Philips Video System Manager Pro Series, VSM Pro DVI, VSM Pro Composite User Manual
Video System Manager Pro
User Guide
Copyright © 2008 Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.
Chromacore, Chromasic, CK, the CK logo, Color Kinetics, the Color Kinetics logo, ColorBlast, ColorBlaze, ColorBurst, ColorGraze,
ColorPlay, ColorReach, DIMand, EssentialWhite, eW, iColor, iColor Cove, IntelliWhite, iW, iPlayer, Light Without Limits, Optibin, and
Powercore are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc. in the United States and/or
other countries.
All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
PUB-000199-01 R01
Contents
Chapter 1
Welcome to Video System Manager Pro 4
Key Features 4
About this Guide 5
Related Documentation 6
Contacting Philips Color Kinetics
Technical Support 6
Chapter 2
Planning Stages 8
Planning the Layout 8
Fixture Installation Considerations 9
Power / Data Supply and Data Enabler
Installation Considerations 9
Planning Viewing Distances 9
Working with Video Resolutions 10
Working with Video Sources 11
Digital Media Source Examples 11
Analog Media Source Examples 11
System Configuration 12
Testing a Video Display using VSM Pro 13
Video Signal Correction and Network
Bandwidth Fine-Tuning 13
VSM Pro Installation Example 14
Display Details 14
Network Details 15
Chapter 3
Prepare for the Installation 16
VSM Pro Hardware Installation 16
Step 1: Confirm all components received 16
Step 2: Mount in rack 17
Step 3: Connect the Network, Video, and
Power Cables 18
Step 4: Turn on the Power 19
System Requirements 19
Network Address Configuration 19
Automatic IP Address Configuration for
Windows
Static IP Address Configuration for
Windows
Automatic IP Address Configuration for
Mac OS X 21
Static IP Address Configuration for
Mac OS X 21
Video Management Tool
Software Installation 22
Windows
Mac OS X Installation 22
®
XP, Vista 20
®
XP, Vista 20
®
Installation 22
Chapter 4
VSM Pro Basic Operation 24
Overview 24
Using the Control Panel 24
Control Panel Menus 25
Accessing the VSM Pro User Interface 26
Connecting to the VSM Pro User Interface 26
Chapter 5
Overview 28
What are Video Maps? 28
Creating a Video Map 29
Compatibility 29
Working with Video Maps 29
View the Currently Loaded Map 29
Manually Load a Video Map using the
VSM Pro User Interface 30
Automatically Load a Map to VSE Pro
using VMT 31
Download a Video Map from VSE Pro
using VMT 31
Chapter 6
Selecting an Input 32
Overview 32
Digital Inputs 32
Analog Inputs 32
Test Patterns 32
How an Input is Displayed, Based on
Resolution 33
Formatting Media Assets for Input 34
DVI or VGA Input 34
Analog Input 34
Selecting an Input via the VSM Pro
User Interface 35
Selecting an Input via the hardware
Control Panel 35
Chapter 7
Optimizing Video Output 36
Overview 36
Video Output Enhancement Features 36
Network Optimization Features 36
Additional Features 36
Video Output Enhancement Features 37
Gamma Correction 37
Video Smoothing 39
Interlacing (Analog Inputs only) 40
Node Positions 41
VSM Pro User Guide 2
Display Frame 42
Adjusting Brightness 43
Network Optimization Features 43
Synchronization 43
Frame Rate 44
Additional Features 45
Log File 45
File Backup 45
Appendices
Appendix A 46
Test Patterns 46
Index
Index 48
Chapter 1
VSM Pro User Guide 3
Chapter 1
Introduction
Condé Nast Cafeteria
New York, NY
Welcome to Video System Manager Pro
Video System Manager Pro (VSM Pro) is an integrated hardware and software solution designed
for video playback and visual effects display on Ethernet-based LED lighting installations.
• Video System Engine Pro (VSE Pro) controller device, the hardware component, processes
and sends live video to installations comprising up to 250,000 LED nodes. This user guide
provides complete information for configuring and using VSE Pro hardware.
• Video Management Tool (VMT) software, included with VSM Pro, creates video maps that
associate source video pixels with their destination nodes in a lighting system. Refer to the
Video Management Tool User Guide for detailed instructions on how to create a video map.
VSM Pro accepts direct input from external devices including media servers. To accommodate
most sources, Philips offers two versions of hardware. The digital media version supports input
via industry standard DVI and VGA connections; the analog version supports analog input via
BNC composite and S-Video connections.
Item Item Number Philips 12NC
VSM Pro DVI 103-000022-00 910503700325
VSM Pro Composite 103-000022-01 910503700455
Key Features
• Ease of use — VSM Pro connects directly to industry standard media sources for video
playback, visual effects editing, storage, scheduling, audio synchronization, and more.
• Compatible with wide-ranging lighting systems from Philips — Create a large-scale LED video
installation without the cost of a conventional video wall.
• Hardware support for small, medium, and large-scale LED layouts — VSM Pro displays video
on installations with up to 250,000 LED nodes.
VSM Pro User Guide 4
Introduction
• Ethernet control — VSM Pro operates on dedicated Ethernet networks, allowing you to
focus on the creative aspects of lighting design and spend less time on setup.
•
Flexible display capability — VSM Pro supports unconventional installation formats. Paired with
flexible lighting systems from Philips, VSM Pro can display video on curved and threedimensional surfaces
.
• Seamless upgrade from version 1 —
Video Management Tool version 1 map files.
• Onboard video source conversion — VSM Pro integrates all required video processing,
eliminating the need for an external video conversion device.
VSM Pro system offers full backwards compatibility
About this Guide
This user guide offers the following information:
Planning
Chapter 2 contains an overview of the workflow used to design a VSM Pro installation and
includes a VSM Pro installation example.
Hardware and Software Setup
Chapter 3 provides step-by-step hardware and software installation instructions, steps for
setting up a PC or Mac on the dedicated lighting network, and instructions for connecting to the
VSM Pro User Interface.
Basic Operations
Chapter 4 covers the hardware Control Panel and the VSM Pro User Interface.
Wor kin g w it h V MT Ma ps
Chapter 5 has instructions for downloading and using VMT video maps.
with
Selecting Inputs
VSM Pro accepts multiple video input types. Chapter 6 covers how to select a video input or use
a built-in test pattern.
Optimizing Video Output
Chapter 7 covers the advanced features used to optimize a source video signal and fine-tune
video output based on network bandwidth.
Reference
For quick reference, Appendix A lists information including built-in test patterns.
5VSM Pro User Guide
Related Documentation
• The latest VSM Pro documentation is available on the web at: www.colorkinetics.com/ls/
controllers/vsmpro/. You can also download documentation directly from the VSM Pro User
Interface, using a PC or Mac installed on your dedicated lighting network (enter 10.1.3.101 in
a web browser to connect with the VSM Pro User Interface).
• To support large-scale installation, VSM Pro uses video maps rather than DMX channels to
send data to the LED nodes in your installation. Refer to the Video Management Tool User
Guide for detailed instructions on how to create a video map.
• Lighting system specification sheets, installation instructions and product guides are available
from the web at: http://www.colorkinetics.com/support/userguides/
• VSM Pro accommodates a variety of lighting network designs by supporting both low-voltage
lighting fixtures and Powercore
– Powercore fixtures work with Ethernet Data Enablers. Powercore fixtures perform
onboard power processing and receive Ethernet data via the Data Enablers.
– Low-voltage fixtures work in unison with Ethernet Power / Data Supplies. Ethernet
Power / Data Supplies blend power processing with data transmission capabilities.
Power / Data Supply and Data Enabler specification sheets and installation instructions are
available from the web at: http://www.colorkinetics.com/ls/pds/.
®
fixtures:
Chapter 1
• Detailed wiring diagrams are available from the web at: http://www.colorkinetics.com/
support/wiring/ls_prod.html.
®
You will need Adobe Reader
to view PDF documentation. You can download the current
version of Adobe Reader from the web at: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/.
Contacting Philips Color Kinetics Technical Support
Contact Philips Color Kinetics technical support for assistance with VSM Pro:
Phone
888.Full.RGB, press option number 3 (toll free US, Canada and Mexico)
617.423.9999, press option number 3 (toll worldwide)
Email
technicalsupport@colorkinetics.com
Web
www.colorkinetics.com/support
VSM Pro User Guide 6
Introduction
7VSM Pro User Guide
Chapter 2
Harrah’s Resort
Atlantic City, NJ
System Overview
This chapter describes the recommended planning stages of a VSM Pro implementation and
includes an example of a completed installation.
Planning Stages
Planning the Layout
VSM Pro is compatible with wide-ranging LED lighting systems from Philips, including direct view,
linear, and surface-washing fixtures.
Video installations typically use flexible and rigid linear direct view systems:
• Flex systems allow versatile installation
options as they can be used in a wide range
of two-dimensional and three-dimensional
configurations, including portable video
screens and permanent, building-covering
displays.
Flex systems, including iColor
iColor® Flex SLX, and eW® Flex SLX are not
constrained by fixture size, shape, or, most
importantly, an architectural space. For
example, if creating a video display that
covers the exterior of a 45-story high rise,
flexible strands can be wrapped horizontally
around the structure at each floor interval.
This method creates discrete lines of video
that, when viewed from a distance, create a
massive three-dimensional video façade.
• Rigid linear systems, including iColor
Powercore, can create seamless lines of video
on a variety of architectural surfaces.
®
Flex SL,
®
Accent
Linear systems offer the added advantage of
variable display resolution and most types do
not require external power supplies.
VSM Pro User Guide 8
System Overview
Fixture Installation Considerations
VSM Pro accommodates a vast range of two-dimensional and three-dimensional installations,
including unconventional configurations. For example, when mounted to cloth, flexible LED
strands form a portable, hanging video screen that can be folded up and packed in a matter
of minutes. For permanent installations, flexible strands can be intertwined through any grid
material mounted to the exterior of a building. Similarly, theatrical applications could use
three-dimensional shapes created from wire mesh, with strands of flexible fixtures woven
through the shapes to create a unique video medium. Keep these options in mind when planning
your installation.
Power / Data Supply and Data Enabler Installation Considerations
VSE Pro is an Ethernet-based controller. During installation, each PDS and Data Enabler in the
lighting network receives an IP address. Use a logical IP address naming convention for each
device. For example, create IP addresses based on the floor and wing of a building. Record the
IP address and physical location of each device for future reference.
Planning Viewing Distances
Pixel Pitch (e.g. iColor Flex SL)
The LED nodes in an installation function as video pixels.
As part of the planning process, design a fixture layout that
places nodes close enough together to accommodate video
at acceptable minimum and maximum viewing distances.
Images on an LED video display appear to be sharper to the
human eye as the distance to the display increases. Likewise,
images appear less visible as the distance decreases. The spacing,
or pixel pitch, between LED nodes determines the minimum and
maximum viewing distances for discernible video output.
Note: The viewing calculations and examples listed
below are general guidelines based on video displays using grids of evenly spaced LED
nodes. VSM Pro implementations are not constrained to grid formats. For these
implementations, or for designs where the acceptable level of discernible video may be
more or less demanding, contact Philips Color Kinetics Application Engineering Services
for assistance.
•
To determine the minimum viewing distance, multiply the node pitch by 100 distance units.
For example, if the node pitch is 50 mm, the minimum viewing distance is 5 m.
• To determine the maximum viewing distance for discernible video, multiply the screen height
by 20 distance units. For example, if the screen height is 20 m, then the maximum viewing
distance for recognizable video is 400 m.
• LED screens are still visible beyond the maximum viewing distance for discernible video. To
determine the maximum viewing distance that still creates visual impact, multiply the screen
height by 50 units. For example, a 20 m high screen will continue to create visual impact at
1000 m.
9 VSM Pro User Guide
Methods for Increasing Pixel Pitch
Designing a layout with overlapping fixtures is a common technique for increasing pixel pitch. For
example, to create a dense line of nodes, place multiple parallel runs of flexible strands close to
each other vertically, with a slight horizontal offset between the nodes.
Using made-to-order fixtures is another method for increasing pixel pitch. Philips offers custom
lengths and node spacing for certain flexible fixtures, in many cases at no additional cost.
Working with Video Resolutions
Chapter 2
The resolution of an LED video display equals the total number of vertical and horizontal nodes
— the greater the node count, the greater the resolution.
• The resolution of VSE digital video is 1024 x 768
• The resolution of PAL video is 704 x 576
• The resolution of NTSC video is 704 x 480
Reproducing a video signal with 1:1 pixel mapping on an LED display requires a substantial node
count. For example, true NTSC video output requires 337,920 nodes, PAL output requires
405,504 nodes, and digital video output requires 786,432 nodes.
However, with VSM Pro, you can use far fewer nodes to display high-quality video. To reduce the
required node count for any video format, VSM Pro samples and distributes pixels from the
source video to match your installation. For additional control of the node count, you can
specify how VSM Pro samples and distributes pixels.
For example, if you retain the horizontal resolution of a digital video source (1024 lines wide),
but sample every tenth line of pixels vertically (76 lines high instead of 768 lines), you can retain
the correct aspect ratio while exponentially reducing the node count. From a distance, even with
only 76 lines of vertical output, the human eye can still discern video images because the
horizontal resolution is dense.
An installation using 1024 x 76 nodes would have a node count of 77,824, yet still display high
quality digital video output. This method is especially effective when creating an installation that
covers a building, which, by necessity, already has spacing between lines of video due to windows
and other architectural features.
VSM Pro User Guide 10
System Overview
Working with Video Sources
VSM Pro does not store video files — the content is sent to VSM Pro from a media source. To
accommodate most media source types, Philips offers two versions of hardware: the digital
version accepts video input from media sources via DVI or VGA cable, and the analog version
accepts video input via BNC composite or S-Video cable.
Digital Media Source Examples
Digital media servers
•
• Personal computers or workstations with digital output cards
Analog Media Source Examples
•
Personal computers or workstations with analog output cards
• DVD players
• Camcorders
Digital media servers are the industry standard media source typically used with VSM Pro. Digital
media servers provide video playback features, scheduling, visual effects editing, file storage, and
integration with other devices.
Analog video sources provide some or all of the same features as digital sources, with reduced
pixel resolution. Analog sources are typically used for displaying abstract effects, rather than
video, on an LED installation (see the cover photo).
Source Media Formatting
Media assets require formatting prior to use with VSM Pro. For example, a 2K digital video
source file (2048 x 1080 pixel resolution) requires downsampling to 1024 x 768 for display on a
VSM Pro digital system. Additionally, given the flexibility of VSM Pro installations, video is not
necessarily displayed on a rectangular screen; the source media may require additional
processing to match the unconventional layout of an installation. For example, when displaying
video on a four-sided high rise building, the media content requires formatting into four unique
segments, one for each side of the structure.
Note: For the most streamlined workflow, especially when creating large-scale LED
displays, use a media server or media formatting workstation to optimize content before
sending it to VSM Pro.
11 VSM Pro User Guide
Chapter 2
Low Voltage
Fixtures
Powercore
Fixtures
PC
or Mac
Gigabit
Ethernet
Switch
Low Voltage
Fixtures
Powercore
Fixtures
VSE Pro
Lighting Network Dedicated LAN
Ethernet
Power / Data
Supply
Ethernet
Power / Data
Supply
Ethernet
Data Enabler
Ethernet
Data Enabler
Gigabit
Ethernet
Switch
Gigabit
Ethernet
Switch
Media
Server
Video
Map
Playback
Media Source LAN
System Configuration
VSM Pro communicates with lighting components via KiNE
engineered by Philips Color Kinetics specifically for lighting control in large-scale installations.
KiNET is fully compatible with all Ethernet hardware.
T™ Ethernet, the network protocol
Media Source LAN
The hardware device supplying source media — typically a media server — operates on an
Ethernet network isolated from the VSE Pro controller. The media device connects to VSE Pro
via DVI / VGA cable or BNC / S-video cable.
Lighting Network LAN
The VSE Pro controller functions as the core component of the lighting system network,
delivering up to 60 frames of video per second to as many as 250,000 LED nodes. Additionally,
the VSE Pro functions as a dynamic address server assigning an IP address to any connected
computer. To ensure optimal network performance and unencumbered IP addressing, hardware
must be set up on a dedicated Ethernet LAN (Local Area Network).
VSM Pro supports an Ethernet LAN up to three Gigabit switches deep. The maximum
specification for a CAT-5e cable run is 328 ft (100 m). However, fiber optic cabling is preferred
for most installation configurations, when connecting the server room to a remote cabinet,
for example.
Note: Philips recommends that you consult a third-party network consultant regarding
specifics of your network components and configurations.
VSM Pro User Guide 12
System Overview
VSM Pro accommodates a variety of lighting network designs by supporting both low-voltage
lighting fixtures and Powercore
• Low-voltage fixtures work in unison with Ethernet Power / Data Supplies. Ethernet Power /
®
fixtures.
Data Supplies blend power processing with data transmission capabilities.
• Powercore fixtures work with Ethernet Data Enablers. Powercore fixtures perform onboard
power processing and receive Ethernet data via the Data Enablers.
About Video Maps
A video map allows VSM Pro to map the LED nodes in an installation back to individual pixels in
the source media. VMT software, installed on a computer connected to the dedicated LAN,
allows you to create and upload video maps.
Note: Once configured with an IP address, the computer can upload VMT video maps
and connect to the VSM Pro User Interface. The computer can be disconnected when
not in use for map creation or tasks via the User Interface.
Testing a Video Display using VSM Pro
VSM Pro has multiple built-in test patterns, both static images and moving images. Following
installation, you can use the test patterns to verify that fixtures and nodes are functioning, test a
video map, isolate issues, and identify any network bandwidth issues that could slow output.
Additionally, the Display Frame feature allows capture of a single video frame, enabling you to
preview video output.
Video Signal Correction and Network Bandwidth Fine-Tuning
When working with large-scale lighting networks, you may need to optimize the video output
from VSM Pro. VSM Pro offers the following video output processing features:
• Video color intensity correction including adjustable gamma, black level, and white
level settings
• Noise reduction
• Node distribution
• Frame rate control
• Packet synchronization
• Field interlacing pattern options
13 VSM Pro User Guide
VSM Pro Installation Example
Chapter 2
Location
Photo credit: Rob Nelisse
Stadion Center — Vienna, Austria
Live view: http://www.stadioncenter.at/webcam.html
Design Objectives
The main objective was to create an inviting and attractive façade which could be used for eyecatching light shows and commercial messaging at night, yet appear transparent during the day.
The architect’s preliminary concept called for LED strands to be mounted on the flexible steel
net that partially covers the building. Philips evaluated the concept and proposed a solution
based on laser-cut steel panels offering 85% transparency. The pattern in the steel panels is
®
diamond-shaped, conforming to the original steel net, and each opening contains an iColor
Flex
SLX LED node.
The curved, transparent LED screen is nearly invisible during the day and has full visibility as a
video display at night. VSM Pro flawlessly accommodates the curved three-dimensional display
shape, node count, and network performance required for the installation.
Display Details
Width: 262.5 ft (80 m)
Height: 26.2 ft (8 m)
2
Lighting System: 6880.90 ft
(640 m2) of iColor® Flex SLX
LED Nodes: 37,620
Pixel Pitch: 5.1 in (13 cm), measured diagonally
Media Source: Digital media server
VSM Pro User Guide 14
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