An advantage of using a media server with an interface for standalone programming and playback is that it can serve as the main show controller for the many integrated elements beyond simply playing back video clips. However, only a few of the top media servers used in the industry today provide this type of functionality. Here’s a look at a few of them.
Hippotizer
HippotizerV3 has an internal show control component called the Timeline accessible via the graphical user interface that enables standalone operation of one or more servers. The Timeline component enables users to assemble a sequence of commands, presets, other timelines, or practically any other Hippo functionality for standalone playback without using external control protocols like DMX or MTC.
A timeline is a sequence containing one or more tracks that control a specific function. Timeline functionality is programmed similarly to timeline programming in video editing software by using key frames. This enables users to easily program a complex series of commands in a Hippo timeline.
Markers (also known as “nodes” in Hippo land) and their values (on/off, 0-100 percent) can be inserted along the timeline to create an “event.” These nodes represent the value for that track at that point along the timeline. Tracks used for controlling individual parameters such as media color or position can be added, which allows cues to be built directly in the interface, or presets can be dropped into the timeline and then timing and fade parameters can be adjusted.
In addition, logic commands can be added to control actions like “Loop between points A and B” or “Start timeline X now,” and tracks can also be used to control external RS232, MIDI and DMX devices enabling the Hippo to operate as the main show controller.
Pandoras Box
Pandoras Box software also features a non-linear editing timeline control module similar to the Hippo’s Timeline component. And, like the Hippo, the timeline in the Pandoras Box is also very similar to standard video editing software, making it easy to navigate all of the parameters of the media server directly from the user interface. The programming features of the timeline permit cues to be created internally while also allowing connection to other media servers and other external devices via a range of protocols including DMX, ArtNet and RS232. And in applications where cues need to operate independently, multiple timelines can run simultaneously.
Catalyst V4
The Cue List feature in Catalyst V4 allows cues to be built and recorded into a Cue List. These cues consist of Presets that are created directly from the user interface. Presets can control all layers and every parameter within Catalyst. DMX values for specific parameters are accessed from within the layer panels of the Catalyst Control window, from within the Presets window, or as a snapshot captured from incoming DMX. Once created, timing for Presets may also be set in the Presets window. 400 unique presets can be created in the Presets window, but presets can be reused in the Cue List multiple times allowing for a virtually unlimited number of Cues to be stored.
There are several playback options available in the Cue Lists Options menu, including specific ones for automatic playback like changing the clock source (internal clock source is available if no external source is being used), locking play and stop to your input device, auto playing the Cue List when the application is loaded, and displaying the timeline.
In addition to internal controls, the Cue List can support MSC, RS232 and RS422 commands, and it can be triggered from a console as a single DMX channel, MSC, or directly from the GUI.
Standalone User Interfaces
Many other media servers on the market today also allow for onboard programming and cue triggering from a user interface while stopping short of a Cue List, Timeline or Sequence functionality. For example, Martin’s Maxedia allows cues to be recorded in a simple A/B crossfade window, and then transitions and fade times can be controlled easily from the user interface as well. And the Simple mode in the Arkaos Media Master allows users to program looks internally and then either choose to trigger them directly from the screen or via a few DMX channels on a lighting console. Although these servers would require external control devices in order to be used in an installation, they could be used very easily as well.
As architecture and entertainment continue to merge, media servers will continue to be designed into applications that demand advanced methods of system control and integration. The media server programmer will need a system that allows for lots of flexibility and advanced control options in order to interface with unlimited types of technology from all disciplines including lighting, video, automation, and audio. So it really makes sense that today’s media servers are evolving into more of a show controller than just a media clip playback source. Welcome to the future of convergence!
