TV Studio All¹Mix

INTRODUCTION

AllMix is a software television production studio on PC. AllMix began as a software video-switcher, but its functionality much more exceeds one usually associated with the word "mixer" or “switcher”. Actually AllMix functionality allows organizing of interactive studio production and broadcasting for the small channel or TV program. AllMix includes: eight-channel mixer with the expanded set of transitions effects; color correction, chroma key, automatic fit/zoom for input sources; logos, clock, PIP (picture in picture), 3xTitles compositions; multilayer titles (built-in composition editor, interactive control); playlist for media-files; real-time 3D virtual sets as a media sources; external control console (DSC, Behringer) for interactive control. IN/OUT boards supported: FDExt (SoftLab), DeckLink (BlackMagic). At present time the network broadcasting and recording can be organized by integration with SoftLab-NSK software solutions. Software TV production studio AllMix works only at the Windows 8.1 operating systems and above and need powerful computer, in particular, equipped with a high-performance graphic accelerator from NVIDIA (GeForce 780 and above). For the most comfortable working with studio it is recommended to use screens with the resolution of Full HD (1920х1080) or more. Examples of media-collections and titles compositions can be found after installation in the directory «C:\Users\{Username}\Documents\ECG\Mixer». The functionality of TV studio AllMix can differ depending on the concrete version. At the time of writing of the document the studio is available in basic and standard versions; "Pro" version is under development. Interactive studio control is based in general on the ideology of the standard television mixer/switcher (in particular, supports external mixing consoles, preview-take operation, etc.), so in the presented article, in some cases, the word "mixer" refers to the corresponding functional part of the AllMix studio.

Types of files of the AllMix studio

Description of files of AllMix: 1. *.mixer – projects of AllMix. Contains projects of the built-in compositions, library of media collections, library of transitions, sound presets and links to all media collections of the project. 2. *.gfx – projects of compositions. Contains a list and description of all graphics objects of composition. 3. *.styles – collection of styles. Contains the list of all user styles. 4. *.vs – 3D scene. Contains describes the 3D scene.

Main window of the AllMix studio

The main window of the AllMix studio corresponds in general to the operating panel of a television switcher and consists of several panels (Picture 1): 1. Preview of output panels:

PRESET – the panel of preview of the selected sources;
PROGRAM – the panel to display the resulting image.

These panels contain a volume controller and set of buttons: • 1-8 buttons correspond to “slots” of the INPUTS panel and are responsible for use of media sources on the corresponding exit. • BLK/BARS buttons appoint black background or colored stripes to the corresponding output. • PIP1/PIP2 buttons respond for visibility of “pip” layers on the corresponding output. • TITL button respond for the general visibility of additional layers of title. 2. TRANSITION panel – the control panel between PRESET and PROGRAM outputs. It contains a set of “hot” buttons for selection of effect transition, interactive T-Bar, CUT and AUTO buttons of transitions. 3. TITLES panel - group of buttons control the visibility of layers logos, clocks and additional layers of title. 4. INPUTS panel – contains a preview of media sources, which can be assigned on PRESET or PROGRAM outputs. Media sources are selected from the media library of project. 5. Multi panel which includes some tabs: • MEDIA – contains a library of media collection of the current project. Media objects are integrated in the subgroups corresponding to the supported types. • TRANSITIONS – contains a library of transitions, which are available for assignment on the “hot” buttons of TRANSITION panel. • PLAYLISTS – control of list of playback of a playlist of the project. • TITLES – contains compositions of the project and allows control of the dynamic content of titles. • AUDIO – settings of a sound of the current project.

Picture 1. Main window of AllMix.

Types of media

The mixer of AllMix studio can use as media sources:  «live» sources (video capture device);  video files;  images and their sequences;  playlists;  compositions;  3D scenes;  PowerPoint.

As "live" sources, any available video input can be used. The FDExt series cards of the «SoftLab-NSK» company production and «Blackmagic Design»’s cards are using as input-output cards. Separately we will mention media-compositions. The built-in Composition Editor was developed for operation with them. Compositions can refer to all media collections available in the interface of a mixer of studio, including also nested compositions can be used. Each type of media objects has its own property editor. 1. For editing the images and their sequences, videos, "live" sources and PowerPoint presentations used the same type of editing dialog. Setup of aspect, cropping of edges, color correction and chromakey possible to make in Video Editor (Picture 2).

Picture 2. Video Editor. 2. Dialog for editing 3D scene may be different, depending on the type of scene. Typically, it includes a selection of current camera, assign video sources on the texture of the object and the object's transformation parameters (Picture 3).

Picture 3. Virtualstudio Editor. 3. The dialog for editing the playlist contains a list of selected media collections and playback settings.

Picture 4. Playlist Editor 4. The built-in graphics editor Composition Editor is used for creation and editing media-compositions.

Selection of sources

Media object must be assigned to one of eight inputs (INPUTS panel) for its using be used for the output. This can be done when you select «Select Source Media ...» from the context menu of each "slot" (Picture 5). Or you can drag and drop the source from the library of media collection, which is located in the multifunction panel, the MEDIA tab.

Picture 5. Selection of media-object The selected source can be assigned to the PRESET or PROGRAM outputs. There are several ways: 1. You can use a 1-8 interface buttons at the corresponding output. 2. You can use the mouse in the INPUTS panel: left click on the window of the source, which assigns it to the PRESET output, and the left click button while holding the Shift - PROGRAM output. 3. You can use “hot” buttons on the keyboard.

Transition between the PRESET and PROGRAM outputs

The mixer of AllMix studio supports the animated transitions between outputs. The complete list of the supported animated transitions is in library of transitions in a multifunction panel, the TRANSITIONS tab (Picture 6).

The library is divided into tabs for relevant types of transitions. 

Used tab contains a list of used transitions. It is worth noting Special tab, which contains two special transition Media Wipe and Media Overlay. To use these transitions you need especially prepared media files. Examples of these videos can be found among the standard media collections, which are included in the installation set of AllMix (Folder: Transitions). The selected transition is assigned to one of six buttons of the TRANSITION panel by means of drag and drop by a mouse. It is important to note, that the editing of parameters of the standard transitions prohibited. To change the transition, it must to be cloned first, or immediately assign to the transition panel that automatically copies assigned transition to the Used tab.

Title layers

The mixer of AllMix supports operation with two types of title layers: additional and built-in. The main difference of the built-in title layers is that to them there corresponds the special internal bus of a mixer to which it is possible to assign any media object from media of library. It can be done by drag and drop by a mouse or, having selected the “Select Source Media …” item in the context menu (Picture 7). PIP1/PIP2, LOGO1/LOGO2 and CLOCK belong to the built-in title layers. For their editing, you need to select appropriate item in the context menu (Picture 7). The appropriate buttons of the TITLES panel are responsible for visibility of layers of logos and clocks. Located under the windows of preview of the PRESET and PROGRAM outputs, PIP1/PIP2 buttons are responsible for the visibility of PIP layers (Picture 8).

Picture 8. Control buttons of preview output On additional title layers, you can assign only compositions. Mixer of AllMix supports operation simultaneously with three additional title layers.

To assign composition you can select "Select Composition..." item of context menu (Picture 9) or you can drag the composition by mouse from media library.

The TITL button, located under windows of a preview of outputs, is responsible for visibility of all three additional title layers (Picture 8). The TITLE1/TITLE2/TITLE3 buttons, located on the TITLES panel, are responsible for visibility of separate title layers.

Settings of the software TV studio AllMix

The dialog of settings (Picture 10) can be opened by selecting the “Settings …” item of the Tools menu. The main group of the AllMix settings is an assignment of video and audio outputs. As output video-devices, the mixer of AllMix supports “Forward” cards ("SoftLab-NSK" company) and “DeckLink” cards ("Blackmagic Design" company). In addition, the mixer of AllMix allows outputting a sound in the selected system device. AllMix studio supports the output to several devices. When you assign the output, you can select a PRESET or PROGRAM output to output device, video standard, aspect, and audio channel. In the Controls group you can choose mode of work T-Bar, configure "hot" keys and the external control device.

Picture 10. Dialog of settings  

Playlists

Features

Playlists cannot be transferred from one project to another; they are retained only as part of the current project. Like any other media, playlists can be assigned to "slots" of the INPUTS panel or on internal bus of title layers of a mixer.

Types of media

Playlists of AllMix studio supports the following types of media objects: 1. Video files. 2. «Live» sources (video capture device). 3. Images and their sequences.

Any video input can appear as "live" sources.

Creation and editing playlists

Creation and editing playlists is carried out in library of media collections, the Playlist tab. There you can see all the playlists of the current project. 

For creation of the playlist you must press the Add button. For a call of a dialog of editing the playlist you must press Edit button or select the Edit … item of the context menu (Picture 11). In the editor of playlist there is an opportunity to add/delete media objects, to change sequence of playback and to set up playback mode of the playlist. (Picture 12).

Picture 12. Toolbar of the editor of playlist. All supported media objects of the playlist can be edited by standard means of AllMix studio. The dialog for editing media objects appears when you click on the gear sign on the toolbar. Also, for all media objects, you can set number of repeats in the Count column. For images and "live" sources, you can specify the duration of playback in the Duration column (Picture 14).

Playlists have special functions of playback: “Loop” and “Pause Between Videos” (Picture 13). "Loop» mode begins playlist over again, after end of playback of the playlist. “Pause Between Videos" mode puts the whole playlist on pause at the end of playback of each media object, leaving on the output the last frame of the currently playing media source.

In addition to all aforesaid, in playlists also there are the triggers, that is automatic execution of in advance set action in response to special events in AllMix studio is provided.

There are three special events 1. When the playlist is on PROGRAM output, «On Show» trigger working. It is important to note that the trigger is activated on the appearance of the list. That is, the trigger will work even if the playlist has not been directly assigned to the output, and was featured in the composition (built-in or custom). 2. When you hide the playlist on PROGRAM output, «On Hide» trigger works. 3. "On Finished" trigger works for the playlist assigned to PROGRAM output at the time of a stop (pauses/stop) of the list. Also, this trigger will work after playing of each media object, in the “Pause Between Videos mode”. Setting triggers is performed in the editor window of the playlist (Picture 15).

Picture 15. Setting triggers 2.4. Control playlists It is important to note that it is possible to control only those playlists, which are really used in the project. In other words, if in your project there is a playlist, which only appears in library of a media collection, and is not involved in the project anywhere, it will be impossible to control it from the PLAYLISTS panel. You can control playlists in several ways (Picture 16): 1) You can control volume, playback mode, to rewind the current video and to switch between sequential media objects of the playlist from the INPUTS panel. 2) You can control by playback mode, rewind the current video and switch between all media objects of the playlist from a multifunction panel, the PLAYLISTS tab.

Picture 16. Control of playlists  

COMPOSITIONS EDITOR

Features

The editor of graphic compositions (further «Composition Editor") is included in the installation kit of software TV studio AllMix. Registration or protection HASP key isn't required for operation with it. The Composition Editor can be run as from the interface of studio AllMix, and as the stand-alone application.

Main window of the composition editor

The main window of editor consists of several parts (Picture 17). 1. COMPOSITION - contains current composition and set of tools to work with it. 2. PROPERTIES - it's Panel of properties graphics object. It contains editable properties of the selected graphic object. In this panel, you can create animations and effects settings for graphics objects. 3. STYLES COLLECTION - contains a set of templates (collection of styles), that can be applied (partially or fully) to a graphic object.  Multifunction panel which includes the following tabs: TEXT TABLE - contains a table of substitutions, pre-prepared elements for a "hot" replace the content of graphical objects.  OBJECTS TREE - contains a tree of objects of the current composition.

Picture 17. Main window of the Composition Editor

Composition

The main part of the Compositions Editor, in addition to the scene has several panels: 1. Composition panel (Picture 18), from left to right: • New • Open… • Save • Undo • Redo • Cut • Copy • Paste • Preview mode. It run a special mode to view the composition by same way as it is in the broadcast. The animation of graphical objects is played also in this mode. • Composition Settings - settings of the current composition where it is possible to determine a name of composition and its sizes (Picture 19). It is important to note, that the size of the composition is adjusted with preservation aspects to the size of the PROGRAM or PREVIEW output. • Mode "chessboard". It is changes the background of the composition on the «chessboard» background. • Mode "solid background". It is changes the background of composition as "solid background”. • "Pipette" mode - allows you to choose the color of the composition, if the "solid background" mode enabled. Picture 18. Panel of composition

Picture 19. Composition settings 2. Panel of alignment (Picture 20), from left to right: • Horizontal centering of the selected graphic objects relative to the center of the composition. • Vertical centering of the selected graphic objects relative to the center of the composition. • Alignment of several selected graphic objects relative to the left edge of the highlight area. • Alignment of several selected graphic objects relative to the horizontal center of the selection. • Alignment of several selected graphic objects relative to the right edge of the highlight area. • Alignment of several selected graphic objects relative of upper edge of area of selection. • Alignment of several selected graphic objects relative to the vertical сenter of area of selection. • Alignment of several selected graphic objects relative to the bottom edge of the highlight area. • The selected graphical objects raise one level above. • Lowers the selected graphic objects one level below. • The selected graphical objects rise to the top level of the composition. • Lowers the selected graphical objects down to the lowest level of the composition

Picture 20. Alignment panel 3. Toolbar (Picture 21), bottom-up. • Select. • Integration the selected objects into group. • Ungroup a group of objects. • Text. • Rectanqle. • Ellipce. • Crawling Text. • Image. • Video. • Sequence. • Mixer Media - allows to create graphic objects which will contain media objects of AllMix from library of a media collection or composition of pip/logos. • Zoom In. • Zoom Out. • Actual Size. • Fit Composition. • Show Safe Frame.

Graphic objects and their properties

Depending on the selected graphic object, its properties can differ. All graphic objects have standard property set, plus the additional properties relating to specific object, except for Group object. The standard properties include settings of transformation, animation and effects of object. Types of graphic objects: 1. Text object has group of "Text" properties for setup of a font, alignment, etc. 2. Ellipse object has only a standard set of parameters. 3. Crawling Text object has group of properties "Crawling Text" for setup of parameters of the text (a font, alignment, etc.) and visibility parameters in composition. 4. Image object has group of "Image" properties for setup of display and group of "Aspect" properties for setup of aspect and the mode of embedding. 5. Video object has group of "Video" properties for setup of display and group of "Aspect" properties for setup of aspect and the mode of embedding. 6. Sequence object has group of "Sequence" properties for setup of display and group of "Aspect" properties for setup of aspect and the mode of embedding. 7. Mixer Media object has group of "Aspect" properties for setup of aspect and group of "Mixer Media" properties. 8. Group object has no all set of standard properties; only settings of transformation and animation are available. It is important to mark, that the Group has an own set of animation which isn't connected to animation of objects in Group in any way.

By the setting  "Mixer Media", any media objects from media library of "AllMix studio" or internal buses of "pip" and “logos” of a mixer can be embedded into composition (Picture 23). 

It is important to note, that in case of Source choice – PIP/Logo, in composition is not built in entirely "pip"/“logo”, and the media object assigned to its bus is built in. Thus, the media object from library can be assigned to the bus "pip" or “logo”, and the media objects assigned to the bus will be duplicated in composition. It is important to note, "Editor Compositions" must be opened from user interface of the AllMix studio for a choice of media objects from library of studio (Source – Media Library), otherwise, the media object will be impossible to assign or change.

Animation

Types of animation: • Fade [In/Out]. • Move [In/Out]. • Scale [In/Out]. • Wipe [In/Out]. • Rotate. • Change With Cut is used for change of contents of a title element without animation. • Change With Fade allows to change contents of a graphic object smoothly. For animation start, some events are provided in composition:  «On Show» launches animation in case of appearance of composition on PROGRAM output. It is available to all graphic objects.  «On Hide» launches animation in case of hiding of composition on PROGRAM output. It is available to all graphic objects.  «On Change» launches animation in case of change of the content of a graphic object.

It is possible to assign more than one animation on each event, thanks to what they can be combined. They can be launched sequentially or one after another (Picture 24). Also, before each animation there is a possibility of an insertion of a pause.

Picture 24. Setting animation

Effects

Set of effects which can be applied to each type of graphic objects:

1. Color Fill. There are some types: - single color fill; - linear gradient with the angle of inclination; - radial gradient.

2. Texture

3. Strokes. Types: - Stroke along the outer edge contour of the graphic object; - Stroke along the inner edge contour of the graphic object. The number of strokes is not limited

4. Shadow.

5. Glow.

6. Sheen.

Styles collection

As mentioned earlier, the editor includes a gallery of styles. This tool can be useful if there is a need of creation of several graphic objects with the same set of effects. In addition, the collection of styles which is included in the installation package contains a set of templates for operational creation of compositions. The styles collection is automatically saved on exit from the editor. The collection isn't bound to compositions that allow you to transfer styles between projects. In addition, there is a possibility of import and export of a collection, that allows to transfer a styles collection from one device to another. For use of the selected style to a graphic object it is possible to use:  Context menu of the selected style.  The Apply Style button at a toolbar of a styles collection.  Double-clicking a left mouse button on the selected style.

When working with a styles collection, you can use style entirely or only certain effect. It can be selected from the context menu of style.

The styles collection has a toolbar (Picture 31): • Import collection • Export collection • Cut a style • Copy a style • Delete a style • Apply a style • Add a style • Rename a style • Change preview text • Small thumbs • Big thumbs • Show style name

Picture 31. Toolbar of Styles Collection For style creation you need to select that object, which style, you want to place in a collection and to press the New Style button at a toolbar of a collection of styles or to select appropriate item in the shortcut menu of a collection of styles. The created styles can't be edited, but you can create new styles based on existing ones.

Substitutions table

Substitutions table allows to create a "hot" set of elements for quick replacement of the contents of a graphic object. This function can be enabled by selecting Table source at a graphic object, from a properties panel of the compositions editor (Picture 32).

Picture 32. Source selection of a graphic object The list of "hot substitutions " can be prepared in a multifunction panel of the compositions editor, the TEXT TABLE tab (Picture 33).

Picture 33. List of "hot substitutions " Replacement of the contents is carried out in a multifunction panel of AllMix studio, the TITLES tab (Рисунок 34). This function can be used for the signature of several announcers when they replace each other. Thus, during an operating you can change signatures of announcers, without opening thus the composition editor.

Picture 34. «Hot substitutions» of content of graphic object

Also, it is important to mark that if necessary you can change and edit the "hot substitutions" list directly from studio AllMix, without opening the composition editor. To do this, you must enable an editing mode in the right, upper corner of a panel (Picture 35).

Picture 35. Editing mode  

TRANSITIONS

Features

The transitions library can't be transferred from one project of AllMix studio to another, it is saved only in the current project. The transitions library is divided on the appropriate types: • Dissolve • Slide • Push • Wipe • Special The interactive preview is to the right of the list of transitions (Picture 36) where it is possible to look as PRESET and PROGRAM outputs will replace each other.

Picture 36. Transitions preview The parameters, available to change at the selected transition are under a preview.

Creation and editing transitions

It is important to mark that all transitions provided by default (except transitions in the Used tab) are templates, they can't be deleted, renamed or changed their parameters (Picture 37). That these functions were available, transition needs to be cloned.

Picture 37. Cloning transitions. Especially it is worth marking Media Wipe and Media Overlay transitions (Picture 38) because for their use need specially prepared media objects, which may be a video file or a sequence of images.

For Media Wipe transitions it is best of all to use media objects with shades of gray. 

In the transition of this type for the current output is superimposed layer with the following media object. The transparency of the top layer during transport is determined by the brightness of the fragments of the Media Wipe source. The top layer will have less transparency if color of a fragment of the selected media object is brighter. To the contrary, the top layer will be more transparent if color of a fragment of the selected media object is darker. Thus, purely white color will give visibility of 100%, and purely black color will give visibility of 0%. Examples of such media objects are included in the installation kit. They can be found after the installation of mini TV studio AllMix, in a directory: «C:\Users\{Username}\Documents\ECG\Mixer\examples\Transitions\Wipe Transitions». Video or sequence of images with transparency need to be used for Media Overlay transitions. In case of animation of this transition, the selected media object overlaps the output. It is best of all to use the «SoftLab-NSK Vision Forward JPEG with Alpha-channel» codec for preparation of video files If there is a need of creation of a video file from a set of images with transparency, it is best of all to use the "TGA2AVI" applications which is a part of the software for product line the Forward T of the SoftLab-NSK company. Examples of such media objects are included in the installation kit. They can be found after the installation of software TV studio AllMix, in a directory: «C:\Users\{Username}\Documents\ECG\Mixer\examples\Transitions\OverlayTransitions». In addition, Media Overlay transition has special option Cut Point, which will determine at what percentage of the playing time of the selected media object, you must change the outputs (Picture 39).

Picture 39. Cut Point.

Use of transitions

The mixer in studio AllMix allows to use and quickly to switch only between eight animated transitions. To each of the used transitions there corresponds the button on the TRANSITION panel. Six of them, can be replaced by the user. MIX and FTB (Fade To Black) transitions can't be replaced (Picture 40). 

Assignment of transition can be done by “drag and drop” by a mouse from library of transitions to one of six available buttons. After that, transition is automatically copied in the Used tab. It is important to understand that transition is copied, and further editing transition shall be carried out in the Used tab. On the TRANSITION panel another buttons are provided also: CUT, AUTO, controller of time of animation of transition and T-Bar. The CUT button is used for change PRESET and PROGRAM outputs without the animated transition. The AUTO button launches the animated transition between outputs, duration of transition will correspond to value of the controller of transition time. It is important to mark that the controller doesn't influence duration of the Media Overlay and Media Wipe transitions , their duration is defined by duration of the selected media object.