-COMMANDER User Guide Section 2: System Configuration

Designing a

New Layout

If the target display layout that you require is not one of the default options available, you can create your own rectangular layouts as follows:

From the menu bar, choose Layouts | New. The

New Wall Layout dialog will appear.

~ Enter a name or brief description for the layout in the

Name box.

~ In the Wall Layout area set the overall horizontal and

vertical size of the target display (measured in whole screens) using the Columns and Rows settings respectively.

~ Define the resolution of each screen using the Output

Mode parameter.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This sets up the correct screen mapping used to determine grid snaps and source window scaling.

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Section 2: System Configuration VN-COMMANDER User Guide

If the display devices are overscanned, you can set the

amount of compensation required by using the Overscan controls.

If you are using projectors with soft edge blending, you

can set the amount of overlap required by using the Screen Overlap controls.

When you have completed setting-up the new layout, click on

the OK button to save it.

The new layout can now be selected using the Choose Layout

task (see page 26). You will then need to map screens to processor outputs (see page 27).

VN-COMMANDER CONNECT does not support the use of overscan or overlapped displays.

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VN-COMMANDER User Guide Section 2: System Configuration

Modifying an

Existing Layout

Right-click on a screen in the chosen layout, then

choose Edit Wall Layout from the pop-up menu.

The Wall Layout Properties dialog box will appear:

Edit the various settings as required then click on the

OK button.

Refer to Designing a New Layout on page 29 for further details on these settings.

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Section 2: System Configuration VN-COMMANDER User Guide

Importing a Layout You can import display layouts from another

VN-COMMANDER file (with a ‘.ctp’ file extension).

From the menu bar, choose Layout | Import.

The Import Wall Layout dialog will appear.

Locate the file that contains the desired layout and

click the OK button.

NOTE: This action will import all layouts from the selected file

that don’t already exist in the existing file. Any unwanted layouts can be deleted as described below.

Deleting a Layout You can delete any of the display layouts that appear in

the Choose Layout workspace. Please note that you cannot undo this operation.

Click on the layout to be deleted.

From the menu bar, choose Layout | Delete.

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Arranging Layouts You can change the way that layouts are presented in the

Choose Layout workspace. This can be helpful if you have a large number of layouts and want to be able to see them more easily.

From the menu bar, choose View | Arrange Layouts.

The Arrange Layouts dialog will appear.

Select the relative Panel Size for the display layout

and how many Columns of icons you want displayed across the workspace.

Click the OK button.

Restoring Default

Layouts

You can restore the default layouts that were present when VN-COMMANDER was first installed. Performing this operation will delete any user-defined layouts.

From the menu bar, choose Layout | Default.

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Section 2: System Configuration VN-COMMANDER User Guide

Target Display Clock

The VN-QUANTUM Processor has the ability to show the current time and date on one or more screens of the target display.

NOTE: This feature is provided for legacy support ONLY. The target display clock should not be used for new systems. Please see the section on the ‘Timer source’ for details of the recommended alternative. (Page 62).

The time and date text will always display in front of any sources applied to the screen.

In the Choose Layout workspace, right-click on the

appropriate screen of the current display layout.

From the popup menu that appears choose

Clock Properties.

The following dialog box will appear:

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VN-COMMANDER User Guide Section 2: System Configuration

Select the Show Clock checkbox to display the clock or deselect it to hide the clock.

Change the Time and/or Date formats as required.

Change the Style settings as required.

Note that when Transparent is selected, the text is displayed without a background.

Choose the position of the clock on the screen by clicking one of the buttons in the Location area.

Click Apply or OK to save the clock settings.

VN-COMMANDER CONNECT does not support the use of the target display clock.

The target display clock should not be used for new systems. The target display clock and clock windows should not be used in the same VNCOMMANDER show as unpredictable results will occur.

A timer source type also exists (see page 62) which allows you to create a clock display within a window. This can then be positioned anywhere on the display and be changed from scene to scene.

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Section 2: System Configuration VN-COMMANDER User Guide

Communications Setup

You will need to ensure that the computer’s serial ports are correctly configured if:

• you are using VN-COMMANDER to control external

devices such as source switchers, and/or

• you wish to remotely control VN-COMMANDER

using serial data strings.

The serial ports are setup using the Communications Setup task, as shown below:

Click on the Communications Setup button on the

task bar:

The Communications Setup workspace will appear:

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VN-COMMANDER User Guide Section 2: System Configuration

The left-hand side of the Communications Setup workspace contains a ‘Devices tree’, similar to Windows Explorer. This has three main ‘folders’:

•••• Ethernet Devices, which lists any Ethernet device

drivers currently loaded.

•••• Serial Devices, which lists any serial device drivers

currently loaded. Alternatively, if no device drivers are found, any available serial (COM) ports detected by VN-COMMANDER will be listed.

•••• Settings, which allows XML device drivers to be

enabled or disabled for serial or Ethernet control (see page 38).

The details displayed in the main area of the workspace changes according to the type of item selected in the device tree.

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Section 2: System Configuration VN-COMMANDER User Guide

XML Device Drivers

Device drivers are defined by an XML file, located in the following folder on the computer’s hard disk:

“C:\Program Files\Electrosonic\VNCommander\XML\Device Drivers”

For further advice on creating an XML device driver file, please contact Electrosonic Product Support.

To enable XML Device Drivers...

Open the Settings folder and click the XML

Driver Path item.

An Enable XML device drivers checkbox will

appear on the right-hand side of the screen. Check this box to load the device drivers.

A message box will appear while VN-COMMANDER loads the drivers after which the driver names will appear in the Ethernet Devices and/or Serial Devices folders.

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To manually setup a Serial (COM) Port...

Any unused serial ports (i.e. not used by a device driver) will be listed in the Serial Devices folder. These can be configured manually as follows:

Click on the appropriate port number (e.g. COM1,

COM2, etc.) in the Serial Devices folder.

The Port Settings and Serial Commands areas will appear in the workspace.

In the Port Settings area, adjust the various

parameters as required:

* All settings must match the data format expected by (or received from) the external switchers/devices.

Sets the Baud rate* of the data

Sets the number of Data bits*

Sets the Parity of the data

Sets the number of Stop bits

Sets the Flow control

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Section 2: System Configuration VN-COMMANDER User Guide

In the Serial Commands area, select whether the port

is to be used for incoming (INPUT) or outgoing (OUTPUT) data, by selecting the appropriate checkbox:

NOTE: Only one port can be used for input and only one for

output. The Current Ports area shows which ports are currently in use. You can, if required, use the same port for both input and output.

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Testing an

Ethernet Device

Click on an installed Ethernet device to display a

workspace like the following example:

Click the Connect button to establish a connection

with the device. Status box will show ‘Connected’ if successful.

Click on a command in the Command list and click

Send to transmit that command to the device.

If a command requires a specific argument (e.g. a Search frame number) this can be typed into the Argument box before pressing Send).

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Section 2: System Configuration VN-COMMANDER User Guide

Testing a

Serial Device

Click on an installed Serial device to display a

workspace like the following example:

Check that the Status box shows ‘Connected’. If not

click the Connect button to establish a connection with the device.

Click on a command in the Command list and click

Send to transmit that command to the device.

If a command requires a specific argument (e.g. a Search frame number) this can be typed into the Argument box before pressing Send).

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VN-COMMANDER User Guide Section 2: System Configuration

Set Up Sources

Each source that you need to use in your presentation must have a corresponding ‘source definition’ within VN-COMMANDER.

What is a Source A source definition contains full details of the source,

Definition? such as its signal format (e.g. NTSC, PAL, RGB, DVI etc.)

and which input channel on the VN-QUANTUM Processor the source is connected to.

If you are using an external source switcher (e.g. to give access to multiple sources on one input) the source definition can also include a serial command string used to operate the switcher. A separate source definition is required for each of the sources that can be connected to the VN-QUANTUM Processor.

Remember that you will need to setup communications with a switcher before you can define any sources selected via that switcher. See page 35 for further details.

When VN-COMMANDER needs to display a particular source, it uses the parameters in the source definition to configure the appropriate input channel for the required source.

Source definitions are created and set up using the Set Up Source task (see page 43).

VN-COMMANDER CONNECT does not support the use of Glimpse, Clock, HTML and picture source types.

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Section 2: System Configuration VN-COMMANDER User Guide

Source explorer

Source p

roperties

area

The Set Up Sources Task

Click on the Set Up Sources button on the task bar:

The Set Up Sources workspace will appear as shown below.

Fig.4: The Set Up Source Workspace.

44 I456GB issue 8

When you open the source explorer after creating a completely new presentation (or for the first time after installation) there will be no source definitions listed. To start adding and configuring source definitions, see page 46 onwards.

VN-COMMANDER User Guide Section 2: System Configuration

Source Explorer The source explorer, located on the left-hand side of the

Set Up Source workspace, shows a list of Source Types supported by the VN Processor. Source Definitions are listed under the relevant Source Type.

The source explorer operates in a similar fashion to the Windows Explorer; the information is displayed as a ‘tree’ which expands up to three ‘levels’ as shown in the following example:

Fig.5: The source explorer.

When you open the source explorer after creating a

All Display Processors

VN-QUANTUM Processor

Source Type

Source Definition

completely new presentation (or for the first time after installation) there will be no source definitions listed. To start adding and configuring source definitions, see page 47 onwards.

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Section 2: System Configuration VN-COMMANDER User Guide

To create VN-QUANTUM Source Types...

Right-click on the Display Processors item.

A number of options are presented.

- Create Quantum Sources:

This option will simply add a list of the supported source types to the source tree. You will then need to create source definitions as described in the next few pages.

- Detect sources:

Selecting this option is the easiest method to create source types. For correct operation, you should have a VNQUANTUM processor connected to the VN-COMMANDER control PC. VN-Commander communicates with the Quantum processor and automatically detects the number and type of input cards that are present. The source type list will be built automatically. If sources are connected to the processor, then the source definition will be created automatically.

- Update sources:

Selecting this option when connected to a VN-QUANTUM processor will cause the source tree details to be updated.

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To create a Source Definition...

Right-click on the appropriate source type heading in the source explorer (e.g. RGB, Glimpse, Video, etc.)

Select Create New Source from the popup menu.

An empty source definition will appear in the workspace. For example, a new Video definition will look like this:

Enter a name for the source in the Source Name field.

If a serial string is required for this source (e.g. to operate an external

switcher), type the appropriate control string into the Source Selected TX

field.

Enter the required settings for the source in the Parameters area – these

settings vary according to the source type and are detailed on pages 50 thru

66.

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Section 2: System Configuration VN-COMMANDER User Guide

If VN-COMMANDER is connected to a VN-QUANTUM Processor you can click the Detect Sources button to display a list of the Video, RGB, DVI etc sources that are currently connected.

The following example shows what you might see if you use Detect Sources within a Video source definition:

Simply click on a source from the list and click OK to create a source definition for the chosen source.

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To delete a single Source Definition...

Right-click on the appropriate source definition in the

source explorer.

Select Delete Source from the popup menu.

To delete ALL Source Definitions...

Right-click on the Display Processors item.

Choose Remove All Devices from the popup menu.

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VN-

COMMANDER User Guide

Source Parameters

The following pages show the source parameters for each VN-QUANTUM source type, along with a description of functionality and available options.

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VN-COMMANDER User Guide Section 2: System Configuration

Source Parameters - DVI

Use the DVI source type to view a source connected to an ES3314 DVI Input Card.

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Location

Format

The source input number on VN-QUANTUM identified by the card slot number and card input number, input 2 of the card in slot 5. This value can be entered manually or detected by

using the Detect Sources button (see Helpful Hint on page 48).

The IP address of the VN-QUANTUM card frame where the source is connected.

This value can be entered manually or detected by using the Detect Sources button (see Helpful Hint on page 48).

A read-only field that reports the source type as detected by VN-QUANTUM.

RGB – default mode.

Component SD – option for Component SD i/p’s Colour space

Component HD – option for Component HD i/p’s

e.g.

5.2 is the source connected to

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VN-COMMANDER User Guide Section 2: System Configuration

Source Parameters - GLIMPSE

Use the Glimpse source type to display a source derived from a VNGLIMPSE Server or VN-GLIMPSE RGB Adapter.

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Server

IPAddress

Multicast Address

MulticastPort Default = 5000

Input Enabled NOT IMPLEMENTED.

Input Stop Keystroke

Input Timeout (Seconds)

Reconnection Time (Seconds)

Specifies the network Name* or IP Address of the VN-GLIMPSE source.

*For VN-GLIMPSE Server, this is the name of the

host/source computer. For VN-GLIMPSE RGB Adapter, this is the name of the RGB Adapter itself. To use names the network must support DNS (Dynamic Name Services).

For example, to select a VN-GLIMPSE Server source on a PC called GlimpsePC with an IP address of 172.28.229.101, enter either:

GlimpsePC or 172.28.229.101

The IP address of the VN-GLIMPSE RGB Adapter where the source is connected. Must be left blank if the Adapter is using DHCP.

If the source is a VN-GLIMPSE RGB Adapter operating in Multicast mode, enter its Multicast address here. For example: 234.5.6.183

NOT IMPLEMENTED.

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Source Parameters - GLIMPSE

Use the HTML source type to display a browsercompatible file format.

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URL

Graphics Overlay

The URL of a web resource or path and filename t o a l ocal / n e t w or k- ba s e d H T ML file. For example, www.electrosonic.com

NOT IMPLEMENTED. Default = False.

VN-COMMANDER CONNECT does not support the use of Glimpse sources.

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Source Parameters - Picture

Use the Picture source type to display an image file (in JPG, GIF, PNG or BMP format). The file can be located on the VN-QUANTUM flash drive (in the d:/pictures folder) or elsewhere on the network.

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VN-

COMMANDER User Guide

transparent (if Graphics Overlay is set to Tru

e).

Three values from 0 to 255 are used to set the

Red, Green and Blue levels.

Filename

Location

GraphicsOverlay

KeyColour

The filename of the required image, including its path.

For example, to select a file on the VNQUANTUM Processor, use the format:

d:/pictures/companylogo.jpg

Alternatively, to select a file on a network computer/server, use the format:

\ \ imageserver\ companylogo.jpg

The IP address of the VN-QUANTUM card frame where the source is connected. This value can be entered manually or detected by using the Detect Sources button (see Helpful

Hint on page 48).

Set to True to make the specified KeyColour in the image become transparent.

Set to False to disable transparency (KeyColour will be opaque).

Sets the colour in the image that will be made

VN-COMMANDER CONNECT does not support the use of Picture sources.

58 I456GB issue 8

For example:

255,255,255 = White 0,0,0 = Black

0,0,255 = Blue

VN-COMMANDER User Guide Section 2: System Configuration

Source Parameters – RGB

Use the RGB source type to view an RGB graphics or HD video source connected to an ES3312 RGB Input Card.

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Item

Source Name Enter the name for the source.

Switch setting

Source Format

Adjustments

Source Viewporting

Note1: For a more detailed description of these controls, please contact Electrosonic for an application note.

Control Action

Source ID The slot and channel number of the RGB card

in the Quantum frame is listed.

Source Location The IP address of the Quantum frame is listed

Format Only accessible when in ‘manual’ mode.

Lists the standard modes that are available.

Colour space Select the required colour space

Auto detect The format of the source that is connected to

the card is detected automatically.

Manual When this mode is enabled, the input mode

may be forced to a known format.

In addition new ‘custom’ input modes may be built. Note 1

Brightness, Contrast Used to adjust the brightness and contrast of a

source.

Phase, Pixel clock Used to adjust the sample clock parameters.

Note: ensure that ‘auto phase’ is not checked.

Auto phase Checked: Automatically adjusts the clock

phase.

Un-checked: No auto clock phase adjust.

X, Y, H pos, V Pos These controls allow a section of the captured

source to be isolated as a viewport. Note: only

one viewport for each input channel.

Image Auto centre Off: no auto centering

Once: the source image is centered as part of

the detect process.

Continuous: the input source is continually monitored and centered.

Checked The source is displayed in the current scene Keep scene

Un-checked The source is displayed on Quantum output

1,1.

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Source Parameters – Video

Use the Video source type to view a video source connected to an ES3311 Video Input Card.

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Auto: Auto discover format

Location

Format

AutoDetect

Deinterlace

Critical*

Input

Always on

The source input number on VN-QUANTUM identified by the card slot number and card input number, input 3 of the card in slot 5.

This value can be entered manually or detected by using the Detect Sources button (see Helpful Hint on page 48).

The IP address of the VN-QUANTUM card frame where the source is connected.

This value can be entered manually or detected by using the Detect Sources button (see Helpful Hint on page 48).

When AutoDetect is set to True this is a read-only field that reports the source type as detected by VN-QUANTUM.When AutoDetect is set to False this is a drop-down list allowing the manual selection of a source type.

Set to True to allow VN-QUANTUM to auto-detect the current source type.

Set to False to manually select the source type using the Format drop down list.

Sets the de-interlace mode to be applied to the source. Choose between:

1i – Single Field Interpolation

3i – Three Field Interpolation Refer to the VN-QUANTUM User Guide for

further advice on de-interlacing.

When set to True the VN-QUANTUM will treat this as a critical source (guaranteed to display in real-time).

When set to False the VN-QUANTUM will treat this as a non-critical source (fields may get dropped if RAPT bandwidth is exceeded).

SVideo: Force S-Videomode Composite: Force Composite mode

False:

True:

e.g.

5.3 is the source connected to

62 I456GB issue 8

* Initial firmware releases for VN-QUANTUM only support

the use of Critical sources.

Timer

VN-COMMANDER User Guide Section 2: System Configuration

Use the Timer source type to create an on-screen clock or count-down/up timer.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not mix Timer/Clock source windows

with the Target Display Clock function (see page 34) as unpredictable results may occur. Use one method or the other to show a clock on the target display

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GraphicsOverlay

Size

ForeColour

BackColour

Font

TimeFormatString

A user-defined alphanumeric label ( source name) that is unique to the show.

Set to True to make the specified BackColour in the image become transparent.

Set to False to disable transparency (BackColour will be opaque).

Choose the text size of the clock/timer display from:

Small

Medium (default)

Large

Extra Large

Sets the foreground ( clock/timer display. Three values from 0 to 255 are used to set the Red, Green and Blue levels.

For example:

255,255,255 = White (default)

128,0,0 = Mid Red

255,255,0 = Bright Yellow

Sets the background colour for the clock/timer display. Three values from 0 to 255 are used to set the Red, Green and Blue levels.

For example:

0,0,0 = Black (default)

128,0,0 = Mid Red

0,0,75 = Dark Blue

Sets the font used for the clock/timer display. The options are dependant on the fonts installed on the VN-QUANTUM processor.

Typically the options will comprise:

Arial

Verdana (default)

Microsoft Sans Serif

Tahoma

Use to customize the time/date text string. Use %d to display the date, %t to display the time, and /n to force a new line. If left blank the time/date are displayed in

standard form.

i.e.

text) colour for the

e.g.

the

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TimeFormat

ShowSeconds

ShowDate

DateFormat

ShowWeekDay

TimerStartTime

ClockMode

TimeZone

Alignment

Select either 12 hour time format or 24 hour. Default is 24.

When set to True the time display will include hours, minutes and seconds.

When set to False the time display will show hours and minutes only.

When set to True the date is displayed along with the time. When set to False only the time is displayed.

Set the format of the date displayed from the following options:

dd/mm/yyyy (default) mm/dd/yyyy 20 June 2006 June 202006

When set to True the day of the week is displayed (Monday to Saturday) with the date. When set to False only the date is displayed.

When operating in Timer mode, this value defines the start time in hh:mm:ss.

Default is 00:00:00.

Note: When zero is reached in count down mode, the timer reloads with this preset value and starts again.

Choose whether the display will show a standard Clock (default) or a Timer.

Note: For timer mode, set the TimerCountDirection parameter as required (see below).

Sets the time zone (from the drop down list) for the clock and date.

Sets the horizontal alignment of the display, relative to the window in which it is placed.

Left Center (default) Right

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(default)

Product Support.

Trimming

TimerCount When using Timer mode, use this parameter to

Direction set the direction that the timer will count from:

Sets how the date/time text string is treated when the window is smaller that the text.

None: no trimming - the text is truncated. Character (default): the string is broken at the

boundary of the last character that is inside the layout rectangle.

Word: the string is broken at the boundary of the last word that is inside the window.

Ellipsis Character: the string is broken at the boundary of the last character that is inside the window and an ellipsis (...) is inserted after the character.

Ellipsis Word: the string is broken at the boundary of the last word that is inside the window and an ellipsis (...) is inserted after the word.

Ellipsis Path: the center is removed from the string and replaced by an ellipsis. This keeps as much of the last portion of the string as possible

Cmd

Note: A left-click on the timer window in the Scene

Down

A command to control timer operation. Thee commands are supported: Start, Stop and

Reset.

For more details on how to change these commands on-the-fly, contact Electrosonic

Design task simulates a Start/Stop command; a right-click simulates a Reset command.

VN-COMMANDER CONNECT does not support the use of Clock or Timer sources.

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Introduction

................................

...........

Secti on 3:

Cr e a t i n g a P r e s en ta t i o n

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Working with Scenes ...........................71

•

Creating a New Scene.................................. 71

•

Changing the Properties of a Scene ....... 73

•

Adding or Changing Scene Commands. . 74

•

Copying an Existing Scene............................. 77

•

Changing the Order of Scenes........................ 77

•

Scene Navigation......................................... 78

•

Deleting a Scene......................................... 78

Working with Windows .........................79

•

Adding a Window to a Scene.......................... 81

•

Removing a Window from a Scene......................81

•

Choosing the Window Source......................... 82

•

Choosing the Window Style............................ 83

•

Changing a Source Viewport.......................... 87

•

Moving and Resizing a Window ...................... 90

•

Changing the Layer of a Window..................... 93

•

Changing the Virtual Display Properties....................95

VN-COMMANDER User Guide Section 3: Creating a Presentation

Introduction

Windows & Scenes To view a source on the target display you need to place a

‘window’ (containing the appropriate source) on the display.

The size, position and contents of one or more windows can be stored as a ‘scene’. You can create any number of scenes, each having a different arrangement of windows and/or sources.

NOTE: The maximum number of windows allowed within a

scene is dependant the VN-QUANTUM hardware. Broadly the absolute maximum is 64 windows arranged as an 8x8 array on a single output channel. Check the VN-QUANTUM User Guide forfurther details.

Scene Designer Windows and Scenes are created and edited using the

Scene Designer.

To access the Scene Designer, click on the Scene

Design icon in the task bar:

The Scene Design workspace will appear.

The main features and toolbars associated with the Scene Design workspace are shown in Fig.6.

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VN-

COMMANDER User Guide

Virtual Display Properties Toolbar

Window Palette

Scene Control Toolbar

Virtual Display Area

Scene List

Window Properties Toolbar

Scene Properties Toolbar

Fig.6: Main features and toolbars of the Scene Designer.

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Working with Scenes

Creating a New Scene

The ‘new’ scene is added to the end of the Scene List. The new scene will have the same window palette (see page 78) as the ‘currently selected’ scene. No other attributes are copied from the current scene.

Click the button on the Scene Properties toolbar.

The Scene Properties dialog will appear:

Use these three’ tabs to enter control commands that will be sent as part of the scene selection. S eepage s73 –75fo r further details.

These options relate to the AutoPlay facility; see pages 113–116.

Check this box to send Scene Commands only w hen th is sce ne i s selected. See Hint on page 71.

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Modify the default Scene Title and any other settings

as required.

Click the OK button.

In the Scene Controller, a new recall button will also be added for the ‘new’ scene (see page 100).

To add a window to the scene, see page 81.

By checking the Don’t display windows box in the Scene Properties dialog, only the serial strings (if any) associated with the string will be actioned. Any source or layout changes in the scene will be ignored. This allows the scene to be used simply to transmit a serial command without changing the current layout of the target display,

e.g. to operate an external source switcher.

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Changing the Properties of a Scene

For the currently selected scene, click on the

button on the Scene Properties toolbar, or for any scene right-click on the scene title in the Scene List.

The Scene Properties dialog will appear:

Modify the details as required, then click on the OK

button.

NOTE: Any changes made to the Scene Title will not automatically

update the Button Text displayed on the corresponding scene recall button, located in the Scene Controller (see page 108).

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Adding or Changing Scene Commands

For the currently selected scene, click on the

button on the Scene Properties toolbar, or for any scene right-click on the scene title in the Scene List.

The Scene Properties dialog will appear.

Click on the appropriate Scene Commands tab:

•••• Pre (as soon as the scene is selected but not yet

fully displayed);

•••• Post (when the scene display is fully complete);

•••• Exit (when another scene is selected but before the

Pre commands of the new scene).

NOTE: The method of adding, editing or removing commands from each tab is the same.

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To add a scene command...

Open the Scene Properties dialog (if not already) and

select the appropriate Scene Commands tab.

Click the Add button to display the Add Command

dialog:

Using the Device listbox select the device you want to

add a command for.

Click on the required Command Name from the list.

If you select a non-XML defined serial port (which will be listed as OUTPUT), a text box will be displayed for you to enter afree format text string.

Click the OK button to add the command to the

scene.

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To change the order of scene commands...

Open the Scene Properties dialog (if not already) and select the appropriate Scene Commands tab.

In the command list click on the Device name to be moved.

Click the Move Up or Move Down buttons to move the command to the required position in the list.

To remove a scene command...

Open the Scene Properties dialog (if not already) and select the appropriate Scene Commands tab.

Click on the Device name in the command list and click the Remove button.

To edit a serial (OUTPUT) scene command...

Open the Scene Properties dialog (if not already) and select the appropriate Scene Commands tab.

Click on the OUTPUT name in the command list and click the Edit button.

Edit the free format text string as required then click the OK button.

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Copying an Existing Scene

You can create an exact copy of any scene that already exists in your presentation. This is useful, for example, when creating a number of scenes which only have slight variations from each other.

The ‘copied’ scene is inserted immediately after the ‘original’ scene. The copied scene will have the same window palette, window layout, control commands and auto-play settings as the original scene.

Select the scene to be copied by clicking on its name

in the Scene List.

Click the button on the Scene Properties toolbar.

The Scene Properties dialog will appear for the ‘copied’ scene. See example dialog on page 70.

Modify the default Scene Title and any other settings

as required.

Click the OK button.

In the Scene Controller, a new recall button will also be added for the ‘copied’ scene (see page 100).

Changing the Order of Scenes

You can change the order of the scenes in the Scene List. When using the AutoPlay facility, scenes are recalled in the order that they appear in this list.

To move a scene in the Scene List, simply drag and

drop the scene title to a new position in the list.

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Scene Navigation

You can use the Scene Control toolbar, Scene List and keyboard to navigate to the scene you want to view or edit.

Deleting a Scene

To go to...

a Specific Scene

the Next Scene

the Previous Scene

the First Scene

the Last Scene

Ensure that the scene to be deleted is currently

displayed (e.g. by clicking on the appropriate scene title in the Scene List).

Click on the..

scene title in the Scene List.

the button, or press the down arrow key.

the button, or press the up arrow key.

the button, or

press the Home key.

the button, or press the End key.

Click the button on the Scene Properties toolbar.

In the Scene Controller, the corresponding scene recall

button will also be deleted (see page 100).

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Working with Windows

Virtual Display Area Within the Scene Designer the real target display is

represented by the virtual display area, and each window that can be placed on the real display is represented by a virtual window.

Each virtual window has a unique number (automatically assigned by VN-COMMANDER) and a user-definable label, typically used to identify the source:

Window Number – a number that uniquely identifies each window within a scene.

This window contains a source called Video Server.

The Window Palette When you create a new presentation, nine virtual

windows are ‘docked’ in the window palette. You can add more windows if required (see page 79) but, once added, they cannot be deleted.

The contents of each window can be the same or different between scenes. Initially, each window will contain a gray color wash. Later on, as you create new scenes, the content of each window in the palette is copied from the currently selected scene.

To use a window within a scene it is moved (or ‘undocked’) from the window palette into the virtual display area.

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This window contains a source called Workstation.

Section 3: Creating a Presentation VN-COMMANDER User Guide

The appearance of the window in the palette changes depending on whether it is docked (not used in the scene) or undocked (is used in the scene):

Example of a Docked Window...

To add more Windows to the Palette...

Remember that windows cannot be deleted from the windows palette.

Either:

• Right-click anywhere in the window palette, or

• Right-click in the virtual display or workspace

area (but not on an existing window).

From the pop-up menu that appears, choose the

Add Window option.

A new window will appear containing a default color wash and given the next available window number.

Exampl e of a n U ndocke d Window (note the smaller image and gray border)...

When you place the mouse pointer over any window in the palette a pop-up box will appear showing the window number and its source type.

For example:

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Adding a Window to a Scene

Click on an available window in the window palette.

It will be highlighted with a red outline.

Then, either:

• Click on the button on the Window

Properties toolbar, or

• Drag the window into the virtual display area, or

• Press the Delete key on the keyboard.

To choose a source to go in the window, see page 82.

Removing a Window from a Scene

Click on the appropriate window either in the

window palette or in the virtual display area.

The either:

• Click on the button on the Window

Properties toolbar, or

• Drag the window into the window palette, or

• Press the Delete key on the keyboard.

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Choosing the Window Source

Open the Set Window Properties dialog by either:

• Right-clicking on the window in the palette or virtual

display and choosing Window Properties from the pop-up menu, or

• Choosing the Windows | Window Properties

from the menu bar, or

• Pressing the key on the computer keyboard,

with the appropriate window already selected.

Click the VNQuantum Sources tab, then click on the

required source using the source tree:

NOTE: The parameters displayed are for reference only. To change source parameters, see Set Up Sources on page 43.

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Choosing the Window Style

VN-COMMANDER CONNECT does not support the use of Window styles

Each window can be given a text label (to identify the source on the target display) and, if required, a colored border.

Two types of text label can be applied to a window:

•••• Overlay Text, where the text is placed over the source, and

•••• Title Text where the text is placed above or below the source on a colored

background.

The appearance of window text and borders are defined by a Style. A Style determines the font, size, color and position of text, plus border width and color.

Fig.7 (page 84) shows some examples of different window styles.

Window styles are defined in an XML file called

Defining

Window Styles

ESQuantumConfig.xml. To change or add to the default styles provided in this version of VN-COMMANDER, you will need to edit the parameters of this file.

Please refer to Technical Information Note TIN115 on the VN-COMMANDER installation disc for further help.

Effect of Styles on Window Size

By default, if a style is applied to a window which adds a border or title text, the overall window size does not increase. The so urce element of the window is scaled-down to allow the border and/or title text to fit within the same overall window size.

If you need the source element to remain a specific size, you will need to manually set it to the required size using the Window Position dialog (see page 91).

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Window with Source Only

...with Overlay Text

...with Bo

rder

...with Title Text

...with Border and Title Text

You can change the Border Width and Color.

You can change the Overlay Text Font, Size and Color. Text can be aligned verticaly (top, middle or bottom) and

CAMERA 1

horizontally (left, middle or right).

CAMERA 1

Fig.7: Examples of different window styles.

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You can change the Title Text Font, Size and Color. Background color is defined by the border color (in this case with a ‘zero’width) .Text can be aligned vertically (top or bottom) and horizontaly (left, middle or right).

VN-COMMANDER User Guide Section 3: Creating a Presentation

To change the Window Style...

Open the Set Window Properties dialog by either:

• Right-clicking on the window in the palette or virtual

display and choosing Window Properties from the pop-up menu, or

• Choosing the Windows | Window Properties

from the menu bar, or

• Pressing the key on the computer keyboard,

with the appropriate window already selected.

Click the Window Styles tab, then choose a style

from the Styles list:

NOTE: The style called None will just give a plain source window with no Border or Title Text. If Overlay Text is entered on the Window Text tab, this will be displayed.

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To change the Window Text...

Open the Set Window Properties dialog by either:

• Right-clicking on the window in the palette or virtual

display and choosing Window Properties from the pop-up menu, or

• Choosing the Windows | Window Properties

from the menu bar, or

• Pressing the key on the computer keyboard,

with the appropriate window already selected.

Click the Window Styles tab, then enter the required

text into the Title Text and/or Overlay Text boxes:

NOTE: If the Title Text field is left empty, the source name will be displayed as Title Text. If the Overlay Text field is left empty, no Overlay Text will be displayed.

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Changing a Source Viewport

What is a Viewport? By default, a window that contains a source will display

the entire source frame. In other words, the source is automatically ‘scaled’ to fit within the window.

However, if required, you can choose to zoom into any part of the source frame, for example to exclude unwanted or irrelevant material from the source.

The portion of the image that you zoom into is called a viewport (see Fig.8a). A viewport can:

• be as small as 6% of the active source frame;

• have the same aspect ratio as the source or be

‘stretched’ in either the horizontal or vertical direction;

• be positioned (or panned) to ‘look’ at any part of the

source frame.

NOTE: Viewporting cannot be used on Image sources.

Whatever the size, shape or position of the viewport, the portion of the source image that it contains will be made to fill the entire window (see Fig.8b).

The number of viewported windows that can be present within one scene is dependent on source types and the size and shape of the windows.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Zooming in on part of a source will only

enlarge the image detail that is already present in the source signal. If the image detail is poor to begin with, zooming in will not increase the level of detail.

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a) An example of a standard vi

ewport that preserves the aspect ratio of the original source:

c) An example of using a ‘stretched’ viewport. Note that if the window has the same

ORIGINAL

VIEWPORTED

SOURCE

aspect ratio as the original source, the viewported image is compressed to fit the window. To retain the aspect ratio of the viewport, the window needs to be the same shape as the

Fig.8: Example of source viewporting.

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To change the

Viewport

Right-click on the window in the virtual display area and

choose Zoom Properties from the pop-up menu.

The Source Properties dialog box will appear.

Set the Variable aspect ratio box as required:

• when unchecked, the vertical and horizontal

size are locked together (i.e. the viewport will maintain the aspect ratio of the original source);

• when checked, the vertical and horizontal size

can be adjusted independently.

Choose Course or Fine adjustment then click on the Zoom/Stretch

arrow buttons to change the size of the viewport. Alternatively, drag the handles of the viewport area to adjust the size.

To quickly return the Zoom/Stretch settings back to 100% (i.e. no viewport), click the Reset button.

Click on the Pan arrow buttons to change the position of the

viewport. Alternatively, drag the viewport area to the required position.

The target display will update in real time as you make changes to the zoom and pan settings.

To accept the new viewport settings, click the OK button; to

retain the previous settings click the Cancel button.

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Moving and Resizing a Window

Using the ~ Click on the appropriate window either in the

Virtual Display Area window palette or in the virtual display area.

In the virtual display area the window will be highlighted as shown below:

To resize the window, position the mouse pointer

over one of the resizing handles, then drag the window border to the desired position.

The mouse pointer will change to a double arrow symbol; the arrows show which direction the border can be moved.

To move the window, position the mouse pointer

within the window, then drag the window to a new location.

The mouse pointer will change to a crossed arrow symbol.

Overriding Grid Snap With the layout grid turned on, the window borders will

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To make a window fit the whole of the target display, right-click on the window and choose Full Screen from the pop-up menu.

automatically align or ‘snap’ to the grid lines.

To temporarily disable this feature, hold down the SHIFT key while moving or resizing the window.

If required, you can hide the layout grid and/or change it’s spacing. For further details, see page 94.

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