Axon HD and Axon HD Pro Media Server
User Manual
© Barco Lighting Systems, 2014, All Rights Reserved
Information and specifications in this document are subject to change without notice. High End Systems, Inc.
assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this manual.
Trademarks used in this text: High End Systems, and Wholehog are registered trademarks; and Collage,
Collage Generator, Hog iPC, the High End Systems globe logo and the Hog logo are trademarks of High End
Systems, Inc. or High End Systems Europe Ltd. Belden is a registered trademark of Belden, Inc. Microsoft,
DirectX, and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United
States and/or other co untries. Super HAD and Sony are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony
Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Art-Net is a registered trademark of Artistic License
Corporation. Lightwave 3-D is a registered trademark of Newtek.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the
marks and names or their products. High End Systems disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and
trade names owned by other s.
Axon HD and Axon HD Pro Media Server User Manual
Software Release Version 1.0.2
August, 2014
Contacting High End Systems
®
Sales Department High End Systems, Inc.
2105 Gracy Farms Lane
Austin, TX 78758 USA
voice: 512.836.2242
fax: 512.837.5290
Toll Free: 800.890.8989
Customer Service High End Systems, Inc.
2105 Gracy Farms Lane
Austin, TX 78758 USA
voice: 800.890.8989
fax: 512.834.9195
toll free: 800.890.8989
email: support@highend.com
World Wide Web: http://www.highend.com
Patents
This High End Systems product is protected by patents and pending patent applications.
Patents owned or licensed by High End Systems include:
US 4,392,187; US 4,602,321; US 4,688,161; US 4,701,833; US 4,709,311; US 4,779,176; US 4,800,474;
US 4,962,687; US 4,972,306; US 4,980,806; US 5,010,459; US 5,031,078; US 5,073,847; US 5,078,039;
US 5,186,536; US 5,209,560; US 5,278,742; US 5,282,121; US 5,307,295; US 5,329,431; US 5,331,822;
US 5,367,444; US 5,402,326; US 5,414,328; US 5,426,576; US 5,430,629; US 5,432,691; US 5,454,477;
US 5,455,748; US 5,502,627; US 5,506,762; US 5,515,254; US 5,537,303; US 5,545,951; US 5,588,021;
US 5,590,954; US 5,590,955; US 5,640,061; US 5,647,662; US 5,691,886; US 5,702,082; US 5,728,994;
US 5,758,955; US 5,758,956; US 5,769,527; US 5,769,531; US 5,774,273; US 5,788,365; US 5,794,881;
US 5,795,058; US 5,798,619; US 5,806,951; US 5,812,596; US 5,823,661; US 5,825,548; US 5,828,485;
US 5,829,868; US 5,857,768; US 5,882,107; US 5,921,659; US 5,934,794; US 5,940,204; US 5,945,786;
US 5,953,151; US 5,953,152; US 5,969,485; US 5,980,066; US 5,983,280; US 5,984,248; US 5,986,201;
US 6,011,662; US 6,029,122; US 6,048,080; US 6,048,081; US 6,054,816; US 6,057,958; US 6,062,706;
US 6,079,853; US 6,126,288; US 6,142,652; US 6,142,653; US 6,172,822; US 6,175,771; US 6,188,933;
US 6,208,087; US 6,219,093; US 6,220,730; US 6,241,366; US 6,249,091; US 6,255,787; US 6,256,136;
US 6,261,636; US 6,278,542; US 6,278,545; US 6,278,563; US 6,288,828; US 6,326,741; US 6,327,103;
US 6,331,756; US 6,346,783; US 6,421,165; US 6,430,934; US 6,459,217; US 6,466,357; US 6,502,961;
US 6,515,435; US 6,523,353; US 6,536,922; US 6,538,797; US 6,545,586; US 6,549,324; US 6,549,326;
US 6,563,520; US 6,565,941; US 6,570,348; US 6,575,577; US 6,578,991; US 6,588,944; US 6,592,480;
US 6,597,132; US 6,600,270; US 6,601,974; US 6,605,907; US 6,617,792; US 6,621,239; US 6,622,053;
US 6,635,999; US 6,648,286; US 6,664,745; US 6,682,031; US 6,693,392; US 6,696,101; US 6,719,433;
US 6,736,528; US 6,771,411; US 6,775,991; US 6,783,251; US 6,801,353; US 6,812,653; US 6,823,119;
US 6,865,008; US 6,866,390; US 6,866,402; US 6,866,451; US 6,869,193; US 6,891,656; US 6,894,443;
US 6,919,916; US 6,930,456; US 6,934,071; US 6,937,338; US 6,955,435; US 6,969,960; US 6,971,764;
US 6,982,529; US 6,988,805; US 6,988,807; US 6,988,817; US 7,000,417; US 7,011,429; US 7,018,047;
US 7,020,370; US 7,033,028; US 7,048,838; US 7,055,963; US 7,055,964; US 7,057,797; US 7,073,910;
US 7,078,869; US 7,092,098; US 7,119,902; US 7,161,562; US 7,175,317; US 7,181,112; US 7,206.023;
US 7,210,798; US 7,253,942; US D347,113; US D350,408; US D359,574; US D360,404; US D365,165;
US D366,712; US D370,080; US D372,550; US D374,439; US D377,338; US D381,740; US D409,771;
AT E169413; CA 2142619; CA 2145508; CA 2245842; DE 22588.4-08; DE 621495; DE 655144; DE 69320175.4;
DE 69322401.0; DE 69331145.2; DE 69525856.7; DE 69734744.3; DE 797503; DK 0655144; DK 1447702;
EP 0475082; EP 0621495; EP 0655144; EP 0662275; EP 0767398; EP 0797503; EP 0969247; EP 1447702;
ES 0621495; FR 0621495; FR 0655144; FR 0662275; FR 1447702; GB 2043769B; GB 2055842B; GB 2283808B;
GB 2290134B; GB 2291814B; GB 2292530B; GB 2292896B; GB 2294909B; GB 2295058B; GB 2303203B;
GB 2306887B; GB 2307036B; GB 2316477B; IE 0621495; IT 034244BE; 2005; IT 0621495; IT 0655144;
JP 3495373; JP 3793577; NL 0621495; NL 0797503; NL 0969247; UK 0621495; UK 0655144; UK 0662275;
UK 0797503; UK 0969247; UK 1447702;
ii Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Declaration of Conformity
according to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and EN45104
Manufacturer’s name: High End Systems, Inc.
Distributor’s name: High End Systems, Inc.
Distributor’s address: 2105 Gracy Farms Lane
Austin, Texas 78758 USA
Declares that the product
Product Name: Axon
Product Number: All
Product Options: All
conforms to the following EEC directives:
73/23/EEC, as amended by 93/68/EEC
89/336/EEC, as amended by 92/31/EEC and 93/68/EEC
Equipment referred to in this declaration of conformity was first manufactured in compliance with the following standards in 2005:
Safety: EN 60598-1: 1997
EN 60598-2-17; 1990
A1-A3: 1998
A13: 1999
EMC:
EN 55022
Conducted Emissions Class A
Radiated Emissions Class A
ANSI C63.4 Class A
FCC 47 CFR Part 15 Class A
VCCI V-1/2001.04 Class A
EN 55024
EN 61000-4-2 4/8kV
EN 61000-4-3 A1 3V/m
EN 61000-4-4 1kV/0.5kV
EN 61000-4-5 2kV/1kV
EN 61000-4-6 3 Vrms
EN 61000-4-11 >95%-0.5p, 30%-25p,>95%-250p
EN 61000-3-2 Class A
EN 61000-3-3
USA, Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Kenneth Stuart Hansen, Compliance Engineer
Axon HD Media Server User Manual iii
Product Modification Warning
High End Systems products are designed and manufactured to meet the requirements of United States and
International safety regulations. Modifications to the product could affect safety and render the product noncompliant to relevant safety standards.
Mise En Garde Contre La Modification Du Produit
Les produits High End Systems sont conçus et fabriqués conformément aux exigences des règlements
internationaux de sécurité. Toute modification du produit peut entraîner sa non conformité aux normes de
sécurité en vigueur.
Produktmodifikationswarnung
Design und Herstellung von High End Systems entsprechen den Anforderungen der U.S. Amerikanischen und
internationalen Sicherheitsvorschriften. Abänderungen dieses Produktes können dessen Sicherheit
beeinträchtigen und unter Umständen gegen die diesbezüglichen Sicherheitsnormen verstoßen.
Avvertenza Sulla Modifica Del Prodotto
I prodotti di High End Systems sono stati progettati e fabbricati per soddisfare i requisiti delle normative di
sicurezza statunitensi ed internazionali. Qualsiasi modifica al prodotto potrebbe pregiudicare la sicurezza e
rendere il prodotto non conforme agli standard di sicurezza pertinenti.
Advertencia De Modificación Del Producto
Los productos de High End Systems están diseñados y fabricados para cumplir los requisitos de las
reglamentaciones de seguridad de los Estad os Unidos e in ternacionales . Las modific aciones al p roducto podrí an
afectar la seguridad y dejar al producto fuera de conformidad con las normas de seguridad relevantes.
FCC Information
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely
to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own
expense.
Important Safety Information
Instructions pertaining to continued protection against fire, electric shock, and injury to persons are found in
this manual. Please read all instructions prior to assembling, mounting, and operating this equipment.
Important: Informations De Sécurité
Instructions relatives à la protection permanente contre l'incendie, de choc électrique excessive et des
blessures se trouvent dans ce manuel. S'il vous pl aît lire to utes les instructions a v ant d'assembler, d'installer ou
d'utiliser cet équipement.
Wichtige Sicherheitshinweise
Anweisungen für den dauerhaften Schutz vor Feuer, Stromschlag, übermäßiger und Verletzungen werden in
diesem Handbuch gefunden. Bitte le sen Sie die Anleitung vor der Montage, der Installation oder der
Verwendung dieses Geräts.
Informazioni Importanti Di Sicurezza
Le istruzioni in materia di protezione permanente contro gli incendi, scosse elettriche, eccessivi e lesioni si
trovano in questo manuale. Si prega di leggere tutte le istruzioni prima di assemblare, installare o utilizzare
questa apparecchiatura.
Informacion Importante De Seguridad
Instrucciones relativas a la protección permanente contra incendio, descarga eléctrica, excesiva y las lesiones
se encuentran en este manual. Lea todas las instrucciones antes de ensamblar, instalar o utilizar este equipo.
iv Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Symbols
The following international caution and warning symbols appear in margins throughout this manual to highlight
messages.
CAUTION: This symbol appears adjacent to Caution
messages. Not heeding these messages could result in
personal injury and/or damage to equipment.
WARNING: This symbol appears adjacent to high
voltage warning messages. Not heeding these
messages could result in serious personal injury.
Packaged Media Notice:
Any use of this product other than consumer personal use in any manner that complies with the MPEG-2
Standard for encoding video information for packaged media is expressly prohibited without a license under
applicable patents in the MPEG-2 patent portfolio, which license is available from MPEG LA, L.L.C., 250 Steele
Street, Suite 300, Denver Colorado 80206.
Warranty Information
Limited Warranty
Unless otherwise stated, your product (excluding the lamp) is covered by a one year parts and labor limited
warranty. The lamp warranty for Christie projectors is 120 days or 500 hours whatever comes first. It is the
owner’s responsibility to furnish receipts or inv oices for ve rification of purchase, d ate, and dealer or dis tributor.
If purchase date cannot be provided, date of manufacture will be used to determine warranty period.
Returning an Item Under Warranty for Repair
It is necessary to obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number from your dealer or point of purchase
BEFORE any units are returned for repair. The manufacturer will make the final determination as to whether or
not the unit is covered by warranty.
Any Product unit or parts returned to High End Systems must be packaged in a suitable manner to ensure the
protection of such Product unit or parts, and such package shal l be cl early and pr omi nentl y mark ed t o indi cate
that the package contains returned Product units or parts and with an RMA number. Accompany all returned
Product units or parts with a written explanation of the alleged problem or malfunction. Ship returned Product
units or parts to: 2105 Gracy Farms Lane, Austin, TX 78758 USA.
Note:Freight Damage Claims are invalid for fixtures shipped in non-factory boxes and packing materials.
Freight
All shipping will be paid by the purchaser. Items under warranty shall have return shipping paid by the
manufacturer only in the Continental United States. Under no circumstances will freight collect shipments be
accepted. Prepaid shipping does not include rush expediting such as air freight. Air freight can be sent
customer collect in the continental United States.
REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED FOR UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE
CONSUMER OTHER THAN THE LIMITED WARRANTY STATED ABOVE. HIGH END SYSTEMS, INC. MAKES NO
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO ANY PRODUCT, AND HIGH END SPECIFICALLY
DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. HIGH END
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE, INCLUDING LOST
PROFITS, SUSTAINED OR INCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH ANY PRODUCT OR CAUSED BY PRODUCT
DEFECTS OR THE PARTIAL OR TOTAL FAILURE OF ANY PRODUCT REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF ACTION,
WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE, AND
WHETHER OR NOT SUCH DAMAGE WAS FORESEEN OR UNFORESEEN.
Warranty is void if the product is mis used, damaged, modified in any way, or for unauthorized repairs or parts.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights specific to your locality.
Axon HD Media Server User Manual v
What You Should Know About Copyright
The following FAQ c an help yo u understa nd copyri ght laws a nd how they ap ply to conten t used
with the DL.3, DL.2 and Axon HD media servers.
By Suzy Vaughan Associates for High End Systems.
I want to use a film clip from “When Harry Met Sally” in a promotional piece advertising my services. What do I
have to do to be able to do that?
First of all, you need to obtain permission to use the clip from its owners. The clip is considered intellectual
property, just as though it were your car or some software code developed by and belonging to Microsoft. This
is because the U.S. Copyright Act gave creators of literary works (which include books, films, television
programs, art works, still photos and musical compositions and recordings) the right to sell or license these
works and to make money from them for the period of the copyright.
But what about public domain material? I heard that lots of material is in the public domain and can
be used for free.
Once the copyright runs out, the creative work falls into the public domain and can be used freely by anyone
without payment or licensing. If the work is not public domain, it is considered literary property. The Copyright
Act provides substantial penalties for copyright infringement ranging from $10,000 for accidental infringement
to $250,000 for willful infringement. However, contrary to popular belief, there really is not that much material
in the public domain so this approach will limit you creatively.
What if I want to use a clip in a public performance? It's not being filmed or taped. Surely I don't need
permission for that?
Public gatherings require clearance whenever copyrighted data is projected to audiences, or for any use other
than just personal viewing. Concerts, trade shows, industrial shows, parties and r aves are all examples of pub lic
performance and permission must be obtained.
Suppose I want to use a still photo or a magazine cover or a television clip? Do I have to obtain permission for
them too?
Yes, they are also copyrighted works, whose owners must grant a license for their usage.
Do I need any other permissions to use this material?
In many cases you do. You may need to obtain permissi on to use the appearance of actors who appear in the
clip as well as pay the writers and directors of the film that your clip comes from.
What about music? I hear you can use 8 bars for free.
8 bars for free is a fallacy that has been passed around as a fact for a long pe riod of time. However, it isn't true.
Both musical compositions and records require licensing and payment.
What about High End Systems material included with Axon and DL.2 media servers? Do I have to clear that?
No. High End Systems has worked to provide clearance for the content that is provided with Axon and DL.2
media servers. Any materials you received directly from HES with the purchase of a new media server have
already been properly licensed for your use in shows and pr esen tations. T hat does not, ho wev er, license you to
sell this content separately from High End Systems media servers. Also, please be sure that any new content
you obtain from outside sources is properly cleare d for public presentation.
This sounds really difficult and I don't know how to do it? What do I do to properly license
copyrighted material?
You need to consult with a Content Clearing House or with a properly licensed Intellectual Property Attorney.
Content clearinghouses are typically less expensive to work with and have well established industry relations
that can result in cost savings. High End Systems u ses and highly recommends Suzy Vaughan Associates. Suzy
Vaughan Associates has 20 years of experience in clearing clips, talent, and music for use in any number of
venues. Their clients include Barbara Streisand, Michael Jackson, and The Emmys among other shows.
vi Axon HD Media Server User Manual
You can obtain more informatio n about Suzy V aughan Associates' services by calling 818-988-5599 or emailing
info@suzyvaughan.com. Their website is www.suzyvaughan.com. Suzy Vaughan is also an attorney
specializing in intellectual property issues.
How much does it typically cost to license copyrighted material?
The answer depends entirely on what material you want to use and how you plan to use it. Prices can range
from hundreds of dollars for photography content to thousands of dollars for a highly desirable film/video clip.
Since price is content-sensi tive, the best thing to do is to contact a cl earinghouse like Suzy Vaughan Associates
and let them find out for you.
Axon HD Media Server User Manual vii
viii Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Axon HD and Axon HD Pro Media ServerUser Manual
Contacting High End Systems®.......................................................................ii
Patents ........................................................................................................ii
Declaration of Conformity.............................................................................. iii
Product Modification Warning......................................................................... iv
FCC Information........................................................................................... iv
Important Safety Information......................................................................... iv
Symbols.......................................................................................................v
Packaged Media Notice:.................................................................................. v
Warranty Information..................................................................................... v
What You Should Know About Copyright.......................................................... vi
Chapter 1: Product Overview
This chapter describes features and specifications for the Axon HD, the Axon
HD Pro Media Servers and the Content Management Application (CMA)
software.
Features ........................................................................................................ 1
System ........................................................................................................1
Graphics Engine ............................................................................................ 2
Content Management Application.....................................................................2
Related Products and Optional Accessories ................................................... 3
Chapter 2: Setup and Configuration
This chapter describes both Hardware and Software setup and configuring the
Axon HD or Axon HD Pro server.
Hardware Setup ........................................................ ....................................5
Unpacking the Axon HD Media Server...............................................................5
Replacing a Power Cord Cap............................................................................6
Installing a Line Cord Cap - U.K. Only ...........................................................6
Vatic Fitter Heads Information - Danmark ......................................................6
Hardware Connections ...................................................................................7
Axon HD ...................................................................................................7
Axon HD Pro.............................................................................................. 8
Mounting the Server ...................................................................................... 8
Linking Axon HD............................................................................................9
Setting up a Standard DMX Link...................................................................9
Using an Ethernet Link................................................................................9
Linking Configurations............................................................................... 10
Powering On the Axon HD Server................................................................... 11
Axon HD Media Server User Manual ix
Software Setup ........................................................................................... 12
The Axon Desktop ....................................................................................... 12
Launching the Content Management Application (CMA) ........................... .......... 13
Verifying and Uploading Software .................................................................. 13
Configuring Axon Media Servers.................................................................... 14
Shutting Down the Server ........................................................................... 16
Chapter 3: Axon HD Pro Live Video Input and Control
The Axon HD Pro media server can receive and control standard or high
definition live video from an external source.
Live Video Sources ...................................................................................... 17
Serial Digital Interface (SDI)......................................................................... 18
High Definition SDI...................................................................................... 18
Selecting HD-SDI Format .......................................................................... 18
Accessing Live Video Feed in the Graphics Engine ...................................... 19
Chapter 4: DMX Programming Basics and Quick Start
If you are new to DMX programing, this chapter gives you a brief overvi ew on
programming Axon HD, Axon, DL.3, and DL.2 media servers and an example
of using a Wholehog console to patch and display output from a media server.
DMX Programming Overview ................................................. ..................... 21
DMX512 Links............................................................................................. 21
8-bit vs. 16-bit DMX Parameters.................................................................... 21
Determining a DMX Start Channel.................................................................. 21
Overview................................................................................................. 21
Digital Lighting Products............................................................................ 22
Lighting Console Tips .................................................................................. 23
Fixture Libraries.......................................................................................... 23
Patching Digital Light Fixtures and Axon Media Servers..................................... 23
DMX Output Display Formats ........................................................................ 23
Wholehog Programming Notes ................................................................... 24
Play Speed ................................................................................................. 24
Mask Strobe ............................................................................................... 24
Play Modes (Opacity)................................................................................... 24
CMY........................................................................................................... 24
Control Channel Functions............................................................................ 24
Quick Start with a Wholehog Console ......................................................... 25
x Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Chapter 5: Graphics Engine Overview
DL.3, DL.2, and Axon Media servers all use the same graphic engine software
to control content selection, playback, and 3-D Object and Global manipulation.
Protocol Options .........................................................................................27
Image Optimizing Controls .........................................................................28
Graphics Control Hierarchy ......................................................................... 28
Graphics Engine Function Flow ...................................................................... 29
Graphics Engine Functions .......................................................................... 30
Object Graphic Functions.............................................................................. 30
Global Functions.......................................................................................... 30
Making Graphics Effect Choices ................................................................... 30
Chapter 6: Graphic Functions: Defining Content
Each Graphic Object’s content is composed of a 3-D object overlaid with a
media file. This chapter outlines how to select an image’s object and media file
components as well as define the video segment and its playback.
Content Overview ....................................................................................... 31
Selecting Content ........................................................................................ 31
Content Selection Parameters .....................................................................32
Object........................................................................................................ 32
Media Folder............................................................................................... 33
Media Folder Descriptions..........................................................................34
Media File................................................................................................... 35
Defining a Media File Segment .................................................................... 35
In Frame and Out Frame Parameters.............................................................. 35
Segment Selection Examples ........................................................................36
Defining Playback ....................................................................................... 37
Playback Mode ............................................................................................ 37
Scrubbing................................................................................................37
Playback Speed........................................................................................... 38
Axon HD Media Server User Manual xi
Chapter 7: Graphic Functions: Rotation, Position, Scale
You can independently control each Graphic Object’s rotation direction and
speed; along with its position and scale in X, Y, and Z axis directions.
Rotating a 3-D Object ................................................................................. 39
Rotation Parameters ................................................................................... 41
X Rotation.......................... .. .. ............................................... .. ................... 41
Y Rotation .................................................................................................. 42
Z Rotation.......................... .. .. ............................................... .. ................... 42
Scaling the Object .......................................................................................44
X Scale ...................................................................................................... 44
Y Scale .................................................... .......................... ........................ 44
Z Scale ...................................................................................................... 45
Changing Object Position ............................................................................ 47
X Position................................................................................................... 47
Y Position ................................................................................................... 48
Z Position................................................................................................... 48
Chapter 8: Graphic Functions: Opacity and Effects
You can adjust opacity and apply a variety of color mixing and geometric
effects to each individual Graphic Object.
Opacity .......................................................................................................51
Effect Mode Parameters ........................................................................... ... 52
Chapter 9: Global Functions
Global Graphic controls affect the composite image created by defining multiple
separate object graphics. You can adjust inte nsity, define masks, select a point
in space to view the composite image, and control keystone correction.
Global Intensity ....................... ................................................................... 59
Global Effect Mode Channels ....................................................................... 60
Global Control .............................................................................................67
Shutdown and Reset Options ........................................................................ 67
On-Screen Statistics .................................................................................... 67
Spherical Control Statistics........................................................................ 67
Performance Statistics .............................................................................. 67
Text Color ............................................................................................... 67
All-in-One Control Option.............................................................................. 68
xii Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Masking Control ..........................................................................................70
Mask Shape Select and Strobing.................................................................... 70
Mask Shapes ........................................................................................... 70
Strobing Mask Shapes...............................................................................70
Mask Size................................................................................................... 71
Mask Edge Fade ..........................................................................................72
Image Edge Fade ........................................................................................ 73
Keystone Correction Parameters ................................................................. 74
Keystone X Ratio......................................................................................... 75
Keystone Y Ratio............................... .......................................................... 75
Framing Parameters ................................................................................... 76
Audio Control ..............................................................................................77
Audio Out Connections................................................................................. 77
Axon HD Pro............................................................................................ 77
Audio – Axon HD...................................................................................... 77
Outputting Audio.........................................................................................78
Setting Audio on a Hog4 Console...................................................................78
Chapter 10: Global Functions: Collage Generator™
This chapter describes how to display content from multiple media servers in
panoramic arrays and includes an example for creating a collage.
Collage Overview ........................................................................................ 79
Collage Parameters ..................................................................................... 80
Collage Type...............................................................................................80
Collage Configuration Selection ..................................................................... 82
Collage Cell Selection................................................................................... 82
Collage Blending Adjustment......................................................................... 83
Alignment Pattern Control............................................................................. 84
Variable Edge Blending................................................................................. 84
Collage Setup Example ................................................................................ 85
Creating Custom Content for the Collage Generator Effect .......................... 86
Collages Using Live S-Video and SDI Input .................................................87
Axon HD Media Server User Manual xiii
Chapter 11: Effect Mode Options Descriptions
Effects can be applied to the Media File content (texture) mapped onto
a 3-D object. Multiple Color and Geometric effects are available in Effect Mode
parameters for both individual Graphic object and Global control.
Effect Mode Color Options ........................................................................... 90
All or Nothing....................... ....................................................................... 90
Background Color........................................................................................ 91
Background Color Cycle................................................................................ 91
CMY .......................................................................................................... 92
CMY Add All Pixels....................................................................................... 93
CMY Add Non-black Pixels............................................................................. 94
Color Cycle......................................... .. ............................................... .. .. ... 95
Color DeConverge .......................................... .. .. ......................................... 95
Colorize Gray Scale...................................................................................... 96
Color to Alpha.................................................................................. ........... 97
Color to Alpha, Inverted............................................................................... 98
Color to B/W....................... .. ............................................... .. .. ................... 99
DotP and Resample ..................................................................................... 99
Edge Detect Black and White .......................................................................100
Edge Detect Black and White 2.....................................................................101
Edge Detect Color.......................................................................................102
Edge Detect Color 2....................................................................................103
Edge Fade Color.........................................................................................104
Exposure Control........................................................................................105
Fire Gradient .............................................................................................105
Glow.........................................................................................................106
Glow Color Cycle ........................................................................................107
Gray maker 1 ............................................................................................108
Gray maker 2 ............................................................................................109
HS Effect Mode Options...............................................................................110
HS to Gray ........................................ .. ............................................... .. ..110
HS Selected to Transparent ......................................................................111
HS to Transparent................................ ... ................................................111
Intensity Key.............................................................................................112
Mask Color ................................................................................................113
Mask Color and Edge Fade Color...................................................................114
Negative Art ..............................................................................................115
Posterizer..................................................................................................116
Push to Sepia ............................................................................................117
Push to Red...............................................................................................118
RGB Add, All Pixels.....................................................................................119
RGB Add2, All Pixels ...................................................................................120
xiv Axon HD Media Server User Manual
RGB Add to Non-black Pixels....................................................................... 120
RGB Invert ............................................................................................... 121
RGB Invert and Swap to BRG...................................................................... 122
RGB Invert and Swap to GBR...................................................................... 123
RGB Scale ................................................................................................ 124
RGB Swap to BGR...................................................................................... 124
RGB Swap to BRG...................................................................................... 125
RGB Swap to GBR...................................................................................... 126
RGB Swap to GRB...................................................................................... 127
RGB Swap to RBG...................................................................................... 128
Scan Line ................................................................................................. 128
Sharpen................................................................................................... 129
Solarize ................................................................................................... 130
Solarize 1.............................................................................................. 130
Solarize 2.............................................................................................. 131
Solarize 3.............................................................................................. 131
Solarize 4.............................................................................................. 131
Solid Color RGB......................................................................................... 132
Transparent Color ..................................................................................... 132
Transparent Color Coarse ........................................................................ 132
Transparent Color Fine............................................................................ 132
Transparent Color Medium....................................................................... 132
Transparent Color, Invert ........................................................................... 133
Transparent Color Invert, Coarse.............................................................. 133
Transparent Color Invert, Medium ............................................................ 133
Transparent Color Invert, Fine.................................................................. 133
UV Effect Mode Options.............................................................................. 134
UV to Gray ............................................................................................ 134
UV Selected to Transparent ..................................................................... 135
UV to Transparent .................................................................................. 135
Yxy Luminance Scaling............................................................................... 136
Geometric Effect Options ................................. ......................................... 137
Cartoon Edge ........................................................................................... 137
Chroma Shift ............................................................................................ 138
Curved Surface Correction............................ .. .. .......................................... 139
Digital MSpeed and Digital MSpeed 2 .......................................................... 141
Downward Vertical Streaks ......................................................................... 142
Drop Shadow............................................................................................ 143
Edge Frame Profiles................................................................................... 144
Framing Shutter Emulation...................................................................... 144
Faux LED.................................................................................................. 146
Faux Tile .................................................................................................. 147
Film Burn/Unburn...................................................................................... 148
Axon HD Media Server User Manual xv
Film Noise .................................................................................................149
Film Roll........................ ............................................................................150
Flip...........................................................................................................151
Fuzzifier....................................................................................................152
Gaussian Blur ............................................................................................153
Gaussian Halo............................................................................................154
Horizontal Mirror ........................................................................................155
Image Scale and Rotate ..............................................................................156
Lens Grid .. ......................................................................... .......................157
Magnifying Lens .........................................................................................158
Magnifying Lens 2 ......................................................................................159
Mattes ......................................................................................................160
Pan and Scan.............................................................................................162
Particle System..........................................................................................163
Particle System 1 ....................................................................................163
Particle System 2 ....................................................................................165
Particle System 3 ....................................................................................165
Picture in Picture........................................................................................166
Prerotation Translation................................................................................167
Pixelate.....................................................................................................168
Pixel Twist.................................................................................................169
Prism........................................................................................................170
Raindrop ...................................................................................................171
Scene Change ............................................................................................172
ShakeNBake..............................................................................................173
Sinewave, Circular......................................................................................174
Sinewave, Circular w/X Axis Wobbulation ...................................................174
Sinewave, Circular w/Y Axis Wobbulation....................................................174
Sinewave, Circular w/Z Axis Wobbulation ...................................................174
Sinewave, Horizontal ..................................................................................174
Sinewave, Horizontal w/X Axis Wobbulation................................................174
Sinewave, Horizontal w/Y Axis Wobbulation ................................................174
Sinewave, Horizontal w/Z axis Wobbulation ........................... .....................174
Sinewave, Vertical .....................................................................................175
Sinewave, Vertical w/X Axis Wobbulation....................................................175
Sinewave, Vertical w/Y Axis Wobbulation....................................................175
Sinewave, Vertical w/Z Axis Wobbulation....................................................175
Slats.........................................................................................................176
Vertical Slats ..........................................................................................176
Horizontal Slats.......................................................................................176
xvi Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Spherical Mapping ..................................................................................... 177
Spherical Mapping, Outside...................................................................... 177
Spherical Mapping, Inside........................................................................ 177
Modifier Parameter Adjustments............................................................... 177
Texture Mixing........................... .. .. .. ............................................... .. .. .. .... 179
Texture Ripple, Asymmetrical Circular ......................................................... 180
Texture Ripple, Circular...................................... .. .. .. .................................. 180
Texture Ripple, Horizontal.................... .. ... ................................................ .. 181
Texture Ripple, Vertical ...................................... .. ...................................... 181
Texture Shift..................................................................... .. ...................... 182
Tiling On .................................................................................................. 183
Transparent Wipes..................................................................................... 184
Zoom Blur ................................................................................................ 185
Chapter 12: Synchronizing Content
After designating a master fixture, you can synchronize the content of other
Axon, DL.3, or DL.2 fixtures to any Graphic Object on the master in terms of
playback time, rotation or both.
Network Synchronization Overview .......................................................... 187
Network Synchronization Requirements ................................................... 187
Network Synchronization Capabilities ........................................................... 188
Programming Synchronization .................................................................. 188
Sync To Parameter .................................................................................... 188
Sync Mode Parameter ................................................................................ 188
Effect Synchronization................................................................................ 189
Synchronizing a Server to Itself................................................................... 189
Synchronizing a Master Server to another Server.... .............................. ......... 189
Chapter 13: Content Management Application (CMA)
A Content Management Application (CMA) running on an Axon HD media server
or a computer connected through an Ethernet network gives you remote
control of content, software and configuration management functions.
Launching the CMA ...... ......... .................................................................... 192
Installing the CMA on Your Computer........................................................... 192
Launching the CMA on Axon........................................................................ 192
Auto Discovery ..........................................................................................193
Fixture Identification........................ .......................................................... 193
Axon HD Media Server User Manual xvii
The CMA Client Window ............................................................................ 194
Viewing Server Identification Information ......................................................195
Content Organization..................................................................................196
Preloaded Stock Content ..........................................................................196
Custom User Content...............................................................................197
Stock Media Files.....................................................................................197
Object Files ............................................................................................198
Viewing Server Configuration Data................................................................198
Viewing Content.........................................................................................198
Viewing Folders.......................................................................................198
Viewing Files...........................................................................................199
Managing User Media and Object Content ................................................. 201
Naming and Deleting User Content Files and Folders .......................................201
Assigning DMX Values to User Content..........................................................201
Assigning DMX Values Automatically..........................................................201
Editing User Content DMX Values ..............................................................202
Valid DMX Values ....................................................................................202
Moving User Content Files and Folders ..........................................................203
Downloading Content from a Media Server to Your Local Drive ......................204
Uploading Content from Your Local Drive to a Media Server ..................... 205
Content Scanning.......................................................................................205
CMA Interaction .........................................................................................206
Archiving User Content ... .......................................................................... 208
Using Local Archives to Prepare Conten t Offline ..............................................208
Creating a Local Archive..............................................................................208
Creating Content Backup Archive..................................................................209
Deploying a Content Archive........................................................................209
Cloning User Content ............................................................................... . 210
Deleting Content ....................................................................................... 211
DMX Summary .......................................................................................... 211
Upgrading Software .................................................................................. 213
Verifying Software Versions .........................................................................213
Upgrading the CMA Software........................................................................213
Upgrading Server Software..........................................................................213
Viewing Server Configuration ...................................... ............................. 215
Viewing Current Configuration of All Servers ..................................................215
Configuring Columns................................................................................216
Re-Order Columns...................................................................................216
Viewing Individual Fixture Configuration Values..............................................216
xviii Axon HD Media Server User Manual
AxonHD Media Server Configuration Options ............................................ 217
Server Tab ............................................................................................... 218
DMX Settings......................................................................................... 218
Display Connectors Tab ............................................................................. 219
Display Connectors................................................................................. 219
Info Tab................................................................................................... 220
Server Info............................................................................................ 220
Version Info........................................................................................... 220
Hardware .............................................................................................. 220
Miscellaneous......................................................................................... 221
ArtNet and I/O Tab ................................................................................... 222
ArtNet Settings ...................................................................................... 222
Menu Display Tab...................................................................................... 223
Menu.................................................................................................... 223
Performance.......................................................................................... 223
Configuration Example .............................................................................. 224
Chapter 14: Axon HD CMA: Warp Editor
User Warps are applied globally to modify the Axon HD output display shape.
This chapter describes the Warp Editor and includes a step by step example for
creating a custom warp graphic object.
Overview ...................................................................................... ............. 227
Functional Operation .................................................................................227
Warp Editing Screen ..................................................................................228
Manipulating the Mesh Display .................................................................. 229
Editing Fields ............................................................................................ 229
Geometry Editing Fields.............................................................................. 229
Rectangular Grid .................................................................................... 229
Spline Rectangular Grid........................................................................... 229
Sphere.................................................................................................. 230
Horizontal Cylinder ................................................................................. 231
Vertical Cylinder..................................................................................... 232
Cone..................................................................................................... 233
Camera Options ........................................................................................ 234
Centre of Operations............................................ ...................................... 234
Rotation................................................................................................... 235
Scale ....................................................................................................... 235
Resolution ................................................................................................ 236
File Name................................................................................................. 237
Elasticity .................................................................................................. 237
Draw Wireframe/Vertex.............................................................................. 238
Axon HD Media Server User Manual xix
Force Warp Output/Checkerboard................................... .. .. .. ........................238
Edit Undo, History and Reset View................................................................239
Default Values ...........................................................................................239
Point Size........................................................................................... .......239
Getting Started ......................................................................................... 240
Creating a New Warp.................................................................................. 240
Deleting Geometry from Mesh......................................................................240
Chapter 15: Maintenance and Troubleshooting
This chapter includes information on maintaining filters, and some basic
troubleshooting procedures.
Maintaining the Filtering System .............................................................. 247
Cleaning and Replacing Filters ..................................................................247
Replacing Battery ..................................................................................... 247
General Troubleshooting ........................................................................... 248
LED Functionality........................................................................................248
Restarting Axon .........................................................................................248
Protocol Viewer on Axon Desktop..................................................................249
Chapter 16: Restoring the System
You can perform a system restore on a DL.3, Axon, or DL.2 Server with your
System Restore CD.
Hardware Requirements ........................................................................... 251
Performing the System Restore ................................................................ 251
xx Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Chapter 1:
Product Overview
This chapter describes features and specifications for the Axon HD, the
Axon HD Pro Media Servers and the Content Management Application
(CMA) software.
Axon HD is a rack mounted unit housing a Digital Media Server. The built-in 32-bit Graphics
Engine software utilizes Windows 7 Embedded and DirectX application programming interface
to provide extensive image control of up to three 3-D graphic objects. Two models of Axon HD
are currently available.
Axon HD media servers use standard DMX512 protocol to control digital media allowing you to
position, scale, rotate, apply visual effects and color mix graphic objects. You can define up to
10 of these objects and then apply global effects to the composite image .
Axon HD Pro media servers offer the same features as the Axon HD model pluse four outputs
instead of one and Live Video support.
The Content Management Application (CMA) operates on Axon and allows you to upload,
move and clone content files, configure fixtures, and upgrade software. You can monitor
performance metrics and downlog log files when required for support. Using the CMA, you can
also perform the same functions remotely on multiple media s ervers over an Ethernet network.
Features
System
• Software based on Windows 7 Embedded and DirectX technology
• Powerful Content Management and Configuration software can remotely manage multiple
Axon HD, Axon, DL.3, and DL.2 media servers.
• Supports importing of custom content including: 3D objects, media files, still images
• Provides DMX512 and Art-Net capability
• Upgrades software remotely
• Includes a royalty-free stock digital art collection including over 1000 lighting-optimized files
• Collage™ software included with graphics engine
• Powered by a Intel i7 processor with an ATI Radeon HD7750 Graphics Processor
Note: Some earlier versions of Axon media servers may have a different hardware
configuration. Find all hardware con fig ur ations listed by serial number at the Digital
Lighting support pages of the High End System website (www.highend.com/support
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 1
).
CHAPTER 1
Product Overview
Graphics Engine
• Simultaneous playback of 10 discrete media streams on separate 2D/3D obje cts
• 45 Object parameters give you graphic controls for each individual media stream including:
— A choice of multiple play modes and play speeds
— The ability to define any segment of a video loop including Scrub capability
— Black Level and Contrast controls for each image
— Three Graphic Effect Mode channels provide multiple color mixing and visual effects
— Variable Opacity to allow for crossfading or dissolves between media streams
— Full control of image Rotation, Positioning and Scaling on X, Y and Z axes
• 55 Global parameters provide graphic controls to the composite image created by up to nine
media streams
— Collage Generator™ technology configures multiple media server outputs to display a single
image in arrays up to 16 horizontal x 8 vertical.
— Curved Surface Support corrects for shape distortions that occur when you project onto
surfaces that aren’t flat.
— Intensity overlays the opacity c ontrol to provide system-wide intensity level
— Overall image Color Mixing applied to composite media stream image
— Four Global Effect Mode channels provide multiple effects that can be applied to the
composite image
— Multiple Mask selections with edge fading and strobe effects
— Edge fading for creating montages
— Keystone correction of output projection
— D igital Framing Shutters
• Modes for synchronizing content playback on multiple media servers linked through an
Ethernet network.
Content Management Application
• Available for Windows operating systems
• Communicates with other Axon HD, DLHD, DL.3, DL.3F, DL.2, Axon media servers over an
Ethernet network
• Uploads and downloads custom digital content to fixtures on a Ethernet link
• Configures Axon HD, DLHD, DL.3, DL.3F, DL.2 and Axon media servers
• Updates software including content, applications, and operating system to Axon HD, DLHD,
DL.3, DL.3F, DL.2 and Axon media servers.
• Three “gas gauges” in the server’s Hardware Tab let you view available CPU, GPU and HDD
resources remaining. This gives you the information you need to manage additional layers
within the capabilities of the hardware available in their system .
• Log File Download available in All Servers view in the CMA to provide troubleshooting
information to customer service if a problem occurs. Logs are saved with a .dlf (digital log file)
extension.
2 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
CHAPTER 1
Product Overview
Related Products and Optional Accessories
The following table lists related products and accessories available for the Ax on HD Media Server.
For more information, contact your High End Systems dealer/distributor (see Contacting High
End Systems® on page ii).
Part Description Part Number
Wholehog 3 lighting console 61020001
Road Hog Full Boar lighting console A6020001
Male 5-pin DMX terminator 90404039
Heavy duty 5-pin XLR cable (10’) 55050017
Heavy duty 5-pin XLR cable (25’) 55050018
Heavy duty 5-pin XLR cable (50’) 55050019
Heavy duty 5-pin XLR cable (100’) 55050020
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 3
CHAPTER 1
Product Overview
4 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Chapter 2:
Setup and Configuration
This chapter describes both Hardware and Software setup and configuring the Axon HD
or Axon HD Pro server.
Hardware Setup
WARNING:
This server must be installed and operated by qualified
personnel. The information listed in this chapter is intended to
assist qualified personnel only.
The following steps make up the hardware setup for Axon HD servers:.
1. Unpack the Axon HD Media Server.
2. Install a power cord cap if necessary for your location.
3. Co n n ect a monitor to the Mother Boar d DVI port and to power for accessing the
Content Management Application (CMA).
4. Connect a monitor or other output device to the graphics cardDVI port and to
power.
5. If you want to use the CMA from a remote computer or synchronize this server
with other High End Systems Digital Lighting products, connect to Ethernet link.
6. Connect Axon HD media server to a DMX controller via DMX cabling or an Art-Net
box on an Ethernet network.
7. Connect the Axon HD media server to power.
Unpacking the Axon HD Media Server
Your Axon HD media server ships with the following:
•Rack mountable Axon HD unit
•USB Mouse
• USB Keyboard
• Power Cord
• DMX Interface cable.
• Documentation CD that contains
— CMA application
— Server software
— Recovery software image
Note: High End Systems® assumes no responsibility for products that are
damaged during transport. Return a product for repair in its original
packaging.
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 5
CHAPTER 2
eller
Setup and Configuration
Before sending anything to the factory, call your High End Systems dealer/
distributor for a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number. The factory
cannot accept any goods shipped without an RMA number.
Replacing a Power Cord Cap
Axon HD ships with an IEC power cord. Different locations (even within the same country) may
require a different power cord cap to connect the server to a power outlet. Because of the variety
of power cord caps used worldwide, High End Systems, Inc. cannot make specific recommendations for the power cord cap. Contact a local authority for the type of power cord cap needed.
When installing the power cord cap, note that the cores in the mains lead are colored according
to the following code:
• green and yellow = earth
• blue = neutral
• brown = live
Installing a Line Cord Cap - U.K. Only
In the United Kingdom, core colours in the mains lead of this equipment may not correspond with
the coloured markings identifying the terminals in the fixture’s plug. In that case, install a line
cord cap according to the following code:
• Connect the green and yellow core to the plug terminal marked with the letter “E,” or by the
earth symbol
• Connect the blue core to the terminal marked with the letter “N” or coloured black.
• Co nnect the brown core to the terminal marked with the letter “L” or coloured red.
or coloured green, or green and yellow.
WARNING:
Class 1 equipment - This equipment must be earthed.
Vatic Fitter Heads Information - Danmark
Advarsel: Beskyttelse mod elektrisk chock.
Vigtigt!
Lederne med gul/groen isolation maa kun tilsluttes en klemme maerket
6 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Setup and Configuration
DMX IN DMX OUT
DVI-D
Audio
Out
USB 3.0
USB 2.0
HDMI
DVI-I
VGA
Ethernet
Artnet
CMA
Display
Output
Options
D
V
Server
Output
Options
DMX512
CHAPTER 2
Hardware Connections
Axon HD
The Axon HD back panel provides ports for:
• DMX Adaptor for 5-pin DMX Data In and Data Out (see Setting up a Standard DMX Link on
page 9 for more information)
• Ethernet/Artnet to connect to other Axon HD, Axon, DL.3 and DL.2 units and your
computer for accessing the CMA application (see Using an Ethernet Link on page 9).
•Eight USB ports for connecting peripheral hard drives, flash drives, keyboard or mouse.
• DVI port to a display monitor for viewing CMA.
• VGA port to an display monitor option for viewing CMA.
• DVI on graphics card for displaying server output on another monitor, a Digital light, or a
projector.
• Audio Out port
Note: To initialize the motherboard grap hi c card out pu t, on e of the Disp lay
Output ports and one of the Server Output ports must have devices
connected when starting the media server. When only one port is
connected, it defaults to display the graphics engine output and will
not display the CMA screen.
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 7
CHAPTER 2
DMX IN DMX OUT
USB 2.0 USB 3.0
Audio
Out
GFX Out
Display
Port CMA
DVI-D
Video
Capture
Card
DMX512
Setup and Configuration
Axon HD Pro
The Axon HD back panel provides ports for:
• DMX Adaptor for 5-pin DMX Data In and Data Out (see Setting up a Standard DMX Link on
page 9 for more information)
• Ethernet/Artnet to connect to other Axon HD, Axon, DL.3 and DL.2 units and your
computer for accessing the CMA application (see Using an Ethernet Link on page 9).
•Nine USB ports for connecting peripheral hard drives, flash drives, keyboard or mouse.
• Audio Out port
•Four GFX ports for displaying server output.
• DVI-D port to a display monitor for viewing CMA.
• VGA port to an display monitor option for viewing CMA.
• Two sets of SDI input and outputs plus a reference input on the Video Capture Card.
Note: To initialize the motherboard graphic card output, one of the Display
Output ports and one of the Server Output ports must have devices
connected when starting the media server. When only one port is
connected, it defaults to display the graphics engine output and will not
display the CMA screen.
Mounting the Server
The Axon HD media server mounts in any standard 2U rack.
8 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Setup and Configuration
CHAPTER 2
Linking Axon HD
Setting up a Stan dard DMX Link
You can link the Axon HD server to fixtures on a standard DMX512 link using XLR cabling. The
number of fixtures on a link is determined by the combined number of channels required by all
the devices. The DMX channel range is determined by the protoc ol mode you choose.
Use data-grade cable and 5-pin XLR cable connectors. Data-grade cable is designed to carry a
high-quality signal with less susceptibility to e lectromagnetic interference and less degradation
over long distances. For cable and connector specification, see Cable and Connector
Specifications on page 314.
T es t each cable with a volt age/ohm meter (VOM) to v erify correct polarity and to mak e sure that
the negative and positive pins are not grounded or shorted to the shield or to each other.
CAUTION!
Do not connect anything to the ground lug on the XLR connectors.
Do not connect or allow contact between the common (cable shield)
and the server’s chassis ground. Grounding the common could cause
a ground loop and/or erratic behavior.
To establish a DMX link:
1. Conn ect the male XLR connector of a DMX Data cable to the controller’s DMX Data Out
connector.
2. Connect the Data cable’s female XLR connector to the Data In connector of the first (or next)
device on the DMX link.
3. Continue linking the remaining devices conne cting a cable from the Data Out connector of
each fixture to the Data In connector of the next fixture on the link.
4. Conn ect a terminator to the Data Out connector of the last fixture in the link.
Using an Ethernet Link
Connecting multiple media servers to a common Ethernet network allows you to use the CMA to
remotely manage content uploa ds and co nfigur atio n for all the link ed serv ers. An Ethernet link i s
also required if you want to synchronize playba ck between media servers. If you are using a DMX
console and other automated lighting product s compatible with Art -Net, an Et hernet network can
also serve as the link for DMX control.
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 9
CHAPTER 2
[[ ]]
]][[
Laptop Computer
Ethernet
Switch
DMX Universe 1
DMX Universe 2
(Optional)
Road Hog Fullboar Console
DMX 512 Data Cabling
Ethernet Cabling
[[ ]]
]][[
Road Hog Fullboar Console
Laptop Computer
Ethernet
Switch
DMX Universe 1
DMX Universe 2
(Optional)
ArtNet
Setup and Configuration
Linking Configurations
The following diagrams show configuration options f or linking Axon HD, Axon, DL.3 and DL.2
media servers to each other via Ethernet. The laptop shown is optional since the CMA can be
accessed directly on any Axon HD server on the link.
10 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Setup and Configuration
CHAPTER 2
Powering On the Axon HD Server
WARNING:
This equipment is designed for connection to a branch circuit
having a maximum overload protection of 20 A.
CAUTION:
Do not power on the server until verifying that the line cord
cap is suitable for the power source in your location. For more
information, see Replacing a Power Cord Cap
To power on Axon HD, connect it to an appropriately-rated power source. If the media server
doesn’t start, check that the manual power switch behind the right door on the front panel is ON.
Note: To initialize the motherboard grap hi c card out pu t, on e of the Disp lay
Output ports and one of the Server Output ports must have devices
connected when starting the media server. When only one port is
connected, it defaults to display the graphics engine output and will
not display the CMA screen.
on page 6.
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 11
CHAPTER 2
Setup and Configuration
Software Setup
Software setup for Axon requires the following steps described in this section:
1. After powering on the Axon media server, launch the CMA software
2. Check the software version installed and upgrade if necessary.
3. Configure the Axon server DMX source, DMX protocol, and DMX Start Channel.
The Axon Desktop
Upon starting, the CMA monitor will display the Axon Desktop. Buttons on the desktop let you:
• Launch CMA software
• Launch DMX View that displays the current DMX control setting for all the channels on this
media server
• Reboot the system
• Launch the online Manual
NOTE: If you do not see the CMA screen upon powering up the Axon media server,
check that the monitor is connected to the Display Output DVI port and that
another output device is connected to the Server Output DVI port. If only one
port is connected, it defaults to media server output and the CMA screen will
not be displayed.
12 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Setup and Configuration
CHAPTER 2
Launching the Content Management Application
(CMA)
After starting up the Axon unit, press the Launch CMA button on
the local desktop. The application automatically finds and
identifies the Local Drives including any connected USB drives,
as well as other Axon and DL.2 media servers connected to the
same Ethernet network. For more information on CMA operation
and using the CMA, see Chapter 16: Content Management
Application (CMA) on page 249.
Verifying and Uploading Software
The latest Axon software and CMA software are always available at the High End Systems
website, (www.highend.com/support
on your Axon unit in the CMA’s All Servers view.
). You can view the software version currently installed
If you need to upgrade the software, first download the file from the website to your computer.
Then use the CMA to upload it to Axon, (see Upgrading Software on page 274).
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 13
CHAPTER 2
Setup and Configuration
Configuring Axon Media Servers
Before programming the Axon media server from a DMX512 console, you need to:
• Identify the DMX Source for the fixture
• Sel ect the Protocol type to determine the DMX channel range this fixture will utilize
• If you will be synchronizing output between fixtures, verify that each server has a unique
Fixture Number to identify it on the Ethernet link.
• Assign a valid Start Channel (the first channel in the unique range of DMX channels
designated by the console for this Axon)
To view configuration information for an individual server, click on All Servers in the left pane of
the CMA window and select the + to view all the servers on the fixture network. Select a server in
the left pane to view its configuration information in the right pane.
14 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Setup and Configuration
CHAPTER 2
Select a Source
1.Select a DMX Source type by clicking on
the down arrow of the Source field to
select DMX512 or Art-Net.
Set the Channel range
2.Select a DMX Protocol type by choosing
hd, V1 or V2 from the drop down list in
the option field and select the number of
Graphic Objects you want to use in your
application:
•hd —Sets the channel range and
features for Axon High Definition protocol
•V2—Version 2 provides 27 additional channels.
•V1—Version 1 protocol retains the original DMX protocol footprint and is compatible with
legacy shows.
3.Select the number of Graphi c Object Lay ers re quired for y our application in the drop down
field next to the protocol.
4.Enter a valid Start Channel in the Start Channel field.
# of Graphic
Object
Layers
Fixture
Range
HD Version 2 Version 1
Last Valid
Start Channel
Fixture
Range
Last Valid
Start Channel
Fixture
Range
Last Valid
Start Channel
0 57 456 55 458 35 478
1 102 411 100 413 73 440
2 147 368 145 368 111 402
3 192 323 190 323 149 364
4 237 278 235 278 187 326
5 282 233 280 233 225 288
6 327 188 325 188 263 250
7 372 143 370 143 301 212
8 417 98 415 98 339 174
9 462 52 460 52 377 136
10 507 6
NOTE: DL.2 fixtures and original Axon servers can control up to four Graphic
objects.
For more information, see Determining a DMX Start Channel on page 21 and Protocol Options on
page 27
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 15
CHAPTER 2
Setup and Configuration
Shutting Down the Server
1. A DMX controller can shut down the server remotely with the shutdown option of the Global
Control channel (see Shutdown and Reset Options on page 120).
2. Manual ly turn the unit off with the power switch located behind the right door on the front
panel. If you choose to shut down with the power switch, you will need to manually turn it
back on the next time you boot up the server.
16 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Chapter 3:
DMX IN DMX OUT
USB 2.0 USB 3.0
Audio
Out
GFX Out
Display
Port CMA
DVI-D
Video
Capture
Card
DMX512
Axon HD Pro Live Video Input and Control
The Axon HD Pro media server can receive and control standard or high
definition live video from an external source.
Live Video Sources
The Axon graphics engine can enhance and manipulate live video from a source connected via
the SDI-HD input card. After making the appropriate hardw ar e connect ion, you can verif y that a
video input source was detected by checking the Axon graphics engine using the Content
Management Application.
You can configure your Axon HD Pro media server to support multiple SDI inputs.
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 17
CHAPTER 3
Standard
Formats
NTSC
PAL
HD-Formats
1080 29.97 PsF
1080 25 PsF
1080 24 PsF
1080 23.97 PsF
720 59.94p
720 60p
720 50p
Axon HD Pro Live Video Input and Control
Serial Digital Interface (SDI)
The Axon media server can accept SDI In, manipulate it, and then output
it via the video card.
Note: While capturing SDI, anything that is being fed to the SDI In
port will be mirrored on the SDI Out port. Therefore, it is
possible to daisy chain servers together via SDI, allowing
multiple servers to have the same SDI feed without a switcher/
splitter device.
High Definition SDI
High Definition SDI capture is available for the Axon Media Server using
only HD-SDI cards supplied by High End Systems.
Selecting HD-SDI Format
After installing the card, verify the format through the CMA, either locally on the Axon or
remotely from another CMA computer.
The Axon HD Pro supports live video capture via the BNC connectors on the rear of the server.
The connectors support multiple formats and frame rates. The technical details of the various
formats supported have been embedded in the HD/SD-SDI stream, and there is no need for user
configuration at this time. The Axon HD Pro application will decode this information and pass it to
the CMA for feedback in the Art-Net & I/O tab.
18 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Axon HD Pro Live Video Input and Control
CHAPTER 3
Accessing Live Video Feed in the Graphics Engine
Setting the Media Folder parameter on one of the Graphic Object layers to a DMX value of 255
will allow you to access input from video capture cards installed on your Axon unit.
There are 5 connectors on the input card, th es e c on nec tors relate to the input and output of the
2 capture channels as well as a reference signal. Capture Stream 1, is available for use in folder
255, file 1. Capture Stream 2 is available for use in folder 255, file 2. These file and folders can
be used multiple times, on multiple layers, they are only referencing a live source.
The connector diagram below shows the position of Connectors for input 1, and input 2.
Note: At times there can be a mismatch in the information set on the camera
and the information decoded for informational purposes. If the image
being captured is visible, but the information does not match, this is a
known issue across the video industry. The root cause is historical.
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 19
CHAPTER 3
Axon HD Pro Live Video Input and Control
20 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Chapter 4:
DMX Programming Basics and Quick Start
If you are new to DMX programing, this chapter gives you a brief overview on
programming DLHD, DL.3, Axon HD, and Axon media servers and an example
of using a Wholehog console to patch and display output from a media server.
DMX Programming Overview
DMX512 Links
A lighting console typically utilizes a protocol called DMX512 to communicate with automated
lighting fixtures and conventional dimmers. This protocol consists of 512 unique channels of
control per output link (universe). T ypically a lighting fixture or device will use a channel for each
parameter’s function. Each channel consists of 256 values ranging from 0 to 255. The lighting
console is programmed to transmit a corresponding DMX value for the desired function of each
parameter. All DMX values are stored within the lighting console, and typically are referred to as
cues, scenes, or presets. A lighting console locates a device on the link by its DMX Start Channel.
8-bit vs. 16-bit DMX Parameters
Most parameters of an automated light use one channel of DMX providing 256 values of control
(0-255). This is known as 8-bit DMX. Although most par ameters use 8-bit D MX, several require a
more accurate range of values than can be provided with a single DMX channel.
By utilizing two DMX channels for a single parameter, 65535 values become available for
controlling and adjusting parameter functions. This is known as 16-bit DMX. You can adjust
16-bit DMX values in both coarse and fine increments. The first channel of the pair provides
coarse control changes of the DMX value in increments of 256. The second channel provides fine
control and changes of the DMX value in increments of 1.
Individual access of the two DMX channels used with 16-bit parameters varies by lighting
console. Most modern DMX consoles bind these two channels into a single 16-bit parameter to
accurately perform 16-bit crossfades. Consult your lighting console manual for further
information.
Determining a DMX Start Channel
Overview
The DMX Start Channel is the first channel of a device’s channel footprint on a DMX link. There
are 512 available channels on each DMX universe divided among all the devices in a particular
universe. A device must have a unique DMX channel range in order to respond independently to
controller commands. The DMX Start Channel is the first channel in that fixtures channel range.
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 21
CHAPTER 4
DMX Programming Basics and Quick Start
To determine each device’s DMX Start Channel, identify the foot print of every device on the
universe. The device’s footprint is the number of consecutive DMX channels it requires and is
determined by the channels in the fixture’s protocol. The fixture’s DMX channel footpri nt must not
overlap any other device’s channel footprint on the link. When two devices on the same DMX
universe have overlapping channel footprints, one or both devices will be disabled or behave
erratically.
Once you have determined the footprint of your device, a simple formula for finding the last valid
Start Channel on a standard DMX512 link is:
512 – the unit’s channel footprint + 1
Digital Lighting Products
The channel range for your Digital lighting product will depend on the model, the Protocol mode
and the number of Graphic objects you se lect. DL.3 and Axon media servers running Version 2.0
fixture software all provide individual and composite graphical control for up to nine Graphic
Objects. DL.2 fixtures can control up to four Graphic objects. You can influence the footprint of
the fixture on a DMX link with the protocol you select and the number of graphic objects you
implement.
# of Graphic
ObjectLayers
High Definition
Axon HD DLHD DL.3 Axon DL.2
Version 2
0 5766765576
1 102 111 121 100 121
2 147 156 166 145 166
3 192 201 211 190 211
4 237 246 256 235 256
5 282 291 301 280
6 327 336 346 325
7 372 381 391 370
8 417 426 436 415
9 462 471 481 460
10 507
Select the protocol level in the fixture’s onboard menu system for DLHD, DL.3 and DL.2 fixtures
or through the CMA for Axon HD, Axon and any Digital Light server (see Viewing Server
Configuration on page 276). For a table of channels for Axon HD media server protocol, download
the Protocol document from the High End Systems website at http://www.highend.com/
support/digital_lighting/axon.asp.
Footprint on a Standard DMX512 Link
22 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
DMX Programming Basics and Quick Start
CHAPTER 4
Lighting Console Tips
Lighting consoles differ in many aspects and it is important to understand how your console
operates with Axon HD, Axon, DL.3, and DL.2 media servers.
Fixture Libraries
Many sophisticated lighting consoles utilize pre-made fixture libr aries. A fixt ure library consist s of
profiles for various types of lighting fixtures and devices. Each profile corresponds to the fixture’s
DMX protocol and allows for ease of programming. Depending upon the manufacturer of your
lighting console, some parameters might have different labels for parameter names and
functions than are listed within this manual. Consult your lighting console manual for further
information.
NOTE: Downloading the Wholehog Wheelset preferences for DL.2 and DL.3 fixtur es will
provide a more intuitive order to encoder layout on the console.
(see http://www.flyingpig.com/support/hog3/download s/library/index.shtml
Patching Digital Light Fixtures and Axon Media Servers
Digital Lighting servers are patched as multiple “fixture types” in the Wholehog library systems.
This allows for ease of programming as well as the ability to adjust quickly for any of the various
DMX protocol options. The Motion fixture type controls the actual moving yoke, projector, and
integrated camera in DL.2 and DL.3 fixtures. The Global fixture type controls the global g raphic
engine functions such as intensity, keystone correction, viewpoint, etc. The Graphic fixture type
controls each graphic object functions such as opacity, object, media.
)
An Axon media server has no motion control but utilizes the same Global and Graphic fixture
types. In the Fixture Schedule or Add Fixtures window of Wholehog software, you would add 1
motion, 1 global, and 9 graphic “fixtures” for each complete DL.3 (4 graphic “fixtures” for each
DL.2), or 1 global, and 9 graphic “fixtures” for each complete Axon (4 graphic “fixtures” for an
original Axon).
The best way to organize your patching is to assign user numbers for these items. Patch the
motion first, the global second, and the graphic fixture types last. For example, set up user
numbers that correspond to the DL.3 fixture number 1, where user number 1 = motion, user
number 2 = global, and user number 3–11 = graphic fixture types.
DMX Output Display Formats
Although all lighting consoles output the same 512 DMX channels per universe, the on-screen
labeling often differs. Parameter functions are displayed in either alpha-numeric descriptions
(strobe 1), percentage (0-100%) or decimal (0-255 for 8-bit and 0-65535 for 16-bit). Consult
your lighting console manual for further information.
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 23
CHAPTER 4
DMX Programming Basics and Quick Start
Wholehog Programming Notes
Play Speed
You can adjust the Play Speed using the encoder wheel on the Beam parameter of the Graphic
fixture type. Additionally you can press Enable and select Media Speed Default On to revert to
the default speed setting with a DMX value = 128 (50%). Then if you touch the encoder again the
previous play speed will be recalled.
Mask Strobe
A unique function of the Wholehog library system allows the creation of a special encoder type.
Flying Pig Systems has created a parameter called “mask strobe” in the Global fixture type. When
this is adjusted, it will automatically change the DMX value of the mask select channel to the
appropriate value and adjust the DMX channel for the strobe speed. This will override the Mask Edge
parameter defined in the DL.3 or DL.2 DMX Protocol.
Play Modes (Opacity)
Using the Graphic fixture type, press the Mode button to view the play mode options. By default all
modes trigger normally. You can select “Media Trigger Opacity” to change to the Play Modes that
trigger when Opacity is greater than zero. To restore to normal triggering, select “Media Trigger
Normal”.
CMY
The Global and Graphic fixture types both contain CMY controls for the Effect Mode modifier
channels. The default for Effect Mode 1 is set to CMY1 as well. For some effect options, the CMY
parameters will not adjust color, but will adjust the effect per the DL.3 or DL.2 DMX protocol. You
can find a description of CMY controls functionality for each effect option in Chapter 11: Effect Mode
Options Descriptions on page 87.
Control Channel Functions
Many of the control channel functions in the motion “fixture” only operate if the dimmer changes
from >0 to 0 at the same time or just after a change is made to the control channel. For more
detailed description, see Control Channel Functions on page 24.
24 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
DMX Programming Basics and Quick Start
CHAPTER 4
Quick Start with a Wholehog Console
Hog4 consoles allow easy control of the many attributes associated with Axon and Digital Light
media servers. The Wholehog library groups these attributes as multiple “fixture types” for each
unit:
• Motion fixture type (available on Digital Li ght fixtures only) controls movement and camera
attributes
• Global fixture type controls attributes of the c o mposit image
• Graphic fixture type controls attributes of an individual graphic objects
After setting up and configuring your media server as outlined in Chapter 2, use the following
steps to get to the point of displaying output.
Add one of each type in the Fixture Schedule, shown in the Fixture Window. After adding each
type, assign it to a DMX universe. The simplest setup would assign fixture types with no empty
channels between fixtures.
Each “fixture type” of an Axon or a Digital Light media server has an intensity setting.
• Mo tion Intensity to opens the physical shutter (Available on Digital Light Fixtures only)
• Global Intensity sets the intensity of the composite image.
• Graphic Intensity sets Layer Opacity.
To view the projected output, set the intensity value of each type to 100%
If you are having trouble viewing output, double check that all default setting are being sent to
the fixture. If you are using a different control board, please ensure that all DMX channels
patched for the fixture match the default values.
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 25
CHAPTER 4
DMX Programming Basics and Quick Start
26 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Chapter 5:
Graphics Engine Overview
DLHD, DL.3 and AxonHD Med ia servers use virtually the same graphic
engine software to control content selection and playback, as well as 3-D
Object and Global manipulation.
Protocol Options
The Axon HD, Axon HD Pro media servers as well as the DLHD Digital light use the latest HD
Protocol for control. This protocol version allows for control of up to 10 graphic laye rs per output
on the Axon HD and HD Pro Servers and up to 9 graphic layers on the DLHD . Limited backwards
compatibility is provided for the V2 protocol on the Axon HD, HD Pro server and DLHD fixture.
You can adjust the footprint by patching only the number of graphic layers you need for a
minimum of 1 Global Layer and 1 Graphic La yer for the Axon Servers. The minimum footprint for
the DLHD is 1 Motion Layer, 1 Global Layer and 1 Graphic Layer.
You select the protocol level in the fixture’s onboard menu system for DLHD and DL.3 fixtures
from the onboard menu systems or through the CMA for both fixtures and Axon media servers
(see Viewing Server Configuration on page 276).
Image Optimizing Controls
Using Live Effects in additional to the Black Level and Contrast Controls, you can adjust the
image for each cue. It is not necessary t o precisely optimize im ages before preparing for a show .
Graphics Control Hierarchy
There is a hierarchy to the DMX control parameters. In general, object control parameters
render individual graphic images. Global control parameters act upon the composite image
created by combining multiple objects. Motion parameters control the fixture movement and
projection.
It is especially important to keep this in mind when applying graphical effects. At the lowest
level, Graphic effects are applied to an individual 3-D Graphic Ob ject. Any Global ef fects applied
affect each object in the combined Object image. Finally, motion effects control the projection of
the composite image.
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 27
CHAPTER 5
are then applied to the
composite-object image
Graphics Engine outputs
final image to projector
Define up to ten
3-D objects with
applied texture
Global Effect 1
Global Effect 2
Global Effect 3
Global Effect 4
Keystone Correction
Framing Shutters
Audio Balance
Global Intensity
Graphic
Functions
are applied
to each object
Mask
Warp Selection
Collage
Object
Content
Contrast
Playback
Opacity
Effect 2
Effect 3
Effect 1
Rotation
Position
Scale
Audio Balance
Object
Content
Contrast
Playback
Opacity
Effect 2
Effect 3
Effect 1
Rotation
Position
Scale
Audio Balance
Object
Content
Contrast
Playback
Opacity
Effect 2
Effect 3
Effect 1
Rotation
Position
Scale
Audio Balance
Object
Content
Contrast
Playback
Opacity
Effect 2
Effect 3
Effect 1
Rotation
Position
Scale
Audio Balance
Graphics Engine Overview
Graphics Engine Function Flow
28 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Graphics Engine Overview
CHAPTER 5
Graphics Engine Functions
Object Graphic Functions
For an individual object, you can control:
• The media file and 3-D object selection for the layer
• Media playback including
— What portion of the movie plays
— Playback speed
— Playback mode (direction and style of playback)
• The object transparency (opacity)
• Visual Effects including colormixing and geometric effects
• Synchronization
• Image Rotation, Scale and Position
Global Functions
Global controls are applied to composite image created by multiple 3-D images. For the
combined image, you can:
• Adjust the composite image intensity le vel
• Apply visual effects including colormixing and geometric effects
• Select a mask shape, size it and apply edge fades and color to the mask
• Apply and color mix an image edge fade
• Control keystone correction
• Control framing shutters
• Establish the point in 3-D space from which image will be viewed
Making Graphics Effect Choices
Because you have cont rol of man y parameters, there are sometimes several ways t o acco mpli sh
the same look.
Which solution you choose depends, to a large ex tent, on the tr ansition to other effects you want
to achieve.
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 29
CHAPTER 5
Graphics Engine Overview
30 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Graphic Functions: Defining Content
CHAPTER 6
Chapter 6:
Graphic Functions: Defining Content
Each Graphic Object’s content is composed of a 3-D object overlaid with a
media file. This chapter outlines how to select an image’s object and media
file components as well as define the video segment and its playback.
Content Overview
In addition to a royalty-free stock digital art collection featuring more than 1,500 lightingoptimized files available as stock content, you can develop your own custom media files and 3D
object files for playback on DL.3, DL.2 or Axon media servers. For a quick overview on
developing your own custom User content, see Appendix B: Custom User Content on page 283.
The Digital Lighting Product and Support pages at highend.com/digital_lighting
additional assistance and the latest software and techniques for creating and encoding custom
content.
Every DL.3, DL.2 and Axon media server ha s a file syste m that
holds the movies, images, and 3-D objects that make up the
content that the server uses. These files, folders, and their
associated DMX values are collectively known as the “Content”
on the media server.
The Content Management Application (CMA) organizes and
identifies content by source (preloaded Stock content or
custom User content) and type (Media files or 3-D Object files).
the CMA to view and manage content, (see Chapter 16: Content Management Application (CMA)
on page 249).
For more information on using
offer
Selecting Content
Three Parameters control content selection. To define an image you have to set DMX values
greater than 0 for the 3-D Object, Media Folder, and Media File parameters. The selected media
file will be mapped onto the selected 3-D object.
To output an image from a media server:
1. Open the mechanical iris on the projector by setting its Dimmer parameter to full (100%).
2. Set the Global Intensity parameter to full (100%).
3. Set the Object opacity to full (100%)
4. Adjust the Object, Media Folder, and Media File parameters to greater than zero
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 31
CHAPTER 6
Graphic Functions: Defining Content
When programming with Wholehog software, the Media Folder and Object parameters default to
1 so choosing any Media File DMX value from 1-35 will display a media loop from the HES Core
folder (Media Folder 1) wrapped on a Flat Plane (Object 1).
NOTE: The Dimmer, Opacity and Global Intensity Parameters all have to be
greater than zero before the image you create becomes visible.
Content Selection Parameters
The following sections outline parameters you will use to create an image from content and define
its playback. You will set the parameters described in this chapter for each individual Graphic
Object you define.
NOTE: The suggested default DMX values given for each parameter are
recommended to build libraries that provide the easiest and most reliable
content selection, rendering and output. They are the default values built
into the Wholehog libraries for High End Systems consoles.
Object
The Object parameter selects the 3-dimensional object component of an image. Object files are
the 3-D object shapes used to build a total image. The gr aphics engine supports a combined total
of 255 stock and user-created object files.
Stock Objects have a fixed DMX value and cannot be edited. DMX values 1-149 are reserved for
identifying stock object files. User-created object files must be assigned a unique DMX value from
150-255.
For a reference of 3-D object files available as stock content with your media server and information on how to create your own object files, go to the link for the Stock Object Guide for the
DL.3, DL.2 and Axon products on http://www.highend.com/support/digital_lighting/
Default DMX Value: 1 = full screen flat surface
TIP: You can select the same object file for images that will be interacting
with each other. If both objects occupy exactly the same area in 3-D
space,
“Z-fighting” (a shimmering effect) on some portions of the composite
image can occur as the graphics engine tries to determine which object
should be in the foreground.
.
You can avoid this effect by making a slight adjustment to one of the
object’s scale or moving it forward or back (using the Z Position
parameter) in respect to the other.
32 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Graphic Functions: Defining Content
CHAPTER 6
Media Folder
This parameter defines a folder (directory) containing a collection of media files. The media files
within the assigned folder can then be selected using the Media File parameter. DMX values for
folders are assigned as follows:
• DMX values = 1-39 are used or reserved for Stock Content
• DMX values = 40-240 are reserved for User Content
• DMX value = 255 is reserved for live video input
Default DMX Value = 1 (HES Core Media files)
The following table describes the Stock Content folders available on DL.3, DL.2 and Axon
servers.
NOTE: Media folders with DMX Values of 27-35 are only available as stock
content on DL.3 fixtures and Axon Version 2 servers.
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 33
CHAPTER 6
Graphic Functions: Defining Content
Media Folder Descriptions.
DMX
Value
1 HES Core Premier High End Systems video loop collection
2 HES_Digital_Aerials_1 Digital still images and animations, designed for aerial effects
3 HES_Oils Digitally simulated psychedelic oil projection loops
4 HES_Atmospheric Video loops of natural settings clouds, water, fire
5 On_The_Wall_Studios Digital video loops, promotional
6 Sean_Bridwell Digital video loops, promotional
7 A_Luna_Blue Digital video loops, promotional
8 Feedback_Video Digital video loops, promotional
9 HES_Texture Video loop textures
10 HES_Foliage Collection of abstract and realistic foliage and floral video loops
11 HES_Religious Religious themed video loops
12 HES_Gothic Set of themed video loops
13 HES_Digital_Aerials _2
14 HES_Theme_Stills Nature stills (foliage and flowers)
15 Apollo Glass Digital Gobo Patterns, promotional
16 Artbeats Digital video loops, promotional
17 DHA_TopMac Digital patterns, promotional
18 Beacon DigiGobos Digital video loops, promotional
19 Amorphous Digi-gobos Digital animations, promotion al
20 InLight Digital video loops, promotional
21 HES_Lithopatterns_1 High End Systems Lithopattern® images
22 HES_Lithopatterns_2 More images from High End Systems Lithopattern library
23 HES_Logos High End Systems® Axon and DL.2™ logos
24 HES_Hi_Res Variety of high resolution video backgrounds
25 NASA_Images Space images from the Hubble telescope
26 Blue_Pony Assorted video loops
27 HES_Core_02 Mixed footage
28 V-Squared-Labs Club themed footage
29 Virtual-Life-Media Club themed footage and few stills
30 Daddy-Van-Productions Digital backgrounds
31 Wet-Digital Underwater footage
32 Idyll-Hands-Imagery Aerial footage
33 David-Alley-Photography Nature them ed high resolution images
34 JTM-Photography Nature stills
35-38 Reserved Reserved for HES use
39 HES_Setup_and_Test Images to use for setup and diagnostics
40-240 Open Available for User Content
255 Video Input Live video input from internal camera or external device
Media Folder Name Content Description
Digital still images and animations, designed for aerial effects
34 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Graphic Functions: Defining Content
CHAPTER 6
Media File
The Media File parameter lets you identify which Stock or User media file to apply (map) as a
texture on the selected 3-D object. You can supplement the large library of Stock video loops and
still images with Custom files. This parameter selects media files from within the folder defined
by the Media Folder parameter.
For a reference of media files available as stock content with your media server, go to the link for
the Stock Content Guide for DL.3, DL.2 and Axon products on http://www.highend.com/
support/digital_lighting/.
Default DMX Value: 0 = No file selected
Tip: You can preview a visual display of the media files loaded on a media
server in the Content Management Application’s thumbnails view, (see
Viewing Content on page 257) or in the File Tab of a DL.3 or
DL.2
fixture menu display.
Defining a Media File Segment
You can define any portion of a video media file to play using the In Frame and Out Frame
parameters. By default, the In Frame is the beginning of the media file and the Out Frame is the
end of the file. Media files can have different lengths.
NOTE: Media that is not properly encoded may still play, but may have issues
when using In-Frame and Out-Frame parameters.
In Frame and Out Frame Parameters
You can select any segment of a media file for playback by assigning an In Frame value as a start
point and an Out Frame as an end point.
NOTE: DMX parameter values for these parameters do not correspond to a
particular “frame”. They are defined as a percentage of the movie
length. This makes it possible to create segments with an Out Frame
preceding the In Frame and simplifies playback synchronization
between media files.
The In Frame parameter corresponds to a 16-bit DMX value equal to a starting point for the
playback segment of the selected file. The Out Frame parameter corresponds to a 16-bit DMX
value equal to an end point for the playback segment of the selected media file.
Assigning the In Frame and Out Frame parameters to default DMX values will playback the entire
movie file.
Choosing other settings are useful when you want to:
• Begin or end a media file at any point other than the default
• Start or stop on a specific image
• You need to shorten the media file to a sp ecific length
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 35
CHAPTER 6
File
Start
File
End
In Frame
25%
In Frame
75%
Out Frame
75%
Out Frame
25%
Example 2
Example 1
File
Start
File
End
Graphic Functions: Defining Content
In Frame Default DMX Value: 0 = The beginning of a media file is the playback start point.
Out Frame Default DMX Value: 65535 = The end of a media file is the playback endpoint.
As you move from 0 to 100% of the In Frame value range, you can select the beginning of a
media file segment as a percentage of the file length. Moving from 0 to 100% of the Out Frame
value range selects the end of a media file segment as a percentage of the file length.
Segment Selection Examples
You can create a segment anywhere between
the beginning and the end of a media file. The
In Frame does not have to precede the Out
Frame.
T o skip a segment in the center of a media file,
set the In Frame to a point following the Out
Frame. The file will play from the In Frame to
the end and then start at the beginning of the
file and play to the Out Frame. When you
create a segment in this way, you may notice a
jump as playback skips from the end of th e file
to the beginning.
36 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Graphic Functions: Defining Content
CHAPTER 6
Defining Playback
After selecting and defining a media file segment to display on a 3-D object, you can choose from
several Playback Modes and assign a Playback Speed.
Playback Mode
A Playback Mode parameter for each 3-D image allows several playback options.
Default DMX Value: 0 = Plays forward in a continuous loop
DMX
Value
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Playback Mode Description
Play forward looping Plays the media segment from In Frame setting to Out Frame
setting, looping continuously
Play forward once Plays the media segment from In Frame setting to Out Frame
setting, and holds on the last frame
Pause Stops playback at the frame currently playing
Play forward once if opacity > 0Plays the media segment from In Frame setting to Out Frame
setting, and holds on the last frame, Plays only when the
content opacity value is greater than zero.
Play forward if opacity > 0 Plays media segment from In Frame setting to Out Frame
setting, looping continuously. Plays only when the content
opacity value is greater than zero.
Pause and rewind Stops playback at the frame currently playing, then jumps to
the In Frame setting.
Scrub In Frame Displays frame that has been defined by the In Frame
parameter
Scrub Out Frame Displays frame that has been defined by the Out Frame
parameter
Scrub In Frame with statistics Displays frame that has been defined by the In Frame
parameter with media file data overlaid on the output.
Scrub Out Frame with
statistics
Displays frame that has been defined by the Out Frame
parameter with media file data overlaid on the output.
Scrubbing
Scrubbing displays the selected frame of the composite output of the media server. Whil e
scrubbing the In Frame, the frame selected by the In Frame coarse and fine channels will be
displayed. Likewise, scrubbing the Out Frame will display the frame selected by the Out Frame
coarse and fine channels. When the “with statistics” option is selected, the composite output
includes text data related to the selected frame. Remember that the In Frame and Out Frame
parameters are defined as a DMX value mapped to the percentage
of the media file length, not a specific frame.
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 37
CHAPTER 6
Graphic Functions: Defining Content
NOTE: If the Global Control Mode parameter = 255, a DMX value of 1-3 for the
Global Control parameter provides an alternate font color to enhan ce
statistics readability.
Playback Speed
The Playback Speed parameter controls the speed of the selected media file’s Playback Mode.
The Playback Speed for a media file is used whenever the Playback Mode Parameter’s DMX value
is assigned to any Play Forward option.
Default DMX Value: 128 = Playback at normal speed.
A DMX value of 0 or 128 (50%) plays bac k media files at the original recorde d speed. DMX v alues
from 1 to 127 plays the media file back at an increasing speed, from slowest to the original
recorded speed. Values from 129-255 set playback speed from faster than normal to fastest
speed.
NOTE: DMX Values 1-127 utilize frame blending to provide a smooth playback
motion at slow speeds.
38 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Chapter 7:
X Rotation
Rotates image
about the X axis
Y Rotation
Rotates image
about the Y axis
Z Rotation
Rotates image about
the Z axis
Graphic Functions: Rotation, Position, Scale
You can independently control each Graphic Object’s rotation direction and
speed; along with its position and scale in X, Y, and Z axis directions.
The parameters described in this chapter are set for each Graphic Object you define.
Parameters for composite image rotation, position and global scale are described in
Chapter 11: Global Functions.
NOTE: The suggested default DMX values given for each parameter are
recommended to build libraries that provide the easiest and most
reliable content selection, r e ndering and output.
Rotating a 3-D Object
The Rotation parameters for each object control 3-D object rotation with 16-bit precisi o n.
You can rotate a 3-D object up to 720° in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction
around the X, Y and/or Z axis.
NOTE: Remember that rotation changes could affect an object’s
relationship to other objects.
When you rotate an object, you are rotating it around the selected axis. X Rotation produces
the effect of a top-to-bottom flip. Y Rotation produces a left-to-right flip. Z Rotation causes
a circular motion.
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 39
CHAPTER 7
Continuous RotationContinuous Rotation
25% 50% 75%
Rotation Speed
0% 100%
Counter-clockwise Clockwise
Rotation Speed
0
o
720-0 0-720
oo
Indexed Rotation
Indexed Rotation
Graphic Functions: Rotation, Position, Scale
The Rotation parameters’ suggested default values are the midpoint of the 16-bit DMX value
range, which is equal to no rotation. Increa sing the DMX value from the midpoint indexes the
object in a clockwise direction. Reducing the DMX value below the midpoint indexes the object in
a counterclockwise direction.
When the DMX value for a rotation parameter is greater than the 720° limit in either direction,
the object begins rotating continuously. Additional adjustment to the DMX values increases the
speed of continuous rotation.
NOTE: Global and Graphic Effects Mode parameters contain a Prerotation
Translation effect option. When a Global or Graphic Effects Mode DMX
value = 102, you can use the Effect Mo di fier paramet ers to locate the
image in a virtual three dimensional space. Applying the Rotation
parameters then cause the image to orbit around the selected axis from
that location, see Prerotation Translation on page 165.
40 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Graphic Functions: Rotation, Position, Scale
Original Object 1 and Object 2
X-axis Rotation Applied to Object 2
CHAPTER 7
Rotation Parameters
X Rotation
The X Rotation parameter rotates the selected Graphic Object around the X axis with 16-bit
precision. You can index the rotation or set a continuous rotation creating a vertical flip at
variable speeds.
This parameter lets you view an object from a different angle by turning the object. Y ou can also
view an object from a different angle by changing the viewpoint in space for the composite
image, (see Global Viewpoint Mode on page 130).
Default DMX Value: 32768 (50%) = No X Rotation
% of
Value
Range
1–24 Continuous variable-speed counterclockwise image rotation around X-axis (fast to slow)
25 Continuous rotation stop
26–49 Rotates the image counterclockwise around X-axis in steps to –720 deg rees
50 0° rotation around X-axis
51–74 Rotates the image clockwise around X-axis in steps to 720 degrees absolute
75 Continuous rotation stop
76–100 Continuous variable-speed clockwise image rotation around X-axis (slow to fast)
Function
Tip: Using this parameter you can turn one object through another.
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 41
CHAPTER 7
Original Object 1 and Object 2
Y-axis rotation applied to Object 2
Graphic Functions: Rotation, Position, Scale
Y Rotation
The Y Rotation parameter rotates or inde xes the selected Gr aphic Object around the Y axis wit h
16-bit precision. You can index the rotation or set a continuous rotation creating a horizontal flip
at variable speeds.
This parameter lets you view an object from a different angle by turning the object. You can also
view an object from a different angle by changing the viewpoint in space for the composite
image, (see Global Viewpoint Mode on page 130).
Default DMX Value: 32768 (50%)= No Y Rotation
% of
Value
Range
1–24
25
26–49
50
51–74
75
76–100
Continuous variable-speed counterclockwise image rotation around Y-axis (fast to slow)
Continuous rotation stop
Rotates the image counterclockwise around Y-axis in steps to –720 degrees
0° rotation around Y-axis
Rotates the image clockwise around Y-axis in steps to 720 degrees absolute
Continuous rotation stop
Continuous variable-speed clockwise image rotati on around Y-axis (slow to fast)
Function
Tip: Using this parameter you can turn one object through another
Z Rotation
The Z Rotation parameter rotates or indexes the selected Graphic Object around the Z axis with
16-bit precision. Y ou can inde x the rotation or set a continuous rotation creating a circular spin at
variable speeds.
42 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Graphic Functions: Rotation, Position, Scale
Original Object 1 and Object 2
Z-axis Rotation Applied to Object 2
Default DMX Value: 32768 (50%)= No Z Rotation
% of
Value
Range
1–24
25
26–49
50
51–74
75
76–100
This parameter lets you view an object from a different angle by turning the object. Y ou can also
view an object from a different angle by changing the viewpoint in space for the composite
image, (see Global Viewpoint Mode on page 130).
Tip: Using this parameter you can turn one object around another
Continuous variable-speed counterclockwise image rotation around Z-axis
(fast to slow)
Continuous rotation stop
Rotates the image counterclockwise around Z-axis in steps to –720 degrees
0° rotation around Z-axis
Rotates the image clockwise around Z-axis in steps to +720 degrees
Continuous rotation stop
Continuous variable-speed clockwise image rotation around Z-axis (slow to fast)
Function
CHAPTER 7
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 43
CHAPTER 7
Original Object 1 and Object 2
All Scale DMX values = 32768 (50%)
Object 2 X-Scale DMX value = 165
Scaled 3 times in X direction
Graphic Functions: Rotation, Position, Scale
Scaling the Object
You can scale an Graphic Object along the X, Y and/or Z axis to adjust the object size.
The Scale parameter adjusts the size of the object’s image up to approximately 10x its original
size. At a DMX value of zero , the image shrin ks to a dot. At the mi dpoint of the DMX v alue r ange,
the image is normal size. When the DMX value is increased from the midpoint, the image is
enlarged. In addition, when the DMX value is reduced below the midpoint, an inverted image is
enlarged.
Tip: Use the X,Y and Z Scale parameters together to enlarge or shrink a 3-D object
proportionally.
X Scale
The X Scale parameter uses two channels to scale the selected 3-D object along the X axis,
either expanding it or making it smaller. Use it when you want to size the object’s horizontal
component.
A DMX value of 32768 (50%) sets the object at its normal size. Values less than 50% shrink the
object horizontally to the smallest at 0. Values greater then 50% enlarge the object horizontally
65535
to the largest at
Default DMX Value: 32768 (50%) = Normal Scale
(100%).
Y Scale
The Y Scale parameter uses two channels to scale the selected 3-D object along the Y axis,
either expanding it or making it smaller. Use it when you want to size the object’s vertical
component.
44 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Graphic Functions: Rotation, Position, Scale
Original Object 1 and Object 2
All Scale DMX values = 32768 (50%)
Object 2 Y-Scale parameter DMX value = 165
Scaled 3 times in Y direction
Original Object 1 and Object 2
All Scale DMX values = 32768 (50%)
Object 2 Z-Scale parameter DMX value = 223
Scaled 7.5 times in Z direction
A DMX value of 32768 (50%) sets the o bjec t at its normal size. Values less than 50% shrink the
object vertically to the smallest at 0. Values greater then 50% enlarge the object vertically to the
65535
largest at
Default DMX Value: 32768 (50%) = Normal Scale
(100%).
CHAPTER 7
Z Scale
The Z Scale parameter uses two channels to scale the selected 3-D object along the Z axis,
either expanding or shrinking it. Use it when you want to size the object’s thickness.
A DMX value of 32768 (50%) sets the o bjec t at its normal size. Values less than 50% shrink the
the object thickness until it reaches a point at a value of 0. Values greater then 50% enlarge the
65535
object to a maximum thickness at
Default DMX Value: 32768 (50%) = Normal Scale
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 45
(100%).
CHAPTER 7
Original Object 1 and Object 2
All Position DMX values = 32768 (50%)
Object 1: X Position DMX value = 33561
Object 1: X Position DMX value = 32022
Graphic Functions: Rotation, Position, Scale
Changing Object Position
You can re position each 3-D obje ct’s po sition in 3-D space by moving it along the X, Y and Z ax es.
The following parameters act on an individual object. Use these parameters to position 3-D
images in relation to each other.
X Position
The X Position parameter moves your object along the X axis with 16-bit precision.
The midpoint of the 16-bit DMX value range centers the image on the X-axis. Values below the
DMX midpoint move the object left, and values above the DMX midpoint move the object right.
Default DMX Value: 32768 (50%) = object centered in frame
46 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Graphic Functions: Rotation, Position, Scale
Original Object 1 and Object 2
All Position DMX values = 32768 (50%)
Object 1: Y Position DMX value = 33269
Object 1: Y Position DMX value = 32255
CHAPTER 7
Y Position
The Y Position parameter moves your object along the Y axis with 16- b it precision.
The midpoint of the 16-bit DMX value range, centers the image on the Y-axis. Values below the
DMX midpoint move the object down, and values above the DMX midpoint move the object up.
Default DMX Value: 32768 (50%) = object centered in frame
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 47
CHAPTER 7
Original Object 1 and Object 2
All Position DMX values = 32768 (50%)
Object 1: Z Position DMX value = 32822
Object 1: Z Position DMX value = 31884
Object 1: Z Position DMX value = 33144
Graphic Functions: Rotation, Position, Scale
Z Position
The Z Position parameter moves your object along the Z axis with 16-bit precision.
The midpoint of the 16-bit DMX value range centers the object on the Z axis. Values below the
DMX midpoint move the object away from the viewer and appears to become smaller, and object
above the DMX midpoint move the object toward the viewer and appears to become larger.
Default DMX Value: 32768 (50%) = object centered in frame
Tip: This parameter can create a zoom effect. Remember that by moving an object, you can
obscure other objects or move it behind your viewpoint where it is no longer visible.
48 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Chapter 8:
Graphic Object 1 Intensity DMX=255 (100%)
Graphic Object 2 Intensity DMX=255 (100%)
Graphic Object 1 Intensity DMX=255 (100%)
Graphic Object 2 Intensity DMX=179 (70%)
Graphic Functions: Opacity and Effects
You can adjust opacity and apply a variety of color mixing and geometric
effects to each individual Graphic Object.
The parameters described in this chapter are set for each Graphic Object you define. Parameters
for composite image intensity and effects are described in Ch apter 11: Global Functions on page
113.
NOTE: The suggested default DMX values given for each parameter are
recommended to build libraries that provide the easiest and most
reliable content selection, r e ndering and output.
Opacity
Adjusting an object’s opacity allows one object to “show through” another. You can adjust the
opacity of an individual 3-D object from completely transparent to full opacity using this
parameter. Increase opacity from not visible at a value of zero to full opacity at a value of 255.
Default DMX Value: 0 = completely transparent
The Global Intensity parameter provides a similar adjustment to the combined image. This global
control parameter controls intensity levels on the overall image (see Global Intensity on page
113). When you have multiple objects in relation to each other, the Global Intensity par ameter is
the best way to apply a fade to the composite image.
Tip: The Dimmer, Object Opacity and Global Intensity parameters all have to be greater
than 0 to make a defined image visible.
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 49
CHAPTER 8
Graphic Functions: Opacity and Effects
Effect Mode Parameters
Three Effect Mode parameters are available for each individual 3-D object, each with three
Modifier parameters. Both Effect parameters have an identical list of color and visual effect
options. This lets you apply a dual-effect combination to the selected 3-D object.
NOTE: Not all modes combine effectively. For example, you cannot glow a
wobbulating object very well.
The table below describes the interaction between an Effect Mode parameter and its three
associated Modifier paramete rs. You can find a detailed description and example of each option in
Chapter 11: Effect Mode Options Descriptions on page 87.
NOTE: Modifier channels for Effect Mode 1 are labeled as CMY in the
Wholehog system so you can also make use of the color picker, HSI,
and other Wholehog functions. Use the CMY parameter controls to
adjust the three Effect Mode 1 Modi fier parameters for both the Global
and Graphic fixture types. The default for Effect Mode 1 is set to CMY1
as well. Effect Mode 2 and 3 Modifier channels are labeled Mod 1, Mod
2, and Mod 3.
DMX
value
Safe (no effects selection)
0
CMY (RGB invert)
1
CMY Add, All Pixels
2
CMY Add, All Non-black Pixels
3
RGB Add, All Pixels
4
RGB Add 2, All Pixels
5
RGB Add, All Non-black Pixels
6
RGB Swap to GBR
7
RGB Swap to BRG
8
Solarize 1 inverts a color value < DMX value
9
Solarize 2 inverts a color if value > DMX value
10
Solarize 3 sets color to 0 if value < DMX va lu e
11
Solarize 4 sets color to 0 if value > DMX va lu e
12
DotP and Resample
13
Color Cycle cycles colors with DMX value
14
controlling cycle speed.
All or Nothing sets color values > mod value =
15
255 and all other color values = 0
Solid color RGB
16
Name/Description
Modifier 1 Modifier 2 Modifier 3
NA NA NA
Cyan Magenta Yellow
Cyan Magenta Yellow
Cyan Magenta Yellow
Red Green Blue
Red Green Blue
Red Green Blue
Red to Green Green to Blue Blue to Red
Red to Blue Green to Red Blue to Green
Red Green Blue
Red Green Blue
Red Green Blue
Red Green Blue
Red Green Blue
Red Green Blue
Red Green Blue
Red Green Blue
Adjustments
50 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Graphic Functions: Opacity and Effects
CHAPTER 8
DMX
value
RGB Invert
17
RGB, Invert and Swap to GBR
18
RGB, Invert and Swap to BRG
19
Edge Detect Color
20
Edge Detect B/W
21
Texture Ripple, Horizontal
22
Texture Ripple, Vertical
23
Texture Ripple, Circular
24
Texture Ripple, Circular Asymmetrical
25
Transparent Color Fine selects key color using
26
Modifier channels
Transparent Color Medium selects key color
27
using Modifier channels
Transparent Color Coarse selects key color
28
using Modifier channels
Transparent Color Invert, Fi ne selects key c olor
29
using Modifier channels
Transparent Color Invert, Medium selects key
30
color using Modifier channels
Transparent Color Invert, Coarse selects key
31
color using Modifier channels
Scan Line converts image colors to colors in a
32
single line of the image
Name/Description
Transparent Wipes “opens” the selected
graphic to reveal another graphic positioned
33
behind it
Pixel Twist swirls a portion of the texture
34
Picture-in-picture duplicates the texture and
35
overlays it on the original
Magnifying Lens creates a virtual convex lens
36
that magnifies a portion of the texture
Magnifying Lens 2 creates a virtual double
convex lens that magnifies a portion of the
37
texture.
Cartoon Edge creates variable outline around
38
picture elements
Adjustments
Modifier 1 Modifier 2 Modifier 3
From Red
to Cyan
From Green to
Magenta
From Blue
to Y e llow
Red to Green Green to Blue Blue to Red
Red to Blue Green to Red Blue to Green
Horizontal
search size
Horizontal
search size
Vertical
search size
Vertical
search size
Comparison
threshold
Comparison
threshold
Amplitude Frequency Phase
Amplitude Frequency Phase
Amplitude Frequency
Phase +
Direction
Amplitude Frequency Phase
Red Green Blue
Red Green Blue
Red Green Blue
Red Green Blue
Red Green Blue
Red Green Blue
Selects
scan line
Area of wipe
Twist center
on X axis
Subpicture
center on Xaxis
Lens center
on X axis
Lens center
on X axis
Reduces Color
Fades to con-
verted image
Selects center
of wipe
Twist center
on Y axis
Subpicture
center on Yaxis
Lens center
on Y axis
Lens center
on Y axis
Enhances
Contrast
Not used
Selects from 6
wipe options
Direction and
amount of twist
Subpicture
size
Lens size
Lens size
Edge detection
sensitivity
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 51
CHAPTER 8
Graphic Functions: Opacity and Effects
DMX
value
Color DeConverge separates image color
39
components and offsets them
Horizontal Mirror creates a mirror effect
40
RGB Swap to BGR redefines component color
41
RGB Swap to RBG redefines component color
42
RGB Swap to GRB redefines component color
43
Colorize Gray Scale maps pixel intensity to
44
color
Intensity Key turns pixels of selected intensity
45
transparent
Raindrop simulates raindrops falling on a liquid
46
surface
RGB, Scale varies the color mapping values
47
Tiling On multiplies image in a defined grid
48
Color to Alpha varies the transparency level of
49
an image’s component color values
Name/Description
Color to Alpha, Inverted varies the
transparency level of an image’s inverted color
50
values
Texture Mixing crossfades between the current
51
image and another graphic object texture
Image Scale and Rotate Scales and rotates t he
52
media file texture applied to a 3-D object
Film Roll scrolls the media fi le texture
53
horizontally or vertically
Pixelate divides the image into rect angles using
54
the center pixel color of each “box” as its color
Faux LED divides the image into a grid of
55
circles to mimic an LED wall
Faux Tile divides the image int o square tiles
56
Fuzzifier creates a multi-image blurring effect
57
Drop Shadow creates a scalable drop shadow
58
behind the graphic object
Zoom Blur zooms into a position on the
59
image with a multi-image blurring effect
Adjustments
Modifier 1 Modifier 2 Modifier 3
Moves Red
component up
Defines mirror
center
Moves Green
component
down and right
Not Used Not Used
Moves Blue
component
down and left
Red to Blue Green Blue to Red
Red Green to Blue Blue to Green
Red to Green Green to Red Blue
Selects Color
Scheme
Selects Color
Scheme
Controls size/
speed
Selects zero
intensity point
Sets Intensity
bandwidth
Seeds random
# generator
Controls
fading
Controls
Transparency
Controls
raindrop rate
Red Green Blue
Horizontal # Vertical #
Space
between tiles
Red to alpha Green to alpha Blue to alpha
Inverted Red
to alpha
Selects Source
Texture
Scales image
Horizontal roll
speed
Sets amount of
Pixelation
LED size Spacing
Tile Size Spacing
Horizontal
distance
Horizontal
shadow size
Horizontal
position center
Inverted Green
to alpha
Selects Source
Effect Level
Selects
Rotation Angle
Vertical roll
speed
Scales
horizontally
Vertical
distance
Vertical
shadow size
Vertical
position center
Inverted Blue
to alpha
Crossfade
Between
Textures
Sets Rotation
Speed
Scales
Image
Scales
vertically
Color
peaking
Color
peaking
Fuzz Decay
Shadow
opacity
Zoom
in and out
52 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Graphic Functions: Opacity and Effects
CHAPTER 8
DMX
value
Chroma Shift shifts the red, blue, and green
60
component colors
ShakeNBake introduces a random vibration
61
effect
Slats, Vertical renders the image in offset
62
vertical slats
Slats, Horizontal renders the image in offset
63
horizontal slats
Downward Vertical Streaks “pulls” the image
80
down
Gaussian Blur blurs the image
81
Sharpen
82
Flip
83
UV to Gray turns everything in the image gray
84
except for a selected UV chroma coordinate
Name/Description
UV to Transparent turns everything in the
image transparent except for a selected UV
85
chroma coordinate.
UV Select to Transparent turns a sele cted UV
chroma coordinate transparent with the rest of
86
the image unchanged
HS to Gray retains selected hue and saturat ion,
87
and turns everything else gray.
HS to Transparent retains selected hue and
saturation, and turns everything else
88
transparent.
HS Selected To Transparent makes selected
89
hue and saturation transparent
Texture Shift shifts texture coordinate by color
90
value
Lens Grid views texture through grid of lenses
91
Edge Detect, BW2 detects edges as black or
92
white
Film Burn/Unburn creates burn pattern over
93
image
Film Noise creates an “aged” film look
94
Adjustments
Modifier 1 Modifier 2 Modifier 3
Horizontal
shift
Horizontal
Shake
Number
of Slats
Number
of Slats
Vertical Start
Position
Sample
Distance
Sample
Distance
Horizontal
Flip
Vertical
shift
Vertical
Shake
Vertical
Displacement
Horizontal
Displacement
Streak
Angle
Number of
Filter Passes
Number of
Filter Passes
Vertical
Flip
Not Used
Scale
Fade from
Normal to Slats
Fade from
Normal to Slats
Fade from
NormaltoStreak
Scales the
Effect
Scales the
Sharpen Effect
Not Used
U Coordinate V Coordinate Tolerance
U Coordinate V Coordinate Tolerance
U Coordinate V Coordinate Tolerance
Hue
Coordinate
Hue
Coordinate
Hue
Coordinate
Horizontal
Shift
Saturation
Coordinate
Saturation
Coordinate
Saturation
Coordinate
Vertical
Shift
Tolerance
Tolerance
Tolerance
Color
and Scale
Magnification Edge Shading # of Lenses
Sample
Distance
Burn Through
Rate
Noise Rate
Edge Threshold
Comparison
Film
Blackening
Push to Sepia
add Jitter
Detected Edge
Scaler
Burn
Pattern
Noise Level
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 53
CHAPTER 8
Graphic Functions: Opacity and Effects
DMX
value
Particle System 1 converts image to a particl e
95
pattern
Particle System 2 adds adjustments to Effect
96
95
Particle System 3 adds adjustments to Effect
97
95 + Effect 96
Prism
98
Gaussian Halo creates blur from a clear center
99
toward edges
Scene Change Detect transparency effect
100
Yxy Luminance Scaling adjusts brightness
101
independent of color values
Prerotation Translat ion sets image in virtual 3-D
102
space for rotation
Digital Mspeed
103
Name/Description
Edge Detect2Color. Mod1 = Sample distance,
104
Mod2 = Edge threshold comparison, Mod3 =
Detected edge scaler
Digital Mspeed 2. Mod1 = keystone speed,
105
Mod2 = framing speed, Mod3 = not used.
Sepia Tones. Mod1 = fades from original
106
image color to sepia tones,
Mod2 = saturation, Mod3 = not used
Red Tones. Mod1 = fades from original image
107
color to red tones, Mod2 = saturation. Mod3 =
not used.
Gray Maker. Mod1 = compresses colors to
108
shades of gray, Mod2 = constrast,
Mod3 = not used
Gray Maker2. Always gray. Mod1 =
109
brightness, Mod2 = contrast, Mod3 = not used
Adjustments
Modifier 1 Modifier 2 Modifier 3
Emitter
Type
Number of
Particles
Initial Particle
Velocity
Number
of Facets
Sample
Distance
Scale RGB Scale Alpha
Scale
Luminance
Trail
Length
Particle
Particle
Acceleration
Emitter
Size
Particle
Rotation
Refraction
Index
Number of
Filter Passes
Particle
Lifetime
Rotation
Gaussian
Curve Shape
Scale RGB+
Scale X Scale y
Size
alpha
Translate X Translate Y Translate Z
Rotation
MSpeed
Sample
Distance
Keystone
Speed
Color Fade to
Sepia
Color Fade to
Red
Compress
Color to Gray
Brightness Contrast
Scaling
MSpeed
Edge Threshold
Compare
Framing
Speed
Saturation
Saturation
Contrast
Position
MSpeed
Detected Edge
Scaler
Not
Used
Not
Used
Not
Used
Not
Used
Not
Used
Posterizer. Mod1 = reduces color detail, Mod2
110
= contrast, Mod3 = not used
Black & White. Mod1 = comparison, Mod2 =
111
not used, Mod3 = not used.
Fire Gradient. Mod1= fade from original image
112
to converted image, Mod2 = not used, Mod3 =
not used.
54 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Reduces Color
Detail
Comparison
Fade Image to
Converted
Contrast
Not
Used
Not
Used
Not
Used
Not
Used
Not
Used
Graphic Functions: Opacity and Effects
CHAPTER 8
DMX
value
Negative Art. Mod1 = scales RGB, Mod2 =
113
color subtract, Mod3 = not used.
Exposure Control. Mod1 = expand/contract
114
color, Mod2 = color shift. Mod3 = not used.
Special value used with global spherical
253
mapping effect 142. Defaults to 0 otherwise.
Special value used with global spherical
254
mapping effect 142. Defaults to 0 otherwise.
Pan and Scale zooms in and pans across a
255
still image
Name/Description
Adjustments
Modifier 1 Modifier 2 Modifier 3
Scales
RGB
Expand/
Contract Color
Color
Subtract
Color Shift
Used
Used
NA NA NA
NA NA NA
Horizontal
position
Vertical
position
Zoom in
and out
Not
Not
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 55
CHAPTER 8
Graphic Functions: Opacity and Effects
56 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Chapter 9:
Graphic Object 1 Intensity DMX=255 (100%)
Graphic Object 2 Intensity DMX=255 (100%)
Graphic Object 1 Intensity DMX=255 (100%)
Graphic Object 2 Intensity DMX=179 (70%)
Global Intensity DMX = 128 (50%)
Global Functions
Global Graphic controls affect the composite image created by defining
multiple separate object graphics. You can adjust intensity, define masks,
select a point in space to view the composite image, and control keystone
correction.
Global Intensity
The Global Intensity parameter creates a
smooth fade to video black that doesn’t affect the
opacity relationship between individual objects.
Use this parameter to adjust the intensity of a
composite image over the separate Graphic
Object’s Opacity parameter settings. Increase
intensity from not visible at a DMX value of 0 to
full intensity at a value of 255 (100%).
Default DMX Value: 0 = no intensity (video
black)
Tip: The Dimmer, Object Opacity and Global
Intensity parameters all need DMX values greater
than 0 for a defined image to be visible.
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 57
CHAPTER 9
Global Functions
Global Effect Mode Channels
There are five banks of Global Effect Mode parameters, each with associated Modifier channels.
All Global Effect Mode parameters have an identical list of color and visual effect options. This
lets you apply a multiple-effect combination to the composite image.
The table below describes the interaction between a Global Effect Mode parameter and the
three associated Modifier parameters for each option. Y ou can find a detailed description of each
option in Chapter 11: Effect Mode Options Descriptions.
NOTE: Modifier channels for Effect Mode 1 are labeled as CMY in the Wholehog system
so you can also make use of the color picker, HSI, and other Wholehog
functions. Use the CMY parameter controls to adjust the three Effect Mode 1
Modifier parameters for both the Global and Graphic fixture types.
The default for Effect Mode 1 is set to CMY1 as well. Other Effect Mode
Modifier channels are labeled Mod 1, Mod 2, and Mod 3.
DMX
Value
Effect Mode Name/Description
Modifier 1 Modifier 2 Modifier 3
Adjustments
0 Safe (no effects selection) NA NA NA
1 CMY (RGB inverse) Cyan Magenta Yellow
2 CMY Add, All Pixels Cyan Magenta Yellow
3 CMY Add, All Non-black Pixels Cyan Magenta Yellow
4 RGB Add, All Pixels Red Green Blue
5 RGB Add 2, All Pixels Red Green Blue
6 RGB Add, All Non-black Pixels Red Green Blue
7 RGB Swap to GBR Red to Green Green to Blue Blue to Red
8 RGB Swap to BRG Red to Blue Green to Red Blue to Green
9 Solarize 1 inverts a color if value < DMX value Red Green Blue
10 Solarize 2 inverts a color if value > DMX value Red Green Blue
Solarize 3 sets color to 0 if value is < DMX
11
value
Solarize 4 sets color to 0 if value is > DMX
12
value
Red Green Blue
Red Green Blue
13 DotP and Resample Red Green Blue
Color Cycle cycles colors with DMX value
14
controlling cycle speed.
All or Nothing sets color values > mod value =
15
255 and all other color values = 0
Red Green Blue
Red Green Blue
58 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
CHAPTER 9
Global Functions
DMX
Value
Effect Mode Name/Description
Modifier 1 Modifier 2 Modifier 3
Adjustments
16 Solid color RGB Red Green Blue
17 RGB Invert
From Red
to Cyan
From Green to
Magenta
From Blue
to Y e llow
18 RGB, Invert and Swap to GBR Red to Green Green to Blue Blue to Red
19 RGB, Invert and Swap to BRG Red to Blue Green to Red Blue to Green
20 Edge Detect Color
21 Edge Detect B/W
Horizontal
search size
Horizontal
search size
Vertical
search size
Vertical
search size
Comparison
threshold
Comparison
threshold
22 Texture Ripple, Horizontal Amplitude Frequency Phase
23 Texture Ripple, Vertical Amplitude Frequency Phase
24 Texture Ripple, Circular Amplitude Frequency
Phase and
Direction
25 Texture Ripple, Circular Asymmetrical Amplitude Frequency Phase
Transparent Color Fine selects key color using
26
Modifier channels
Transparent Color Medium selects key color
27
using Modifier channels
Transparent Color Coarse selects key color
28
using Modifier channels
Transparent Color Invert, Fi ne selects key c olor
29
using Modifier channels
Transparent Color Invert, Medium selects key
30
color using Modifier channels
Transparent Color Invert, Coarse selects key
31
color using Modifier channels
Scan Line converts image colors to colors in a
32
single line of the image
Transparent Wipes “opens” the selected
33
graphic to reveal another graphic positioned
behind it
34 Pixel Twist swirls a portion of the text ure
Red Green Blue
Red Green Blue
Red Green Blue
Red Green Blue
Red Green Blue
Red Green Blue
Selects
scan line
Area of wipe
Twist center
on X axis
Fades to
converted
image
Selects center
of wipe
Twist center
on Y axis
Not used
Selects from 6
wipe options
Direction and
amount of twist
Picture-in-picture duplicates the texture and
35
overlays it on the original
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 59
Subpicture
center
on Xaxis
Subpicture
center
on Yaxis
Subpicture
size
CHAPTER 9
Global Functions
DMX
Value
Magnifying Lens creates a virtual convex lens
36
that magnifies a portion of the texture
Effect Mode Name/Description
Magnifying Lens 2 creates a virtual double
37
convex lens that magnifies a portion of the
texture.
Cartoon Edge creates variable outline around
38
picture elements
Color DeConverge separates and offsets image
39
color components from original position
40 Horizontal Mirror creates a mirror effect
Modifier 1 Modifier 2 Modifier 3
Lens center
on X axis
Lens center
on X axis
Reduces Color
Moves
Red
up
Defines
mirror center
Adjustments
Lens center
on Y axis
Lens center
on Y axis
Enhances
Contrast
Moves Green
down and right
Lens size
Lens size
Edge detection
sensitivity
Moves Blue
down and left
Not Used Not Used
41 RGB Swap to BGR redefines component color Red to Blue Green Blue to Red
42 RGB Swap to RBG redefines component color Red Green to Blue Blue to Green
43 RGB Swap to GRB redefines component color Red to Green Green to Red Blue
Colorize Gray Scale maps pixel intensity to
44
color
Intensity Key turns pixels of selected intensity
45
transparent
Raindrop simulates raindrops falling on a liquid
46
surface
Selects Color
Scheme
Selects Color
Scheme
Controls size/
speed
Selects zero
intensity point
Sets Intensity
bandwidth
Seeds random
# generator
Controls
fading
Controls
Transparency
Controls
raindrop rate
47 RGB, Scale varies the color values Red Green Blue
Tiling On multiplies i mage mappe d to a defi ned
48
grid
Color to Alpha varies the transparency level of
49
an image’s component color values
Color to Alpha, Inverted varies the
50
transparency level of the inverted color values
Texture Mixing crossfades between the current
51
image and another graphic object texture
Image Scale and Rotate Scales and rotates t he
52
media file texture applied to a 3-D object
Film Roll scrolls the media fi le texture
53
horizontally or vertically
Pixelate divides the image into rect angles using
54
the center pixel color of each “box” as it’s color
60 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Horizontal # Vertical #
Red to alpha Green to alpha Blue to alpha
Inverted Red to
alpha
Selects Source
Texture
Scales image
Horizontal roll
speed
Sets amount of
Pixelation
Inverted Green
to alpha
Selects Source
Effect Level
Selects
Rotation Angle
Vertical roll
speed
Scales
horizontally
Space
between tiles
Inverted Blue
to alpha
Crossfade
Textures
Sets Rotation
Speed
Scales
Image
Scales
vertically
CHAPTER 9
Global Functions
DMX
Value
Faux LED divides the image into a grid of
55
circles to mimic an LED wall
Effect Mode Name/Description
Modifier 1 Modifier 2 Modifier 3
LED size Spacing
Adjustments
56 Faux Tile divides the image into square tiles Tile Size Spacing
57 Fuzzifier creates a multi-image blurring effect
Drop Shadow creates a scalable drop shadow
58
behind the graphic object
Zoom Blur zooms into a position on the
59
image with a multi-image blurring effect
Chroma Shift shifts the red, blue, and green
60
component colors
ShakeNBake introduces a random vibration
61
effect
Slats, Vertical renders the image in offset
62
vertical slats
Slats, Horizontal renders the image in offset
63
horizontal slats
Downward Vertical Streaks “pulls” the image
80
down
Horizontal
distance
Horizontal
shadow size
Horizontal
position center
Horizontal
shift
Horizontal
Shake
Number
of Slats
Number
of Slats
Vertical Start
Position
Vertical
distance
Vertical
shadow size
Vertical
position center
Vertical
shift
Vertical
Shake
Vertical
Displacement
Horizontal
Displacement
Streak
Angle
Color
peaking
Color
peaking
Fuzz
Decay
Shadow
opacity
Zoom
in and out
Not Used
Scale
Fade from
Normal to Slats
Fade from
Normal to Slats
Fade from
Normal to
Streak
81 Gaussian Blur
82 Sharpen
83 Flip
UV to Gray turns everything in the image gray
84
except for a selected UV chroma coordinate
UV to Transparent turns the image transparent
85
except for a selected UV chroma coordinate.
UV Select to Transparent turns only a selected
86
UV chroma coordinate in the image transparent
HS to Gray retains selected hue and saturat ion,
87
and turns everything else gray.
HS to Transparent retains selected hue and
88
saturation, and turns everything else
transparent.
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 61
Sample
Distance
Sample
Distance
Horizontal
Flip
U Coordinate V Coordinate Tolerance
U Coordinate V Coordinate Tolerance
U Coordinate V Coordinate Tolerance
Hue
Coordinate
Hue
Coordinate
Number of
Filter Passes
Number of
Filter Passes
Vertical
Flip
Saturation
Coordinate
Saturation
Coordinate
Scales the
Effect
Scales the
Sharpen Effect
Not Used
Tolerance
Tolerance
CHAPTER 9
Global Functions
DMX
Value
Effect Mode Name/Description
HS Selected To Transparent makes selected
89
hue and saturation transparent with the rest of
the image unchanged
Texture Shift shifts texture coordinate by color
90
value.
Modifier 1 Modifier 2 Modifier 3
Hue
Coordinate
Horizontal
Shift
Adjustments
Saturation
Coordinate
Vertical
Shift
Tolerance
Color
and Scale
91 Lens Grid views texture through grid of lenses Magnification Edge Shading # of Lenses
Edge Detect, BW2 creates a pencil line drawn
92
effect
Film Burn/Unburn create a burn pattern on the
93
image
94 Film Noise creates an “aged” film effect Noise Rate
Particle System 1 converts image to a particl e
95
pattern
Particle System 2 adds adjustments to Effect
96
95
Particle System 3 adds adjustments to Effect
97
95 + Effect 96
98 Prism
Sample
Distance
Burn/Unburn
Rate
Emitter
Type
Number of
Particles
Initial Particle
Velocity
Number
of Facets
Edge Threshold
Comparison
Film
Blackening
Push to Sepia
add Jitter
Trail
Length
Particle
Size
Particle
Rotation
Refraction
Index
Detected
Edge Scaler
Burn
Pattern
Noise Level
Particle
Acceleration
Emitter
Size
Particle
Lifetime
Rotation
Gaussian Halo creates blur from clear center
99
toward the edges of an image
100 Scene Change Detect transparency effect Scale RGB RGB to Alpha
Yxy Luminance Scaling adjusts brightness
101
without effecting color
Prerotation Translation places object in 3-D
102
space
103 Digital Mspeed.
104 Edge Detect2Color.
105 Digital Mspeed. 2
106 Sepia Tones.
107 Red Tones.
62 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Sample
Distance
Number of
Filter Passes
Gaussian
Curve Shape
Scale color with
alpha applied
Scale
Luminance
Scale X Scale
Translate X Translate Y Translate Z
Rotation
MSpeed
Sample
Distance
Keystone
Speed
Color Fade to
Sepia
Color Fade to
Red
Scaling
MSpeed
Edge Threshold
Compare
Framing
Speed
Saturation
Saturation
Position
MSpeed
Detected Edge
Scaler
Not
Used
Not
Used
Not
Used
CHAPTER 9
Global Functions
DMX
Value
108 Gray Maker.
Effect Mode Name/Description
Modifier 1 Modifier 2 Modifier 3
Compress
Color to Gray
109 Gray Maker2. Brightness Contrast
Posterizer. Mod1 = reduces color detail, Mod2
110
= contrast, Mod3 = not used
Black & White. Mod1 = comparison, Mod2 =
111
not used, Mod3 = not used.
Fire Gradient. Mod1= fade from original image
112
to converted image, Mod2 = not used, Mod3 =
not used.
Negative Art. Mod1 = scales RGB, Mod2 =
113
color subtract, Mod3 = not used.
Exposure Control. Mod1 = expand/contract
114
color, Mod2 = color shift. Mod3 = not used.
Mask Color applies color to mask parameter
128
selection
Edge Fade Color applies color to Edge Fade
129
parameter selection
Reduces Color
Detail
Comparison
Fade Image to
Converted
Scales
RGB
Expand/
Contract Color
Red Green Blue
Red Green Blue
Adjustments
Contrast
Contrast
Not
Used
Not
Used
Color
Subtract
Color Shift
Not
Used
Not
Used
Not
Used
Not
Used
Not
Used
Not
Used
Not
Used
Mask Color and Edge Fade Color applies the
130
same color to both the selected Mask and
Red Green Blue
Image Edge Fade parameters
131 Background Color selects background color Red Green Blue
Background Color Cycle sequences the
132
background color
Edge Fade Profiles defines edge fading
133
patterns
Red Speed Green Speed Blue Speed
Selects
Mode
Adjusts
Profile
Selects
Source
Curve Correction, Vertical Convex Cylinder
135
corrects shape projecting on curved surface
Curve Correction, Vertical Concave Cylinder
136
corrects shape projecting on curved surface
Curve Correction, Vertical Inside Corner
137
corrects shape projecting on curved surface
Curve Correction, Vertical Outside Corner
138
corrects shape projecting on curved surface
Curve Correction, Outside Sphere corrects
139
shape projecting on a sphere’s outside surface
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 63
Adjusts
Correction
Adjusts
Correction
Adjusts
Correction
Adjusts
Correction
Adjusts
Correction
Sets Vertical
Center
Sets Vertical
Center
Sets Vertical
Center
Sets Vertical
Center
Sets Vertical
Center
Not Used
Not Used
Sets Horizontal
Center
Sets Horizontal
Center
Sets Horizontal
Center
CHAPTER 9
Global Functions
DMX
Value
Curve Correction, Inside S phere corrects shape
140
projecting on a sphere’s inside surface.
Spherical Mapping, Outside maps output to a
142
portion of a sphere’s outside surface.
Spherical Mapping, Inside maps output to a
143
portion of a sphere’s inside surface.
Effect Mode Name/Description
Modifier 1 Modifier 2 Modifier 3
Adjusts
Correction
Sets Longitude
Angle
Sets Longitude
Angle
Adjustments
Sets Vertical
Center
Sets Latitude
Angle
Sets Latitude
Angle
Sets Horizontal
Center
Sets Latitude
Center
Sets Latitude
Center
144 Mattes apply provided mattes over image. Matte Effect Matte Pattern Texture Source
Curved Surface, Horizontal Convex Cylinder
148
corrects shape projecting on curved surface.
Curved Surface, Horizontal Concave Cylinder
149
corrects shape projecting on curved surface.
154 Output Correction, Horizontal Convex Corner.
Output Correction, Horizontal Concave
155
Corner.
Modifier used with global spherical mapping
253
effect 142. Defaults to 0 otherwise.
Modifier used with global spherical mapping
254
effect 142. Defaults to 0 otherwise.
Adjusts
Correction
Adjusts
Correction
Adjusts
Correction
Adjusts
Correction
Sets Horizontal
Centerpoint
Sets Horizontal
Centerpoint
Sets Horizontal
Centerpoint
Sets Horizontal
Centerpoint
NA NA NA
NA NA NA
Not Used
Not Used
Sets Vertical
Centerpoint
Sets Vertical
Centerpoint
Pan and Scale zooms in and pans across a
255
still image.
64 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Horizontal
position
Vertical
position
Zoom in
and out
CHAPTER 9
Global Functions
Global Control
The Global Control parameter allows access to different global control modes. How you set the
Global control parameter determines the functionality of the Global Control Modifier
parameter. Setting this parameter to a DMX value of 255 brings up On-screen programming
statistics. In this case, the Global Control Modifier parameter controls the text color.
Shutdown and Reset Options
When the Global Intensity parameter is set to 0, you can Shutdown the server (DMX Value =
120-130) or Reset the internal Graphics Engine for either DL.3, Axon or DL.2 media servers
(DMX Value = 145-149).
On-Screen Statistics
Spherical Control Statistics
When the Global Control parameter is set to a DMX value = 252, Spherical Control Statistics
are displayed and the Global Control Modifier parameter selects text color. page 324.
Performance Statistics
When the Global Control parameter DMX value = 254, performance statistics are projected on
screen. These are a subset of the statistics shown when Global Control = 255.
Statistics displayed are:
• ren der loops per second
• cpu utilization
• hard disk read
•cue length
• available memory
The Global Control Modifier controls the opacity of the of the statistics display background,
fading from 0 = opaque to 255 = transparent. Discussion of the global control modifier is on
page 325 and should include discussion of background opacity control.
Text Color
When the Global Control parameter is set at a DMX Value of 255, the Global Control Modifier
parameter lets you choose the text color that will best display over your selected image:
DMX Value Color
1Gray
2Red
3Blue
4 Green
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 65
CHAPTER 9
Global Functions
All-in-One Control Option
When the Global Control parameter is set to a DMX value = 253, you can use the Global Control
Modifier parameter to control the All-in-One control option. This option helps you visualize
what the graphics engine is doing. The All-in-One option maps the media file content of Collage
and Curved Surface support effects as well as up to three effects applied to graphics objects and
displays it in a multi-quadrant grid.
These effects are accessed according to rendering hierarchy used by the graphics engine, (see
Graphics Control Hierarchy on page 27).
When the Global Control parameter is set to the All-In-One option, you can view the individual
effects applied to each Graphic object in the Global Control Modifier parameter.
DMX
Value
0
Displays each defined Graphic Object with no effects applied
1
Displays the first effect (if any) applied to any defined Graphic Object
2
Displays the second effect (if any) applied to any defined Graphic Object
3
Displays the third effect (if any) applied to any defined Graphic Object
4
Displays the fourth effect (if any) applied to any defined Graphic Object
5
Displays the fifth effect (if any) applied to any defined Graphic Object
6
Displays the sixth effect (if any) applied to any defined Graphic Object
7
Displays the seventh effect (if any) applied to any defined Graphic Object
8
Displays the eighth effect (if any) applied to any defined Graphic Object
9
Displays the ninth effect (if any) applied to any defined Graphic Object
Global Control Modifier Option (Global Control parameter = 253)
As the next effect
level is displayed,
each object displays
the highest level of
effect applied to that
point.
66 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
CHAPTER 9
Spherical Effect
or
Collage Effect
Composite Image
displaying the object
with graphic
effects applied
Graphic Object 1
Graphic Object 2
Graphic Object 3 Graphic Object 4
Graphic Object 5 Graphic Object 6
Graphic Object 7
Graphic Object 8
Graphic Object 9
Global Functions
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 67
CHAPTER 9
DMX
value
Strobe
DMX
Value
Mask
Shapes
0 128
Round iris closing from outside in
1 129
Round iris closing from inside out
2 130
Rectangle closing from outside in
3 131
Rectangle closing from inside out
4 132
Checkerboard, variation 1
5 133
Checkerboard, variation 2
6 134
Radial wipe, variation 1
7 135
Radial wipe, variation 2
8 136
Radial wipe, variation 3
9 137
Radial wipe, variation 4
10 138
Triangles, variation 1
11 139
Triangles, variation 2
12 140
Rectangular wrap
13 141
Tiles closing in
14 142
Horizontal doors, closing
15 143
Horizontal doors closing from opposing sides
16 144
Vertical doors closing from outside in
17 145
Vertical wipe closing from inside out
18 146
Rectangular tiles closing from inside out 1
19 147
Rectangular tiles closing from inside out 2
20 148
Vertical panels closing from outside in 1
21 149
Vertical panels closing from outside in 2
22 150
Vertical diamonds 1
23 151
Vertical diamonds 2
24 152
Horizontal diamonds 1
25 153
Horizontal diamonds 2
26 154
Pinwheel
27 155
Oval Iris closing from outside in
28 156
Oval Iris closing from inside out
29 157
Oscillating iris closing from outside in
30 158
Animated dynamic Iris
Global Functions
Masking Control
Mask Shape Select and Strobing
The Mask Select parameter lets you
choose a mask to frame or overlay a
composite image. You can choose to
apply a mask to an image when you
don't want an entire image to be seen
or you want to transition from an
image to black or a solid color without
fading intensity.
Mask Shapes
The graphics engine currently
provides 30 mask shapes including
circular, rectangular, and oval masks
that close from inside out or outside
in. Checker Board, Radial Wipes, and
Multi-panel options are also included
with variations.
Default DMX Value = 0 Round “iris”
closes from outside in.
DMX values 0-127 (0-50%) are
reserved for static mask shapes.
Values of 128-255 (51-100%) are
reserved for strobing Mask shapes.
Values not yet implemented default to
128.
Strobing Mask Shapes
A strobing version of each simple
mask shape is defined in the 128-255
(51-100%) DMX value range. When a
strobing mask is selected, the strobe
rate is controlled by the Mask Edge
Fade parameter from the slowest = 0
to the fastest = 255 (100%).
NOTE:A Global Effect Mode parameter
option lets you define a Mask
color, (see Global Effect Mode
Channels on page 58, an d Mask
Color on page 111).
68 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
CHAPTER 9
Mask Select DMX value = 0
Mask Size DMX value = 255 (100%)
Mask Select DMX value = 1
Mask Size DMX value = 126 (50%)
Mask Select value of 0
Mask Size DMX value = 128 (50%)
Global Functions
Mask Size
The Mask Size parameter defines mask size for all mask shapes.
Default DMX Value: 255 (100%) = no masking effect
When this parameter is set at a value of 255 (100%), the mask is sized to leave the image 100%
visible. When Mask Size is set at 0, the mask totally covers the composite image.
Tip: Crossfading the Mask Size parameter can create unique fades to and from video black.
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 69
CHAPTER 9
Mask applied without Edge Fade
Mask with Edge Fade applied
Original Image
Global Functions
Mask Edge Fade
The Mask Edge Fade parameter operates differently depending on the value of the Mask Select
parameter.
Default DMX Value: 0 = no adjustment to mask
When the Mask Select parameter value = 0 to 127 (49%), Mask Edge Fade adjusts the
amount of fading from a DMX value of 0 = no edge fade to 255 (100%)= maximum edge fade.
When the Mask Select parameter value =128 (50%) to 255 (100%), the strobing masks are
selected and Mask Edge Fade adjusts the speed of the strobing from minimum at a DMX value
= 0 to a maximum strobe speed at a DMX value = 255 (100%),
NOTE: A Global Effect Mode parameter option lets you define a Mask Edge
Fade color, (see page 58).
70 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
CHAPTER 9
100% Top, Bottom, Left, Right Edge Fade
100% Top Edge Fade
Global Functions
Image Edge Fade
Four Image Edge Fade parameters let you control the Edge Fade for individual sides of your
object (top, bottom, left and right). When projecting abutting images, adjusting the Edge Fade
parameter lets you smooth the line between two images and also allows you to change an
object’s boundary.
Default DMX Value: 0 = all edges are sharp and hard.
Adjust each side separately for edge fade from 0 = no fade to 255 (100%) = opaque.
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 71
CHAPTER 9
Top
Top Left X Top Right X
Top
Bottom
Right Y
Bottom Right XBottom Left X
Bottom
Left Y
Right Y
Left Y
Original Content
Keystone Top Left X DMX value = 85
Keystone Top Left Y DMX value = 85
Keystone Top Right X DMX value = 85
Keystone Top Right Y DMX value = 85
Other Keystone parameter DMX values = 255
Keystone Top Left Y DMX value =128
Keystone Top Right X DMX value = 0
Keystone Bottom Left X DMX value = 239
Keystone Bottom Left X DMX value =0
Keystone Bottom Right Y DMX value = 2
Other Keystone parameter DMX values = 255
Global Functions
Keystone Correction Parameters
When you output an image from a
projector at an angle, the image may
appear skewed. Eight Keystone
parameters adjust the image shape
and compensate for this effect. You
can control each of the four corners of
the graphics output to reshape your
image to a form that projects
correctly.
Default DMX Value: 0 = no keystone
correction has been applied.
Each corner has an x and a y value
that let you adjust and correct the scale of the
projection from any corner toward the image center on that axis.
Setting all Keystone X and Y parameters DMX values to zero will place the four corners of the
image at the four corners of the projector output. Adjusting keystone x values toward 255
(100%) moves the respective x corner positions horizontally toward the center of that image
edge. Adjusting keystone y values toward 255 (100%) adjusts the respective y corner positions
vertically toward the center of that edge of the image.
NOTE: DL.3 fixtures have vertical lens shift capability that pr ovi des additional keystone
control. Engage lens shift with your DMX console in the Control Parameter of the
72 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Motion Control fixture type.
CHAPTER 9
Original media file
X Ratio DMX value = 255 (100%)
Y Ratio DMX value = 255 (100%)
Global Functions
Keystone X Ratio
The Keystone X Ratio Parameter shapes the output to adjust for keystone effects created in
certain output situations. This parameter adjusts the output by compressing or expanding the
image horizontally.
Default DMX Value: 128 (50%) = no adjustment
DMX value settings below the midpoint of the range compress the image horizontally from
maximum compression at a value of 0 to no compression at a value of 128. DMX value settings
above the midpoint of the range e xpand the i mage hori zont ally from 12 8 = no expan sion t o 255
(100%) = maximum expansion.
Keystone Y Ratio
The Keystone Y Ratio parameter shapes the
output to adjust for keystone effects created in
certain output situations. This parameter adjusts
the output by compressing or expanding the
image vertically.
Default DMX Value: 128 (50%) = no
adjustment
DMX value settings below the midpoint of the
range compress the image vertically from 0 =
maximum compression to 255 (100%) = no
compression.
DMX value settings above the midpoint of the
range expands the image vertically from 128 = no expansion to 255 (100%) = maximum
expansion.
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 73
CHAPTER 9
Top
Top Left X Top Right X
Top
Bottom
Right Y
Bottom Right XBottom Left X
Bottom
Left Y
Right Y
Left Y
Original Content
Framing Top Left X DMX value = 8
Framing Top Left Y DMX value = 31
Framing Top Right X DMX value = 32
Framing Bottom Left X DMX value = 23
Framing Bottom Left X DMX value = 67
Other Framing parameter DMX values = 0
Framing Top Left X DMX value = 5
Framing Top Right X DMX value = 188
Framing Bottom Right X DMX value = 5
Framing Bottom Left X DMX value = 188
Other Framing parameter DMX values = 0
Global Functions
Framing Parameters
Eight Framing parameters allow you
to clip an image from each corner in
horizontal and vertical directions.
Default DMX Value: 0 = no effect
applied.
Each corner has an x and a y value
that adjust and correct scale of the
projection from any corner toward the
image center on that axis.
Setting all Framing X and Y parameters DMX values to zero will place the four corners of the
image at the four corners of the projector output. Adjusting framing x values across 255 (100%)
clips the image from the selected x corner position horizontally toward the image. Adjusting
keystone y values toward 255 (100%) clips the image from the selected y corner position
vertically across the image.
74 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
CHAPTER 9
DMX IN DMX OUT
Audio
Out
Global Functions
Audio Control
Audio Out Connections
Axon HD Pro
Axon HD Pro supports audio output via the 1.5mm jack on the rear of the server. There are multiple jacks. The green jack labeled Line Out is the correct jack to use. In addition to the other
analog 1.5mm jacks there is an optical SPDIF jack that may be supported in future releases.
DMX IN DMX OUT
Audio
Out
Audio – Axon HD
Axon HD supports audio output via the 1.5mm jack on the rear of the server. There are 3 jacks
on the rear of the server, the center, green jack labeled Line Out is the correct jack to use. The
optical SPDIF jack is currently not used by the Axon HD Software.
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 75
CHAPTER 9
Global Functions
Outputting Audio
Audio information encoded in the video file is processed by the Axon HD /HD Pro application. Only
the Left and Right Channels encoded into the file will be processed at this time.
To hear sound from the server:
1. Enab le Audio on each layer you wish to hear
2. Adjust the Volume Control on the Global layer and each Graphic Layer.
Setting Audio on a Hog4 Console
By default on Hog4 the Audio Control channel is set to “ Enable Audio Mute On”, and the Volume
is set to 100%. To disable mute:
1. Choose the graphic layer which you want to listen to
2. Press “Enable Audio Mute Off” and
3. Adjust the volume parameter to 100%,
Audio information is logically contained on layers, meaning that multiple audio streams can be
output at once. Crossfading between audio layers is fundamentally the same as cross fading
between video layers. Be aware, if using video content containing audio while using a collage, it is
best to choose one file to output audio, not multiple sources of audio.
Note: Audio is disabled internally any time the play speed parameter is
adjusted.
76 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Chapter 10:
Global Functions: Collage Generator™
This chapter describes how to display content from multiple media servers
in panoramic arrays and includes an example for creating a collage.
Collage Overview
Collage Generator™ technology allows you to create virtually seamless panoramic media
projections controlled from your DMX console. You can display either stock or custom content.
The Axon HD version of the Collage Generator has streamlined this process. The Collage
Generator is no longer a part of Global Effects but is defined using dedicated parameters.
You can configure multiple media server outputs to display a single image in arrays up to 16
units horizontal by 8 units v erti cal us ing DL fixt ures or Ax on m edi a serv er s outp utt ing to Orbit al
Head fixtures or other digital projectors.
NOTE: When using third party projectors, you will need to position output manually.
The native aspect ratio of one DL fixture or Ax on media serv er output is 4:3. Some of the arra ys
configured in conjunction with the Collage Generator will output a different overall aspect ratio.
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 77
CHAPTER 10
Global Functions: Collage Generator™
NOTE: You can find other configurations and information on sizing and
compressing media to use with the Collage Generator at the High End
Systems website (www.highend.com/support/digital_lighting).
Collage Parameters
Collage Type
The Collage Type global parameter has eighteen collage options including 14 Collage+ modes:
DMX Value Action
Standard Collage divides content for projection onto a flat surface
1
Standard Collage with 360° wrap divides the content into an array and edge blending for
2
projection onto a 360° surface
Multipane Collage pre-configures the content into cel ls that are then arranged into an
3
array for projection onto a flat surface
Multipane Collage with 360° wrap pre-configures the content into cells that are then
4
arranged into an array for projection onto a 360° surface.
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Standard collage plus blend right outside edge
Standard collage plus blend left outside edge
Standard collage plus blend bottom outside edge
Standard collage plus blend top outside edge
Standard collage plus blend right and bottom outside edges
Standard collage plus blend left and bottom outside edges
Standard collage plus blend right and top outside edges
Standard collage plus blend left and top outside edges
Standard collage plus blend left and right outside edges
Standard collage plus blend bottom and top outside edges
Standard collage plus blend right, left and bottom outside edges
Standard collage plus blend right, left and top outside edges
Standard collage plus blend right, bottom and top outside edges
Standard collage plus blend left, bottom and top outside edges
Standard collage plus blend right, left, bottom and top outside edges.
In Standard Collage and Standard Collage with 360° Wrap options, the content is
automatically divided into cell segments by the graphics engine after you define the array size.
This yields good results in situations where moderate output resolution is suitable.
In Multipane Collage options where you pre-configure the content into cells and project each
cell from a separate server, you can project a 1024x768 from each server.
In situations where you require extremely high resolution output of custom content, the
Multipane Collage options’ resolution capabilities is greatly increased because the graphics
78 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
Global Functions: Collage Generator™
engine is no longer taking a single file and stretching it across multiple servers; but is, instead,
showing the file as rendered. Using Multipane Collage gives you the option to use video files
that match the resolution of the display devices exactly. F or example, if you have four 1080p HD
projectors using a 4 part Multipane Collage with individual 1080p HD video files, the resulting
collage resolution will be much higher. In standard collage modes, a single fi le is divided by the
number of parts in the collage. To equal the same resolution in standard collage mode, the s ingle
file would have to be 4 times larger, and it would have a negative impact on server performance.
The Collage+ mode expands the Standard Collage modes, by additionally allowing blend edges
on Top, Right, Bottom, Left and all combinations. In Collage+ Modes the blend edges are no
longer prescribed by the positions in th e cell layout arrangement. Instead each external
boundary edge can be set independently. The simplest scenario is a 1x1 collage with 4 blended
edges. These multiple blend options allow fo r unique technical scenarios, or allowing the ability
to combine several collage types in a larger installation.
CHAPTER 10
Axon HD Media Server User Manual 79
CHAPTER 10
Global Functions: Collage Generator™
Collage Configuration Selection
The Collage Config Selection parameter selects which type of Collage array to use from DMX
Values 1-127. The selected size displays in the upper right corner of the grid pattern. A DMX
value of 0 = No collage. DMX Values of 126-255 are reserved and default to No collage.
DMX
Value
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Array
(W x H)
2 x 1
1 x 2
2 x 2
3 x 1
1 x 3
3 x 2
2 x 3
3 x 3
4 x 1
1 x 4
4 x 2
2 x 4
4 x 3
3 x 4
4 x 4
5 x 1
1 x 5
5 x 2
2 x 5
5 x 3
3 x 5
5 x 4
4 x 5
5 x 5
6 x 1
DMX
Value
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
Array
(W x H)
1 x 6
6 x 2
2 x 6
6 x 3
3 x 6
6 x 4
4 x 6
6 x 5
5 x 6
6 x 6
7 x 1
1 x 7
7 x 2
2 x 7
7 x 3
3 x 7
7 x 4
4 x 7
7 x 5
5 x 7
7 x 6
6 x 7 72 10 x 1 97 13 x 2
7 x 7 73 10 x 2 98 13 x 3
8 x 1 74 10 x 3 99 13 x 4
DMX
Value
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
Array
(W x H)
DMX
Value
Array
(W x H)
DMX
Value
Array
(W x H)
8 x 2 76 10 x 5 101 13 x 6
2 x 8 77 10 x 6 102 13 x 7
8 x 3 78 10 x 7 103 13 x 8
3 x 8 79 10 x 8 104 14 x 1
8 x 4 80 11 x 1
4 x 8 81 11 x 2
8 x 5 82 11 x 3
5 x 8 83 11 x 4
8 x 6
6 x 8
8 x 7
7 x 8
8 x 8
9 x 1
9 x 2
9 x 3
9 x 4
9 x 5
9 x 6
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
11 x 5
11 x 6
11 x 7
11 x 8
12 x 1
12 x 2
12 x 3
12 x 4
12 x 5
12 x 6
12 x 7
9 x 7 95 12 x 8
9 x 8 96 13 x 1
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
14 x 2
14 x 3
14 x 4
14 x 5
14 x 6
14 x 7
14 x 8
15 x 1
15 x 2
15 x 3
15 x 4
15 x 5
15 x 6
15 x 7
15 x 8
16 x 1
16 x 2
16 x 3
16 x 4
16 x 5
1 x 8 75 10 x 4 100 13 x 5 125 16 x 6
126
16 x 7
127 16 x 8
Collage Cell Selection
The Collage Cell Selection parameter selects which cell of the grid a particular Axon server or
DL fixture will display. DMX values 0 up to 127 are used to step through grid pattern you selected
with the Modifier 1 channel. As you dial through Modifier 2, the selected cell in the grid is
80 Axon HD Media Server User Manual
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