Master intensity per mix

[jasonrudolph]

Just a suggestion... If I need to fade an output, I will usually use library 0 and file 1 (which is a black file) on a top layer. Then I can bring up the intensity of this layer on an independant fader and it acks like a fade to the whole mix. Yes, I know you loose a layer by doing this but until there's an upgrade, it's a good workaround.

Awesome idea if you have the available layer, I will definitely put that one in my back pocket.

[Marty Postma]

Well it seems to me with all the control we are given already with Mix Layer Selection , and Mix Shape....there really ought to be a whole DMX profile just for mixes.

So a user would simply patch a whole Mix as a fixture from the DMX console, which includes the Mix Layer Select, and Mix Shape parameters.

Other things I would personally like to see with this are a Master Intensity (as already stated), and Color FX, and Visual FX just like on the regular layers.

I hate to draw this comparison to another product here, but....it would be great if Mixes were controllable much in the same way as the "GLOBAL" fixture of a DL.2.

So a DMX chart might look something like this:

MIX LAYER FIXTURE

1 - Mix Intensity
2 thru 17 - Mix layer select
18 Output-1 select
19 Output-2 select
20+21 Mix X-position (pixel placement in raster)
22+23 Mix Y-position (pixel placement in raster)
24 Mix X-size/aspect
25 Mix Y-size/aspect
26 X1 Shape
27 Y1 Shape
28 X2 Shape
29 Y2 Shape
30 X3 Shape
31 Y3 Shape
32 X4 Shape
33 Y4 Shape
34 Mix Color FX
35 thru 37 - CMY/RGB parameter control
38 Mix Visual FX
39 VFX param-1
40 VFX param-2

Does this make sense? 40 channels just like a sub-layer.

I do realize that with 12 layers + 4 mixes this goes way over a single DMX universe, but this is easily overcome by using ArtNET, or using fewer layers/mixes.

[Marty Postma]

Does no one else have any thoughts on this??

[OlliR]

I totally agree on the mix master intensity as reducing the intensity of a layer may cause problems with transparency...
But I do not see the advantage of having live control on mix properties.
I am quite glad that I can setup my mixes in the HUD and don´t have to have to program this on the lighting console.

Mixes are for system setup and layers are for live programming - that is the way I see it...

[emilianomorgia]

But I do not see the advantage of having live control on mix properties.

When do you have different layers keystone inside the same mix ?

[Marty Postma]

I am quite glad that I can setup my mixes in the HUD and don´t have to have to program this on the lighting console....Mixes are for system setup and layers are for live programming - that is the way I see it...

This would only add the option to be able to control this from the console...not replace the HUD, which I agree is very useful.

When do you have different layers keystone inside the same mix ?

Exactly!

Here's just one example....

(1) v4.1 Server
Output 1 - Preview monitor set to "Separate Layers w/FX"
Output 2 - goes to a Matrox Triple Head that then goes out to (3) DL-1s

Mixes 2-4 are the "outputs" of the DL-1s respectively
Mix 2 uses layers 1-4
Mix 3 uses layers 5-8
Mix 4 uses layers 9-12

It is much faster and easier to adjust the Mix Keystone for the DL-1s rather than having to eat up the Visual FX on each Layer to keystone, and then having to program the Scale and Keystone info for each individual piece of content on each Layer separately.

Being able to control this and store Mix Keystone parameters into Position Palettes on the desk is critical here, as trying to adjust the keystone on each Mix for each DL-1 simultaneously is near impossible.

[SourceChild]

Does no one else have any thoughts on this??

Marty,

I have been thinking about this quite a bit. For the rest of you as well, I have actually spent a great deal of time thinking about this. I have a Visio Project I have created to depict hierachy formed by a spreadsheet I've spent time planning. The idea is to have three different fixtures within Catalyst.

• Layer Control
• Mix Control
• Effects Assign

For now, just have it be known that I am submitting something soon which I hope is very well recieved.
I have been basing my thoughts on all the best features I love from Pandora's Box, Axon2, Arkaos, and Catalyst. My only hope is that some of these ideas will implementable by Richard and not cross any rights on these other products.

[emilianomorgia]

I do realize that with 12 layers + 4 mixes this goes way over a single DMX universe, but this is easily overcome by using ArtNET, or using fewer layers/mixes.

I'd love a light version of layers layout . No Keystone , no strobe , no trail .

Very basic stuf to control only the contents .

All other control could then go in the Mix control .

Not as standard , I do not say I don't want the 40ch , but I'll like a light version of the layer .

Also I wish a A/B crossfade layout . Say 6 A/B xfade layers .

the A/B xfade it's very useful , once you set the geometry in the Layer what you have to do it's only to select different contents and fade from A to B
Easy simple and useful , 90% of catalyst programming it's about crossfade from one content to an other .

I'm sure someone will jump in and will say that I'm having the worst idea by thinking to the A/B xfade but this is what I wish .

[Marty Postma]

Not at all...in fact there is some similar discussion going on in the DL.2 forums.

The PRG MBox already does this.

All we really need is two extra channels...one that determines the type of crossfade, and another that determines the speed.

So that once you change your Folder/File values...instead of "snapping" to the next piece of content...it follows the settings on these two new channels.

This should be added to the layers....maybe even as a Visual FX...with FX Param-1 being "type of crossfade" and Param-2 being "crossfade speed".

[Marty Postma]

Here is the thread on the HES forums for anyone who is interested:

http://forums.highend.com/showthread.php?t=4931