Unit 365, Lee Valley Technopark - Main Light Industries

99 Pages·2005·6.22 MB·English

by  Sean Westgate

HIPPOTIZER STAGE Manual v1.0 Software version 2.1.4

©Green Hippo Ltd
Unit 365, Lee Valley Technopark
London
N17 9LN, UK
www.hippotizer.com
The Master-Canvas View _________ 41
Table of Contents
Functions in More detail_______ 45

Mix Modes ____________________ 45
Table of Contents _______________1
Add ____________________________ 46
Introduction ___________________ 4 Sub ____________________________ 46
Darken _________________________ 46
Important Notes_________________4
Lighten _________________________ 46
Media ___________________________4
Softlight ________________________ 46
Uploading Own Media _____________4
Softlight Inverted_________________ 47
Software _________________________4
Hardlight________________________ 47
Warranty _________________________5
Overlay_________________________ 47
Firmware, BIOS and Drivers:________5
Difference ______________________ 47
If there is a problem _____________5 Gobo___________________________ 47
Screen _________________________ 48
Contents Checklist ______________6 Opaque ________________________ 48
Sprite __________________________ 48
Installation and Connections ___ 7
Luma (Luminance Key) ___________ 48
Location________________________7 Matte __________________________ 49
Alpha __________________________ 50
Precautions_____________________7
The Digital Effect Engines _____ 51
Connections and Controls: ______8
Quick Connections:_______________10 General FXs ___________________ 51
Switching on the Unit:_____________10 No-Effect _______________________ 51
Shutting Down the Unit: ___________10 Radial Blur______________________ 52
Mask___________________________ 53
Display Devices ________________11
SatHue _________________________ 54
iLuma __________________________ 54
Display Modes _______________ 12
Multi ___________________________ 55
Single Output Mode ____________14 XYZ____________________________ 56
Aspect _________________________ 57
Dual Output Mode ______________18
Colour Effects _________________ 58
Pan Output Mode_______________22
Pall ____________________________ 58
Neon___________________________ 58
Additional Display Features ___ 24
C-Lab __________________________ 59
Configuring the Composite / S- CTB-O _________________________ 60
Video output ___________________24
Breakup Effects _______________ 60
Using “Clone” mode____________25 Pixidust_________________________ 60
Shift ___________________________ 61
Using the “No Output” option ___28
Conc ___________________________ 62
Style ___________________________ 62
‘Hands on with the Hippotizer’ _ 29
Bump __________________________ 63
The Desktop ___________________29 LED____________________________ 63
Pixel ___________________________ 64
Understanding Media Flow within
Movie __________________________ 65
the Server _____________________31
Processing Flowchart. ____________32 Distortion Effects ______________ 65
Plasma _________________________ 65
Control Parameters and the Flow 1 & 2 ______________________ 66
Control Centre _________________32 Kaleidoscope____________________ 67
The Overview Screen _____________32 Glass __________________________ 67
The Layer View __________________35 Aqua ___________________________ 68
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Tunnel __________________________69 Saving a Show __________________ 83
Planes __________________________70 Loading a show__________________ 84
Softedge Effects _______________71 Preparing Media _______________ 84
Movie Files _____________________ 84
Beat Detection Engine ________ 73
Still Images _____________________ 86
Using the Matrix ______________ 74
Utilities ______________________ 87
Timecode ____________________ 75 The Settings Utility_____________ 87
General Settings_________________ 87
Controlling The Hippotizer ____ 76
DMX full ________________________ 88
Interfaces______________________76 DMX Preset_____________________ 90
MIDI ___________________________ 90
Control Centre _________________76
RS232 _________________________ 91
Keyboard _______________________ 92
DMX___________________________77
Info ____________________________ 92
DMX setup ______________________77
DMX (full mode)__________________77
Engine Configurator ___________ 93
DMX (preset mode)_______________78
Video Input Setting_______________ 93
ARTNET _______________________79
Additional information ________ 96
MIDI ___________________________79
Maintenance___________________ 96
Keyboard ______________________79
Specifications _________________ 98
Show and Media Management _ 80
FAQ __________________________ 98
Organizing your media _________80
FAX back registration form ____ 99
Adding and removing media ____81

The Show Manager _____________81

Viewing your media_______________82
Creating a New Show_____________82
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Introduction
This handbook contains important information about your Hippotizer Stage Media Server. It will
help you get up and running with your unit quickly and ensure you get the most from the system.
Please take a few minutes to read the following pages, as it will help you understand the unit’s
functionality and assist in achieving the best possible results during operation.
Due to our programme of continuous updates for the Hippotizer range, you may find that your
server contains functions and features which are either not shown or differ slightly from that
described in this manual. Please check the support website for the latest version of this manual
and system software.
Occasionally you will see this symbol:

These are Hippo-Tips. Hippo-tips are not definitive approaches or operating procedures but are
useful hints on how to get the most from your system.
Important Notes
Media
All video libraries are supplied By us at Green Hippo. Any queries regarding the use of these
should be directed to us.
Uploading Own Media
It is your responsibility to handle all copyright issues relating to the media you create and upload.
Green Hippo Ltd will not accept responsibility for any breach of copyright incurred in these
processes.
Software
All Hippotizer software remains the sole property of Green Hippo Ltd and its suppliers. Any
attempt to alter or replicate the contents of The Hippotizer is prohibited. Any attempt to copy or
alter the software will render any warranties void. Green Hippo Ltd will initiate legal proceedings
against anyone attempting to copy or replicate the software in any fashion.
NOTE: Installing additional software on your system other than that supplied by Green Hippo Ltd
is strongly discouraged. Your Hippotizer has a specific task, which is to play back video reliably.
rd
Any third party software may compromise this. If you wish to install 3 party software we
recommend you contact us first. We will also endeavour to post information regarding known
rd
issues on our website. Any repairs relating to 3 party software are not covered under warranty.
Additional hardware installation other than USB or external devices will invalidate warranties.
Similarly, any removal of external casings should not be undertaken without consultation.
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Under no circumstances install a second network device, either internal or external, as this may
stop the Hippotizer program from running. For advice on this issue email
Contents Checklist

Hippotizer
IEC Mains Lead
Hippotizer Manual (this one) disc
Video Adapter S-Video to Composite Video
DVI to VGA converter
USB Mouse and Keyboard
LCD monitor (optional)
Assorted system discs

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Installation and Connections
In this section we will show you how to install your Hippotizer, how to connect your displays and
how to configure them.

Location
The Hippotizer Stage comes in an industry standard 19” rackmount case. The ‘ears’ on either
side allow you to install it into a standard flight case or any environment employing the 19”
standard. Alternatively you can position it on any flat surface.

Precautions
The unit is cooled by the flow of fresh air via fans in the unit. Therefore the unit must have a clear
air-gap with no obstructions to the front and rear. The unit can run to high temperatures safely if
well ventilated but damage to components will most likely occur if any of the vents are obstructed.
Air flows through the front doors and out of the back of the unit. If installed in a rack ensure that
there is a free flow of fresh air front and back. Never run the unit in an enclosure with a sealed
back such as a rackmount case with the rear door still in place.
Do not place drinks, or heavy objects on top of the unit. Any failure caused by fluid, shocks or
misuse is not covered under warranty.
NB: Take care not to push the unit too far back against a wall to prevent damage to the
connectors positioned at the rear or restrict airflow through the unit.
Periodically (once a month) clean the filters situated in the doors.

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Connections and Controls:

Fig 1.1 Front Connections and Controls

A – Power Button
B – Reset Button
C – DVD Rom Drive
D – USB connections x 2
E – DMX Interface

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Fig. 1.2 Rear connections.

A - IEC Mains input for power (100V to 250V power range)
B – PS2 Mouse connector
C – PS2 Keyboard connector
D – USB connections
E – LAN connector (sometimes referred to as an Ethernet or network connector)
F – Sound connections
Blue – line in
Green – Speakers
G – VGA monitor Connection
H – S-Video Connector (converter supplied for Composite)
I – DVI connector (converter supplied for use as VGA port)
J - Video inputs for external camera/video use

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Fig 1.3
A – DVI to VGA Converter
B – S-Video to Composite Video Converter
Quick Connections:
Connection options will be explained in depth later but to get started quickly, connect a power
cable to A (fig 1.2) a keyboard and mouse (either B and C or if devices are USB use D) then your
supplied VGA monitor to G.
Switching on the Unit:
Once you have connected the unit as described above, press the power button A (Fig 1 .1), on
the front of the unit. You will see the green power light on the front panel illuminate. The unit has
an automatic power up sequence that takes around 90 seconds.
NB: if you have a secondary monitor or video device connected, it is possible that the supplied
VGA monitor will go into standby or display the message ‘signal out of range’ or similar. This is
not a fault. Wait for 60 seconds after which you should see the windows start-up screen.
Shutting Down the Unit:
To shut down the unit press the power switch once and allow the system to complete its
shutdown sequence. You do not have to exit the Hippotizer programme to do this. It can be
done at anytime. When complete the Power indicator lamp will extinguish. DO NOT shut down
the unit by skipping the above procedure and terminating the power supply. It may damage the
unit. Should the unit be accidentally shut down in such a fashion, allow a longer start up period
while the self-test function works in the background. The start up process will be around 1 minute
longer under these conditions
NB: You may use the standard Windows XP shutdown technique on the task-bar if you so wish.

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