TV Studio All¹Mix

INTRODUCTION

AllMix is an interactive software package that allows you to organize professional video production and broadcasting on a personal computer without the use of high-budget equipment. AllMix is:

• Touch ergonomic Touchable UI with balanced visual experience
• advanced title station:

- the ability to add effects to media objects;

- built-in editor for title and other multi-layer graphic compositions;

- event animation capabilities (enable / disable the visibility of the title layer);

- extensiblestylelibrary;

- dynamic text loaded from CSV files;

- the ability to create complex compositions using the video sources of the project.

• up to 12 input media channels and up to 8 output title layers of online access
• support for a large number of media types - static and dynamic
• playlists with customizable playback options and containing various types of media (including live sources)
• built-in 3D virtual studio with patented real-time keying technology
• the ability to use animated 3D scenes as title elements
• the ability to use multi-format (FrameSize, aspect, device, frameRate, interlace) outputs
• filters for processing video sources: color correction, cropping, keying, automatic deinterlacing.
• expandable set of video transitions, including based on user media
• necessary and sufficient sound functionality
• network broadcasting (including NDITM) and recording
• PTZ camera control
• tracking in All¹Mix for PTZ cameras using the FreeD protocol

For I / O, FDExt boards made by SoftLab-NSK, as well as boards from other manufacturers (BlackMagic Design, Yuan, etc.) can be used.

Support for external consoles (DSC, Odyssey, Behringer) for ergonomic interactive control.

AllMix software TV runs on Windows 8.1 and higher operating systems and requires a powerful computer equipped with a high-performance graphics accelerator from NVIDIA for reliable operation.

For the most comfortable work with AllMix, it is recommended to use screens with a resolution of Full HD (1920x1080) or more.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Types of files of the AllMix studio

Extensions and description of AllMix files:

• * .mixer - AllMix projects. It contains projects of title compositions, a library of media collections, a library of transitions, sound presets and links to all media files of the project.
• * .gfx - composition projects. Contains a list and description of all graphic objects of the composition.
• * .styles - a collection of styles. Lists all user styles.
• * .fbx, * .vs - three-dimensional scene. Contains a description of a three-dimensional scene.
• * .keying - keying. Contains keying settings.

Main window of the AllMix studio

The main window of the AllMix mixer consists of several panels and button groups.

• PREVIEW (PVW) –– preview output monitor (preview)
• PROGRAM (PRG) –– program output monitor
• TRANSITIONS - control of transitions between video signals of outputs PVW and PRG. Contains a set of “hot” buttons for choosing a transition effect and tools for managing transition parameters.
• Group of record and broadcast buttons (RECORD, STREAM, NDISTR)
• A group of buttons for turning on the visibility of standard logo layers (LOGO1, LOGO2) and hours (CLOCK).
• INPUTS –– input media sources (slots) that can be assigned to outputs PVW or PRG. Sources are selected from the media collection of the project.
• 3D scene control panel. It contains bookmarks for selecting a 3D scene and button icons of the possible states of the selected scene.
• Buttons for selecting video sources for the PRG and PVW outputs (1 ... 12, BLK, BARS, PIP1, PIP2, TITLES).
• MEDIA - a collection of media objects of the current project, divided into groups of supported media types.
• TITLES - text content management of title compositions (text tables)
• PLAYLISTS - mediaplaylistmanagement
• TRANSITIONS- library of transitions available for assignment to the operational buttons for selecting the current transition
• AUDIO - audio mixer of the current project.

MEDIA OBJECTS

AllMix mixer can use different types of media objects as sources:

• “live” sources (video capture devices);
• video files;
• static images and their sequences;
• playlists (playlists);
• compositions;
• three-dimensional scenes;
• PowerPoint presentations;
• network streams;
• Reach text;
• mixer elements (slots, built-in title elements, etc.).

As a rule, each type of media object has its own specific configuration of a media editor.

Compositions

General Information

Composition is an important structural element that allows you to create resulting images from any combination of media objects. The composition is a multilayer structure. The source of the image for each layer can be assigned to any media object from the media collection of the project, including another composition, a mixer element or a color fill.

To create and edit compositions, a special editor "Composition Editor" was developed, which can be used separately from the main software.

In particular, the editor allows you to set various animation effects for each layer of the composition by the events of turning on / off the visibility of the title layer containing this composition. Compositions are divided into two types - built-in and custom.

Built-in compositions

The built-in compositions are standard components of the mixer and are not editable, however, for some built-in compositions (PIP1, PIP2, LOGO1, LOGO2, CLOCK, MULTYVIEW); it is allowed to create custom versions that are available only in the project in which they are created.

Image sources of the Preview and Program windows are special built-in compositions with the following unique properties:

• the number of layers is fixed (1 base + 8 title layers);
• image sources for five title layers are embedded compositions (PIP1, PIP2, LOGO1, LOGO2, CLOCK);
• any custom compositions can be assigned to the remaining three title layers;
• the contents of the title layers of the composition "Preview" duplicates the contents of the corresponding layers of the composition "Program".
• by pressing the "CUT" or "AUTO" buttons, the contents of the base layers of the "Preview" and "Program" compositions are swapped respectively instantly or through a special effect.

For the visibility of the built-in title layers, the interface buttons "PIP1", "PIP2", "LOGO1", "LOGO2", "CLOCK" are responsible.

By default, embedded compositions (PIP1, PIP2, LOGO1, LOGO2, CLOCK) contain a single layer with the corresponding title element. However, the user can take advantage of all the features of the composition editor and, at his discretion, add additional layers with user-defined content, set animation effects for events, etc. Custom versions of these compositions are available only in the project in which they were created.

The buttons of the TITLE1, TITLE2, TITLE3 interface are responsible for the visibility of custom title layers.

The built-in MULTYVIEW compositions (1 ... 3) are designed to display the contents of slots, "Preview" and "Program" windows in a split-screen mode on an additional monitor.

Custom compositions

Custom compositions are created by the user in the Composition Editor, saved as a file with the * .gfx extension and added to the project’s media collection in the same way as other media objects. The number of layers of user composition is limited only by computer performance.

Assigning image sources to the title layers of the built-in composition of the "Program" window

The image source for the title layers "PIP1", "PIP2", "LOGO1", "LOGO2 can be any media object from the media collection of the project. The source is assigned to the title layer either by dragging the media object from the project’s media collection onto the button corresponding to the given layer using the Drug & Drop method or through the context menu of this button.

The image source for the title layers TITLE1, TITLE2, TITLE3 can be any user composition from the media collection of the project.

Assigning image sources to the layers of the built-in compositions "Preview" and "Program"

The content of the base layer of the “Preview” and “Program” compositions corresponds to the content of one of the slots of the INPUTS panel or to the built-in BLK or BARS image sources.

There are several ways to quickly assign the content of a specific slot to the base layer of the “Preview” or “Program” compositions:

• use a number of interface buttons 1 ... 12 corresponding to the slot number in the INPUTS panel or the buttons of the built-in image sources "BLK", "BARS";

• left-clicking on a slot in the INPUTS panel assigns its content to the base layer of the "Preview" composition, and left-clicking with the Shift key pressed to the base layer of the "Program" composition;
• use hot keys on a computer keyboard;
• use an external button control console.

The content of the INPUTS panel slots is set by the “Select Source Media ...” command of the context menu of this slot:

You can also "drag" the desired object from the media collection onto the slot with the mouse (MEDIA tab). In the role of "live" sources can be any video input. As input / output cards, FDExt series boards by SoftLab-NSK, Blackmagic Design, Yuan and others supporting DirectShow interfaces (in particular USB cameras, etc.) are supported. Also, as a "live" sources can be used network media streams.

Assigning custom compositions to TITLE layers (1 ... 3) of the built-in compositions "Preview" and "Program"

To assign a custom composition to TITLE layers (1 ... 3), you can select the “Select Composition ...” item in the context menu or drag and drop the composition with the mouse from the media collection.

3D Scenes

The principle of building 3D - animation in AllMix

In AllMix, animation tracks (created in 3ds Max) are played between some named states of the object, with unique sets of parameters: "position", "rotate", "scale". In the future we will call these states states (from "State"). The principle of state animation is that when working in AllMix, the user selects not a specific segment of the animation track to play, but the “destination” - the state to which the object should “arrive”. In this case, the AllMix program automatically selects the segment of the track, the beginning of which corresponds to the current state, and the end to the target state. If there is no such segment of the track, then the transition from the current state to the final one is carried out instantly.

State Animation technology greatly simplifies the work of the operator. He does not need to think in what basic position the object (group of objects) of the 3d scene is currently located. Simply select the button corresponding to the desired next state of the object (group of objects) of the 3d scene (for example, the position of the camera). AllMix also supports looping animation (constant rotation of a 3D scene object, etc.) Features of preparing 3D scenes for AllMix in 3DS Max (including the creation of state animation) are described in a separate guide.

3D scene animation control

3D scene animation control is available in the control panel of three-dimensional scenes, which contains buttons-icons of possible states of the 3D scene.

The transition to the state is carried out by the "left" mouse click on the corresponding button. Animated transitions in the upper left corner are marked with a "Play" icon. Otherwise, the transition is instantaneous. Any transition will be carried out instantly with a "left" click with the Shift key held down or by a "right" click. Scene selection for control is carried out in two ways: either by the name of the scene or by the current contents of the PVW / PRG windows.

Playlists

Features

• playlists cannot be transferred from one AllMix project to another, they are saved only as part of the current project;
• like other media data, playlists can be assigned to slots of the INPUTS panel or to elements of the mixer title layers.

===AllMix mixer playlists support the following types of media objects===:

• videofiles;
• “live” sources (from video capture devices);
• imagesandtheirsequences.

In the role of "live" sources, just like in a mixer, any video input can act.

Playlists are created in the media collection, the Playlist tab

To create, click the "+" button. Here you can see all the playlists of the current project. To call the dialog for editing the playlist, you must click the "Edit" button or select the "Edit ..." item in the context menu.

In the editor of playlists, you can add / remove media objects, change the sequence and playback modes.

Supported media objects for playlists can be edited using standard AllMix tools. The editing dialog opens when you click on the "gear" button on the toolbar. For each sheet element, you can set the number of repetitions of playback in the Count column. And images and "live" sources can be set to the duration of playback - the Duration column.

Playlists have playback modes: “Loop” (repeat all) and “Pause Between Videos” (pause between playback). The "Loop" mode at the end of playing the entire playlist starts it again. The “Pause Between Videos” mode at the end of playing each media object puts the entire playlist to pause, leaving the last frame of the media source being played back.

There are also triggers in the playlist settings that automatically perform the specified action in response to special events in the AllMix mixer.

There are three special events:

1. When you turn on the visibility of the title layer of the "PROGRAM" window, the content of which includes a playlist, the "On Show" trigger is triggered.

2. When the visibility of such a title layer of the “PROGRAM” window is turned off, the “On Hide” trigger is triggered.

3. The “On Finished” trigger is triggered for a playlist included in the content of the title layer of the “PROGRAM” window when the list is stopped (pause / stop). Also, this trigger will fire after playing each media object in the “Pause Between Videos” mode.

It is important to note that you can manage only those playlists that are actually used in the project

You can manage them in several ways:

• From the MEDIA panel. Here you can control the playback modes and switch between the elements of the playlist.
• From the PLAYLISTS panel. Here you can control the playback modes, rewind the video and switch between the elements of the playlist.

EDITING MEDIA OBJECTS

Media editor

For editing images and their sequences, video files, live sources and PowerPoint presentations, a universal editing dialog is used.

You can adjust the aspect of the image, crop the edges, adjust the sound, make color correction and set the chromakey parameters. The properties of the live video also contain the settings of the PTZ controller for interactive control of PTZ cameras using the Pelco-D and Visca protocols. Correspondinginteractivecontrolsappearintheinterface.

Playlist Editor

The dialog for editing the playlist contains a list of selected media collections and playback 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).

Picture 11. Playlists

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.

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.

Playlists have special functions of playback: “Loop” and “Pause Between Videos”. "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).

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:

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.

 

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.

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. That these functions were available, transition needs to be cloned.

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.

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.

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.

SOUND

Control sound

The mixer of studio AllMix supports operation with a sound in the following media objects:

• «live» sources (video capture device);

• video files;

• playlists;

• compositions;

• 3D scenes.

The sound in playlists , compositions and 3-d scenes will be only provided that they contain embedded media objects with sound.

Control of a sound of separate media object is exercised by means of a slider, which is located to the right of a preview, on the INPUTS panel.

If you use media object, which includes some other objects with a sound (for example, a 3-d scene with several live sources), the controller, which is located to the right of a preview, will regulate summary volume of this media object.

If it is necessary to regulate a sound of the media object included in other media objects, they need to be assigned on "slots" of INUPTS panel, and adjust the sound on the corresponding preview.

Work with presets is provided in a mixer of studio AllMix. Only values of controller of a sound of the INPUTS panel are saved in presets. Presets can be found in a multifunction panel, the AUDIO tab (Picture 42).

Presets can't be transferred between projects, presets are saved only as a part of the current project of AllMix.

Control of a sound of PROGRAM or PRESET outputs is carried out separately from each other, by means of the controllers located to the right of a preview outputs.

Sound of title layers, both built-in, and additional impossible to control.

Global sound

In a mixer of "studio AllMix" opportunity to get some soundtracks on an output without video series is realized. You can use any media object from the media library. The media object for a global sound can be selected from a multifunction panel, the AUDIO tab.

The Use Only Global Audio function allows to disconnect sounds of all media objects of AllMix mixer, except the global.

You can regulate the volume level of global sounds by means of the controller of an input of that media object (if the media object is assigned on "slot" of INPUTS panel) or by means of controllers of output.  

EXTERNAL DEVICES

Types of external devices

SoftwareTV studio AllMix supports operation with several external devices:

1. External control console. By these devices, it is possible:

- to control assignment of media objects on PRESET and PROGRAM outputs;

- to control visibility, as built in ("pip", logos, clock), and additional title layers;

- to select animation of transition between PRESET and PROGRAM outputs;

- to realize transitions between PRESET and PROGRAM outputs.

2. MIDI-controllers. By these devices, it is possible to provide control of volume of inputs, in particular, to control the level, balance and a pan of a sound.

External control console

Software TV studio AllMix supports operation with external hardware control console, in particular, a line of DSC console of the "DVL" company.

The DSC series consoles are connected to the computer on COM-port and don't require installation of the additional software. It is worth marking that on the majority the modern motherboards there can be no connector of COM-ports therefore, it will be necessary to acquire COM-USB adapter.

We recommend strongly using the master of connection of external consoles for correct operation of the console in AllMix studio. It can be run from settings dialog of the AllMix: Tools – Settings… – Controls – External De`vices – Connection wizard (Picture 45).

When you run the Master control switcher, scanning of the consoes connected to system will be launched. If Master control switcher finds the console, you will need to check that the model of the console is selected correctly, and the console works correctly.

For start of check it is necessary to press the Next button.

Next, you need to select the correct model of the hardware console. If you aren't sure, what model of the device at you, you can find out by looking at the name on the device itself.

After a model choice, you need to check that the number of buttons, their order of layout and illumination on the picture, is the same as the ones that are on the console. If everything matches, we select "All keys are highlighted and match the above pattern" and we click Next button, otherwise, perhaps, you selected the wrong model of the console, or your console is faulty.

Next, it is necessary to be convinced that T-Bar works correctly, for this T-Bar on the device it is necessary to move up and down. If T-Bar works correctly, and in the master of connection of T-Bar will move similarly, and the Next button will become the active, otherwise, try to return on a step backwards, and to check that the model of the panel is selected correctly.

Setup of the console comes to an end on it. It is important to mark that if you successfully set up the console by means of the master of connection, you shouldn't change model or the number of COM-port in a dialog of settings.

MIDI-controller

For connection of the MIDI-controller to the AllMix studio, commands of encoders, faders and keys it is necessary to set up in compliance with the table in the file the "Table of codes of MIDI-controller.xlsx".

A MIDI-controller will be automatically detected and will connect to the AllMix studio if it was connected to the system at the time of start.

We recommend using the MIDI controller - Behringer BCF2000 of the Behringer company as it is equipped by necessary number of encoders, keys and motorized faders. Also, for it it is written preset, which is included in an installation kit, it can be found in a directory: «C:\Users\{Username}\Documents\ECG\Mixer\BCF2000 ECG Preset.syx». This preset it is possible to load in MIDI-controller BCF2000 by means "BC-Edit" application which can be downloaded from the website of the Behringer company.

The application manual "BC-Edit" can be found in the "BC-Edit Quick Manual.pdf" document. It is possible to look at a manual on settings of the MIDI-controller in the "B-CONTROL_Programming_ENG.pdf" document.

The Behringer BCF2000 is connected via USB and does not require installation of additional software.

The volume level of inputs can be controlled by means of eight motorized faders. The balance and pan of inputs can be controlled by means of eight encoder. Two rows of buttons allow you to control the modes of "Solo" and "Mute" (Picture 50).

FEATURES OF WORK WITH PROJECT

Export of projects

This function consists in export of all media objects used in the project, in one directory, near the file of the project.

We recommend strongly to use export of the project in case of transfer of projects between devices as the studio AllMix doesn't store media objects in projects, and stores only links to them.

The dialog of export can be caused from the file menu: File – Export… And studio AllMix, and the Compositions Editor supports function of export.

The playlist editing dialog contains a list of media objects and playback settings

'To create and edit compositions, you must use the external Composition Editor (see the "Graphic Composition Editor" section).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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. 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 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.

Before working with video and audio signals, you need to configure the settings for working with these data on the boards. FDExt series cards are configured in the FDConfig2 application. To ensure the output of the signal from the virtual studio, you must disable the mixer  

3D SCENE EDITOR

It is called from the context menu of the slot containing this 3d scene (Edit Media ...) or directly from the context menu by right-clicking on the scene name in the media library. Editable 3D scene object names must contain the words video, monitor, or actor.

There are two editing modes - basic (default) and state editing mode.

Basic mode allows you to:

• use project media sources as image sources for diffuse textures of 3d scene objects;
• edit texture display mode (shift, scale, rotate);
• set the transparency mask (both static and animated);
• change the average time of animation transitions between states;
• set the protection category of the 3D scene (description - in a separate manual).

The state editing mode is activated by pressing the “wheel” in the lower left panel of the editor and allows you to:

• shift, rotate, scale, change the transparency of the scene object in all states simultaneously (the button is in the "Apply to All States On" state) or only in the selected state (the button is in the "Apply to All States On" state) All States Off" );

• choose to display in the scene one object from a group of alternative objects (if such groups exist in the scene);

• select the object with a frame ( button);

• hide/show object ( button);

• add a state (by cloning a selected state), delete a state, rename a state, update icons, enable/disable animation of transitions between states;

• change the order of state icons using the Drug&Drop method;

• change the average transition time between states (transparency change time is set separately).

Transitions involving a cloned state are done by mixing linear interpolation and the transition track of the "parent" state. The fading style is set by selecting the "Transition Easing" parameter.

Using the mouse to position, scale and orient objects in a 3d scene

• Use LEFT mouse button pressed to rotation
• Use RIGHT mouse button pressed to move
• Use BOTH mouse buttons pressed to scale
• Use keyboard key CTRL pressed to swap axes Y and Z during rotation, moving, scaling
• Press keyboard key R to reset everything modified by mouse
• Default object for mouse control is the object named @ALL or the camera if it's missed
• The object to control the mouse is the object selected in the 3d editor with the button
• If no object is selected in the 3d editor, then the default control object is the object with the name @ALL or (if there is none) - the camera.
• When using the mouse, positioning, scaling and orientation of objects in the 3d scene is carried out in screen coordinates

COMPOSITION 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.

Composition

The main part of the Compositions Editor, in addition to the scene has several panels:

1. Composition panel, 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. 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.

2. Panel of alignment, 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

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.

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

By default, the following events (triggers) are provided to start animation in a 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.

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.

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. Also, before each animation there is a possibility of an insertion of a pause.

Also (to start the animation with the mouse) using the + button on the animation panel, you can add the events On Released, On Pressed, On Click , On Over.

You can test the animation on mouse events without leaving the gfx editor using the Ctrl key - Ctrl+(Click, Over, Released, Pressed).

The Action option is additionally available for these events. Mouse event animations are only available in presentation mode.

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:

• 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

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).

The list of "hot substitutions " can be prepared in a multifunction panel of the compositions editor, the TEXT TABLE tab.

Replacement of the contents is carried out in a multifunction panel of AllMix studio, the TITLES tab. 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.

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.

AllMIX SPECIAL FEATURES

Presentation mode

The Presentation mode is a special (ergonomic) configuration option for the main AllMix window in which some of the AllMix special features are more convenient, such as working in presentation mode, controlling 3d scenes with a left mouse click on areas of the screen and other additional features.

Some special features (for example: managing 3d scenes by clicking on screen areas, controlling the position and orientation of 3d scene objects, drawing, working with an interactive whiteboard) are available only in this mode.

The presentation mode interface contains a larger version of the PRG window, copies of the "Inputs" slots (bottom row), a PVW mini-panel, a configurable project media source control panel, and an AllMix command panel.

The transition from the main window to the control panel is carried out by pressing the "F3" key on the keyboard. The exit from the special window to the main one is carried out by pressing the "Esc" key of the keyboard.

Pressing the space bar maximizes the PRG window.

Handling mouse clicks on a PRG window

The PRG window contains 9 clickable areas. Each area corresponds to one of the nine special names of the 3d scene states of the project. By clicking on one of the areas, you go to the corresponding state of the 3d scene in the PRG window.

Special states names (click-names) are specified when creating a 3d scene in 3DS Max or directly in AllMix (in the 3d scene state editor) in the 'Screen-XY' format:

Click names can have states of different 3d scenes. However, they must be unique to a specific project.

Special 3D scenes

Clicking on a slot containing a 3D scene, in which one of the textures is assigned to PVW, directs the contents of the slot to PRG, not PVW. This prevents infinite nesting of the resulting image. You can assign PVW as an image source for a texture in the AllMix 3d editor (Select media source / Mixer Element / Preview). If the 3D scene contains an object named "@ALL", then this object can be rotated by moving the mouse cursor over the PRG while holding the left button.

An example of the use of special features AllMix

Suppose we want to create a project for a presentation containing media data in various representations (PPT, playlists, 3d objects, input video streams, etc.). In this case, the lecturer should be "immersed" in a virtual environment, and presentation control would be as simple and convenient as possible. Create two 3D scenes in 3ds max - "presentation.max" and "scene.max".

The "presentation.max" scene contains a rectangle ("back") fully inscribed in the angle of view of the virtual camera and a small square ("live") located closer to the camera.

Assign a material with an arbitrary diffuse map to the "back" rectangle and name this material - "@Preview". For the square, we will create four animation states corresponding to the location in 4 corners of the virtual camera's field of view. Additionally, let's create a state where the rectangle is invisible. The first 4 states will be named according to the PRG clickable areas: "Screen-00", "Screen-20", "Screen-02", "Screen-22". Let's name the state at which the rectangle is invisible "Screen-full".

Assign a material with an arbitrary diffuse map and an arbitrary transparency map to the "live" square (so that in AllMix it is possible to assign media with an alpha channel to this material). Let's call this material "@live".

The "scene.max" scene is a regular 3d set for a virtual studio, containing animation states and a virtual monitor. Assign a material with an arbitrary diffuse map to the virtual monitor screen and name this material - "@Preview". Let's name five scene states "Screen-10", "Screen-01", "Screen-11", "Screen-21", "Screen-12".

• Export the resulting scenes to the ".fbx" format;
• Create the AllMix project;
• Add presentation media materials and special scenes "presentation.fbx" and "scene.fbx" to the project slots;
• Assign a video stream from the camera filming the lecturer to the "@live" material (you can add a transparency mask to set the "picture in picture" shape, for example, a circle);
• For the material "@Preview" we will assign PVW as the source of the image;
• Go to the control panel.

As a result, when you click on slots containing presentation materials, these materials will be "sent" to the PVW window, and therefore displayed on the virtual monitor "scene.fbx"; and the background "presentation.fbx". In addition, large control buttons for the current media will appear on the PRG window.

When you click in the corners of the window, it will display the "presentation.fbx" scene with presentation material in full screen and with the lecturer's icon at the clicked location. When you click on the rest of the clickable areas of the PRG window, the scene "scene.fbx" with presentation material on the virtual monitor screen and in the corresponding state will be displayed in it.

• When you click on the lecturer's icon again, the transition to the state "Screen-full" is carried out. This feature has been added specifically for the above presentation project option.

To draw on top of the presentation, you need to activate the red button at the top right. If the button is not active - the pointer mode, if it is active - the drawing mode. By right clicking on the button, the choice of color and size. When canceling the drawing mode, as well as when changing ppt slides and playlist positions, everything drawn is erased.