Page 1: User Manual
User Manual 1.0.0 so f t ware releas e 0 7 1 8 1 26 0 0 F I R S T P R I N T I NG : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 1 ZO D I A K V I D E O P R O D U C T I O N S W I T C H E R...
Page 2 Grass Valley Group. Grass Valley Group assumes no re- sponsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this publication.
Page 3: Table Of Contents
Introduction ............Zodiak System Configuration Overview....... . .
Page 4 Keyframe ............2-31 Effect Register, Work Buffer, and Current Effect ......2-31 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 5 Key Source Button Group......... 3-25 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 6 Menu Access Touch Button......... . . Zodiak User Manual...
Page 7 Matte – M/E Menu ..........4-57 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 8 Zodiak Drive Access ........
Page 9 ..............5-40 Glossary Index Zodiak User Manual...
Page 10 Contents Zodiak User Manual...
Page 11: Preface
The User Manual contains background information about the Zodiak Pro- duction Switcher, and describes operating procedures. This manual can be used while learning about Zodiak, and for enhancing your basic knowl- edge of the system. The Installation and Service Manual contains information about installing, conﬁguring, and maintaining the system.
Page 12 Preface Zodiak User Manual...
Page 13: Section 1 - System Overview
Powerful digital video switching, mixing, and keying with E-MEM are standard features of Zodiak, in addition to internal DVE (optional) and Still Store capability. The switcher is available in 2.5-M/E or 3-M/E models with or without Transform Engines (internal DVEs).
Page 14: 3-M/E System Standard Features
A third full M/E (replacing PGM/PST) with two complex and four simple wipes and four full function keyers plus three linear DSK keyers, and 13 Aux buses total plus switched Preview — up to eight Aux buses can be utilized for four Effects Send pairs. Zodiak User Manual...
Page 15: Zodiak System Options
Introduction Zodiak System Options The options listed below are for all models of Zodiak, except those dedi- cated to M/E 3. Selected sets of options may be combined into packages for initial purchase. Individual options can be purchased and added to a Zodiak system at a later time.
Page 16: System Components
Section 1 — System Overview System Components A Zodiak system consists of a Main panel, Menu panel, Video Processor frame, CD-ROM (internal to the Menu panel), external USB-powered Zip drive, and two standard 1.4 MB 3.5 in. ﬂoppy disk drives (one in the Main...
Page 17: Main Panel
Subpanel Connectors to the Zodiak Video Processor frame and to other components of the Zodiak Control Surface are located on the rear of the Main panel. The Main panel provides power to the separate Menu panel. The Main panel power switches, reset buttons, and ﬂoppy drive are...
Page 18: Menu Panel
ﬁve knobs for adjusting parameter values, and a CD-ROM (Figure 1-4 on page 1-7). The Menu panel can be installed behind or to either side of the Main panel, and should be oriented so the screen directly faces the operator. Zodiak User Manual...
Page 19: Main Panel Options
Zip drive, and other devices are located on the bottom of the Menu panel . Main Panel Options Remote Aux Panels Remote Aux panels provide control of selected Zodiak Aux buses from a remote location. Three 24-Crosspoint and two 32-Crosspoint Remote Aux panel types are available for Zodiak systems. Any combination of these aux panels can be used in a Zodiak system.
Page 20 (Figure 1-8). Figure 1-8. 24-Crosspoint Remote Aux Panel Rear View Test Mode Panel Address and Force High Tally Communications Bus DC Power Joystick Override FORCE HIGH TALLY TEST PANEL DC POWER MODE ADDRESS COMMUNICATIONS SHIELD JOYSTICK OVERRIDE Zodiak User Manual...
Page 21 Both 32-Crosspoint panels have the same rear panel layout (Figure 1-11). Figure 1-11. 32-Crosspoint Remote Aux Panel Rear View AC Power Camera Joystick Override RATED VOLTAGE RANGE: 85-260 VAC CAMERA JOYSTICK FREQUENCY: 47-440 Hz RATED CURRENT: 0.35 A OVERRIDE Zodiak User Manual...
Page 22: Video Processor Frame
A fully loaded 3-M/E system is shown in Figure 1-12. Figure 1-12. Fully Equipped Zodiak Video Processor Frame Front View (Door Removed) Single Board Floppy Drive Computer...
Page 23: Video Processor Power Supply
System Components The rear of the Zodiak Processor frame provides the reference, video and system control connectors for the system. Video Processor Power Supply The Zodiak Video Processor frame houses up to three slide-in modules rated at 400 watts each.
Page 24: Zodiak Facility Example
Section 1 — System Overview Zodiak Facility Example A basic facility conﬁguration example of a Zodiak system is shown in Figure 1-13. Numerous types of sources can be fed to the Video Processor frame. Each M/E, Keyer and Utility bus has internal video processing capability to correct color (including optional RGB color correction) and add effects.
Page 25: Functional Overview
Video Signal Flow The basic system architecture (Figure 1-14) of the Zodiak system has been designed for operational ﬂexibility. For example, all the outputs from every M/E and the PGM/PST are routed back to the video crosspoint matrix, making all these signals accessible to the entire system.
Page 26 Key Wipe Gen 4 Simple Aux/Send 6 Complex Wipe Gen Aux/Send 7 Aux/Return 6 Aux/Return 7 Aux Send 8 Aux/Return 8 Aux/Send 9 Aux/Return 9 M/E 1 PGM M/E 1 PVW M/E 2 PGM M/E 2 PVW 1-14 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 27 Key 2 Key Program B Key 3 Video Key 3 Key Program B A Video Background Generator B Video Preview B Bkg 1 Stillstore 1 Stillstore 2 Bkg 2 Stillstore 3 Stillstore 4 Program A Program B Zodiak User Manual 1-15...
Page 28: System Control
Zodiak system control is designed for ﬂexibility and simplicity. Ethernet, serial, parallel, and USB are used for system component interconnections. Tally and GPI control are available. Windows 2000 drives the Menu panel touch screen. An overview of Zodiak system control is shown in Figure 1-15.
Page 29: Section 2 - Concepts
The Zodiak Video Production Switcher is designed for operational ﬂexi- bility, and can be conﬁgured to ﬁt various applications. Different Zodiak systems can have different capabilities, or the same Zodiak system can be re-conﬁgured to have different capabilities at different times.
Page 30: Engineering Setups
Various other system functions. Suite Preferences A Zodiak suite corresponds to a control room, where there is a grouping of one or more control surfaces. Suite Preferences deﬁne how all the control surfaces associated with a Zodiak suite behave when they control the Zodiak system.
Page 31: User Preferences
Inputs and Sources Incoming video signals are connected to the Zodiak system via BNC con- nectors on the rear of the Zodiak Video Processor frame. All inputs are serial digital (SMPTE 259M, CCIR 601). Signals from external devices not operating in this standard will need to be converted.
Page 32: Source Definition
Source deﬁnition data is stored as a part of Engineering Setups. Only one set of source deﬁnition data can be active on a Zodiak system at a time. Note that source deﬁnition is separate from source memory, which speci- ﬁes what processing is to be applied to the source and can dynamically...
Page 33: Source Memory
In earlier generation switchers, the terms crosspoint button and crosspoint bus have been used in reference to control panel source selection. For a Zodiak system, the terms source button and source bus will be used. These terms better reﬂect a system operating philosophy that is source rather than cros-...
Page 34 Source Signal Inputs Video Video Video Video Only Video Only Key 1 Fill Bus Key 1 Cut Bus Single Button Controls Both Crosspoints Key 2 Fill Bus Key 2 Cut Bus Single Button Sends Same Signal to Both Buses Zodiak User Manual...
Page 35: Shifted Sources
On a 2.5- or 3-M/E Zodiak system, up to 46 sources can be mapped at one time, 23 to the unshifted source selection, and 23 to the shifted buttons. A...
Page 36: Re-Entry
M/E is then sent to an M/E output, typically program or pre- view. A video production switcher can have more than one M/E. For example, a 3-M/E Zodiak system has three (M/E 1, M/E 2, and M/E 3). Each Zodiak M/E produces two outputs, M/E Program and Preview. Re-Entry Switchers with multiple M/Es generally have re-entry capabilities.
Page 37: Utility Buses
M/E. Effects Send allows you to process a key effect as though the digital effects circuits were located inside the M/E itself. On the Zodiak system, Effects Send is integrated into each M/E and is an extension of the keying control system (Figure 2-4).
Page 38: Outputs
Section 2 — Concepts M/E’s mixer inputs. If the Zodiak system is equipped with the optional Transform Engine option, the effects become part of the internal M/E’s mixer. Outputs Video production switchers generate several different video outputs (Pro- gram, Preview, etc.). A ﬁnal program output from PGM is typically sent to the transmitter for broadcast and/or to output devices for recording.
Page 39: Transitions
Transitions A transition is a change from one image to another. The Zodiak system sup- ports three basic types of transitions: Wipe...
Page 40: Cut
Full Additive Mix Full Additive Mix (FAM) is a special mix transition that the Zodiak system supports besides normal crossfade transitions. Picture elements in FAM transitions are composited differently through the time of the transition(Figure 2-5).
Page 41: Wipe
(position, aspect ratios, edge attributes, etc.). Each Zodiak M/E has two separate wipe systems, each of which can be assigned a different wipe pattern and be adjusted independently. These systems can each use one of the two available complex wipe pattern gener- ators with advanced capabilities.
Page 42: Transition Rate
It is also possible to manually control transitions using a lever arm. On the Zodiak system, one transition rate can be assigned to the main tran- sition of each M/E. This type of transition can be controlled by that M/E’s lever arm.
Page 43: Key Priority And Transitions
Key Priority and Transitions The four keyers on a Zodiak M/E can be assigned priorities. This deter- mines the layering of the keys. The highest priority key appears on top, while keyers with lower priority may be partially or fully hidden behind those with higher key priorities.
Page 44: Matte Fill Key Example
This key ﬁll signal is accurately called non-shaped video, but may also be referred to as unshaped video since both signal types are processed identically during keying. 2-16 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 45: Key Control Signal Adjustment
ﬁll video can be summed with a background signal (with a hole cut) and achieve the desired result. When the shaping is per- formed by the source device, the Zodiak system can use a standard clip and gain setting deﬁned during system conﬁguration to create the key cut control signal, and so relieve the operator of having to adjust clip and gain manually.
Page 46: Clip And Gain
Linear keys typically use minimal gain (also called unity gain) to completely preserve the soft edges of the keys (Figure 2-8). Note that the Zodiak system also supports keys that go below unity gain. Figure 2-8. Keying Gain Values Gain...
Page 47: Clip Hi And Clip Lo
Keying On the Zodiak system, Gain has a percentage value. A Gain value of 50% requires a luminance change of 50% of the distance between black and white to produce a keying signal ranging from transparent to opaque. A gain value of 100% (unity gain) uses the entire range between black and white for this transparent to opaque transition.
Page 48: Additional Keying Controls
(typically a key ﬁll signal delivered via one of the Utility buses). With the Zodiak Still Store, the mask signal can be a frozen page of video or a key ﬁll. Complex mask shapes are often easier to draw by hand than to create with multiple wipe patterns.
Page 49: Key Positioning
(watermarks). The level of the key cut signal determines where and how deeply the hole will be cut into the background. The intended soft edge and translucency of the key can then be faithfully reproduced (Figure 2-11). Zodiak User Manual 2-21...
Page 50: Fixed And Adjustable Linear Keys
Fixed and Adjustable Linear Keys The Zodiak system supports both ﬁxed and adjustable linear keys. A ﬁxed linear key uses clip and gain values deﬁned in system conﬁguration to create the key cut signal. Typically these values are Clip 50% and unity Gain (equivalent to Clip Hi 100%, Clip Lo 0%).
Page 51: Luminance Key And Self Key
(video only) Luminance Key Key Fill Clip and Gain (or Clip Hi/Lo) controls for luminance keys offer wide adjustment ranges. On the Zodiak system, an S-shaping function is also applied to the edges of luminance keys. Zodiak User Manual 2-23...
Page 52: Chroma Key
Background refers to the scene that will replace the backing color (same as a linear or luminance key) in the ﬁnal picture. Background does not refer to the back- drop of the foreground scene. 2-24 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 53: Primary And Secondary Color Suppression
Chroma Key Shadow Generator The Zodiak system has a shadow generator that can be used to include shadows that fall on the backing area of the scene in the background. Shadow offset, range, and density controls are also available that offer control over the placement and appearance of the added shadow.
Page 54: Preset Pattern
Key Fill Split Key A split key uses an alternative key cut signal for keying. On the Zodiak system, a key split is performed by selecting the desired key ﬁll signal, then selecting an alternative signal to be used as the key cut (Figure 2-15).
Page 55: Properly And Improperly Shaped Video
Split keys normally treat the ﬁll as unshaped since by def- inition a split key uses a ﬁll that is not related to the cut. The Zodiak system gives the operator the ability to override this assumption for use when a cut and ﬁll are brought into the switcher from two separate sources, such as a...
Page 56 (Figure 2-18). Figure 2-18. Incorrect Key with Dark Halo In this case the shaped input is incorrectly shaped again, sometimes called a double-multiply (Figure 2-19). 2-28 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 57 ﬁll video and key hole edges overlap, producing a white halo around the (Figure 2-20). Figure 2-20. Incorrect Key With White Halo In this case the unshaped video fails to be shaped at all (Figure 2-21) Zodiak User Manual 2-29...
Page 58: E-Mem (Effects Memory)
E-MEM (Effects Memory) Grass Valley Group developed the E-MEM (Effects Memory) system to provide a way of storing effects for later use. An effect deﬁnes parameter settings that determine how the selected video sources are processed. An E-MEM effect is learned into an effect register, and can then be recalled at a later time with a single button press.
Page 59: Keyframe
(see page 2-33). The Zodiak system has 100 E-MEM registers (numbered 0 - 99) able to store operational settings for immediate recall. Effect register data must be applied to the work buffer before these settings can affect the system. When...
Page 60 Keyframe Keyframe (no change) Effect Registers Current Effect Effect registers can be locked to prevent them from being altered, and they can be saved to disk and reloaded and recalled for use at a later time. 2-32 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 61: Banks And Registers
E-MEM (Effects Memory) Banks and Registers The Zodiak E-MEM and Master E-MEM control panels are optimized for rapid recall of effects during live production. The Zodiak system’s 100 effect registers can be thought of as being organized into banks (numbered 0 to 9), with each bank containing ten registers (also numbered 0 to 9).
Page 62 (Modify). The new values can modify an existing keyframe, or they can be inserted between keyframes (called inserting on the path). It is also possible to Learn, rather than Modify, an 2-34 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 63: Effect Dissolve
Figure 2-27. Effect Dissolve Work Effect 2 Buffer Settings Interpolated To Effect Effect 3 Dissolve Copy Of Work Interpolator Buffer Before Effect Dissolve Effect 2 Effect 3 Keyframe Keyframe Effect Registers Previous Current New Current Effect Effect Zodiak User Manual 2-35...
Page 64: Effect Sequence
0 is recalled, the sequence will proceed from register 0 to register 1 to register 3. Effect dissolves can occur within a sequence. The interpolator described earlier is used to smoothly change to the next register in the sequence. 2-36 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 65: E-Mem Levels
For example, on a 2-M/E Zodiak system each M/E has its own level. Each level also has its own set of effect registers. The settings for M/E 1 can be recalled without changing the settings for M/E 2, or PGM PST.
Page 66: Master Timeline And Multiple Level Keyframe Effects
The time cursor represents the current time of the effect. As the time cursor moves, the Work Buffer is updated with the changing parameters. Figure 2-31 shows an effect with its time cursor located on master timeline keyframe 3. 2-38 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 67 An edit cursor is also available, which can be used during effect editing. Usually the time and edit cursors are superimposed on one another and move as one. When separated, editing actions occur at the edit cursor loca- tion. Zodiak User Manual 2-39...
Page 68: Number And Types Of E-Mem Levels
Section 2 — Concepts Number and Types of E-MEM Levels The Zodiak system supports a large number of E-MEM levels because of the many different sets of operating controls available. E-MEM levels for the following functional areas exist. Each M/E primary partition...
Page 69: Source Memory
Source Memory Source memory is a Zodiak system feature that retains the last settings of keying and video processing parameters used for each source on each bus. Source memory permits the operator to hot cut from one key to another and retain the settings for each source.
Page 70: Source Memory Organization
E-MEM register if the effect is relearned. Source Memory Organization Each source on each Zodiak bus has its own source memory. Source memory parameters for each source are organized into groups to allow some settings to be remembered and applied independently to meet dif-...
Page 71 Preset Pattern Settings Preset Pattern Settings Because a Zodiak source may have two signals (key cut and key ﬁll), dif- ferent groups of source memory parameters are associated with each signal. The Zodiak system key buses always have key cut and key ﬁll sig- nals.
Page 72 When a key split is performed a different key cut signal is selected for use. On a Zodiak system with source memory on, that new key cut source’s key mode and keyer settings will be used for the split key (Figure 2-35).
Page 73: Default Source Memory And Factory Default Source Memory
2-33). The defaults for a source are not bus speciﬁc. The same default values for a source are used on every Zodiak bus. Default source memory is a Suite Preference. A ﬁxed factory default source memory that cannot be changed by the end user is also included in every Zodiak system.
Page 74 Section 2 — Concepts 2-46 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 75: Section 3 - Control Surface Description
Section Control Surface Description Introduction A basic Zodiak system is equipped with a Main panel, a Menu panel, and removable media drives. These separate control panel components make up a Zodiak control surface. Interactions occur between the components of the control surface. For example, changing controls on the Main panel can change the status of soft buttons on the Menu panel, and vice versa.
Page 76: Single Press
For example, no button exists in the Keyer subpanels for an adjustable linear keys. Pressing Lin Key Lum Key simultaneously selects an adjustable linear key. Both button tallys will be lit in this state. Zodiak User Manual...
Page 77: Double Press
(see Dialogs and Prompting below). Tallys will be off for buttons whose functions are off or not available. If a disabled button is pressed a warning notiﬁcation occurs (audible beep and/or message on the Menu panel). Zodiak User Manual...
Page 78: Dialogs And Prompting
Delegation can greatly reduce confusion over which button to press or which knob to turn to control each object in the system. Delegation on the Zodiak system provides exceptional ease of use and ﬂex- ibility. The delegation mechanism has intelligent customizable automatic delegation, and individual delegation button groups.
Page 79: Automatic Subpanel Delegation
Menu panes Automatic Subpanel Delegation The Zodiak system is designed so that when an operator activates a partic- ular object, one or more subpanels will automatically delegate to control the speciﬁc object involved. This allows the operator to quickly access the necessary controls without having to select them manually.
Page 80: Dpop And Spop Menu Delegation
Chr Key Keyers Keyer Chroma Key menu Key Prior Keyers Keyer Priority menu Pst Pttn (Preset Pattern) Keyers Wipe menu User Tran Transition Wipe Transition Wipe menu SPOP Button Subpanel Menu Displayed Menu Transform Effects Send menu Zodiak User Manual...
Page 81: Keypad Delegation
Transition rate in seconds, frames, ﬁeld ↑ / Bank Bank number Time Value Entry Time values are input on the Zodiak Main Control Panel E-MEM and Master E-MEM subpanels in seconds, frames, odd ﬁeld format, using the button the separator (indicated below as “ ”...
Page 82 Enter You can actually enter any combination of seconds, frames and ﬁelds. The Zodiak system will do the conversion and display the result in seconds, frame, ﬁeld format. Decimal values for other non-time parameters are also input on the Master...
Page 83: 2.5-M/E And 3-M/E Main Panel
2.5-M/E and 3-M/E Main Panel 2.5-M/E and 3-M/E Main Panel The Zodiak 2.5 and 3-M/E Main panel is designed as an intuitive, full-fea- tured production system. Both panels are very similar, differing only in appearance by the presence of additional key caps in the 3-M/E system.
Page 84: Source Selection
4-24). The remaining available sources can be selected via an E-MEM recall or using the Source Select menu. The re-entry buttons are ﬁxed and cannot be mapped. Figure 3-2. Zodiak System Source Selectors on Main Panel, Left Side M/E/PGM/PST Source...
Page 85 2.5-M/E and 3-M/E Main Panel Figure 3-3. Zodiak System Reentry Selectors on Main Panel M/E/PGM/PST Reentry Crosspoints Shift Re-Entry Shift Buttons Shift Shift Shift Re-Entry Buttons Shift Shift Re-Entry Shift Program Buttons Shift Preset Zodiak User Manual 3-11...
Page 86: Background Buses
The Key source selector buses in M/E 1 and 2 are delegated six ways to Key 1, Key 2, Key 3, Key 4, Utility, and Macro. Delegation of the Key bus is assigned with the M/E Key Delegate Bus subpanel (Figure 3-4 on page 3-13) in each M/E. 3-12 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 87 Link ments on page 3-18). Figure 3-5. PGM/PST or M/E 3 Key Bus Delegate Subpanel PGM/PST or M/E 3 Preview Bus Delegate Subpanel Key Bus Delegate Macro 2.5-M/E System Key Bus Delegate Util Macro 3-M/E System Zodiak User Manual 3-13...
Page 88: Source Button Tally
PVW/AUX Bus Source Selection A single, local PVW/AUX bus is provided at the top of the Zodiak control panel for delegating Aux bus, Still Store and switched preview control and selecting sources on the nine (2.5-M/E system) or thirteen (3-M/E system) Aux buses.
Page 89: Source Selection Buses
Shift Preview Subpanel The Zodiak preview system consists of one preview output from each M/E, two preview outputs from PGM and PST (Preview A and Preview B), and a switched preview. Preview A and B show a DSK preview for PGM A and B respectively.
Page 90: Primary Signal Selection
PGM B button will send the preview (not program) output signal of that bus to the Zodiak system’s switched preview output. Only one button can be selected at a time on this subpanel. The currently selected button will be high tally.
Page 91: Transition Subpanels
2.5-M/E and 3-M/E Main Panel Transition Subpanels Each M/E on the Zodiak system, is functionally identical and provides complete mix, wipe, and keying capabilities. The Transition subpanel con- trols these compositing operations for each M/E and PGM/PST (or M/E 3 in a 3-M/E system).
Page 92 User Tran they can be a Mix, or Wipe transition. Specialized enhancements and com- binations of transition effects, including Mix through Matte, FAM (Full 3-18 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 93 A and B bus selections will go low tally. The second command transitions from black to the ﬁnal stage, completing the preset black transi- tion. The preset black function is canceled automatically at the end of the second transition. Zodiak User Manual 3-19...
Page 94: Keyer Transition Controls
If pressed when the button is off, it cuts the key on. If a keyer is part way through a transition, pressing its button will complete the transition, cutting the key either on or off, Key Cut 3-20 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 95: Transition Rates
Transition Lever Arm Auto Trans button to perform a main transition. For example, you can start the transi- tion by moving the lever off its limit, and ﬁnish the transition by pressing Zodiak User Manual 3-21...
Page 96: M/E Keyer Subpanels
Mask Mask Button Group (2) Gain Mask Delegation Key Source Matte Video Button Group (2) Button Group (2) Fill Split Prior Key Type Linear Chroma Preset Button Pattern Clip Group (4) Keyer Delegation Button Group (4) 3-22 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 97: Keyer Delegation Button Group
Clip Hi Lo Clip Gain Preferences Menu on page 4-27. Key opacity (translucency) may also be adjusted in the Keyer menus with a soft knob. Refer to Keyer Menus on page 4-60. Zodiak User Manual 3-23...
Page 98: Key Type Button Group
Transform subpanel, when properly delegated, controls the location of the preset pattern on the screen. Note The Preset Pattern and Masking features share common keyer hardware. When a Preset Pattern is being used by a keyer, masking will be disabled for that keyer. 3-24 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 99: Key Source Button Group
ﬁll bus source unchanged. To cancel a key split, note the key ﬁll source when is not held down, Key Split then hold down and select that same source for use as the key cut. Key Split Zodiak User Manual 3-25...
Page 100: Key Invert Button
(internal DPM) and (external DPM) buttons control how Int DPM Ext DPM key and video signals are routed to the keyer’s Transform Engine and/or to the external digital effects devices through the effects send and return loop. 3-26 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 101: Dsk Keyer Subpanel
The DSK key functionality is simpler than the M/E keyers and offers Linear and Luminance Keys. Linear Key button selects a ﬁxed linear key, which uses clip and gain Linear Key values deﬁned in Engineering Setups. These values cannot be changed from the panel. Zodiak User Manual 3-27...
Page 102: Key Source Button Group
M/E. Holding down this button displays the black and white key control signal of the currently delegated keyer on that M/E’s preview output. The results of any clipping and masking will be shown. 3-28 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 103: Dsk Subpanel
See Show Key Button on page 3-28. DSK Cut and Mix Button Groups Two groups of DSK transition buttons are provided to allow independent cut and mix of the DSK keyers. Zodiak User Manual 3-29...
Page 104: Fade To Black Subpanel
3. Make a time entry using the keypad and press Enter to ﬁnalize the value. Refer to Time Value Entry on page 3-7 for complete instructions on how to make a time value entry. 3-30 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 105: Transform Subpanel
Operating the Transform subpanel involves delegating a resource and a set of associated parameters to the Joystick. The Joystick then provides control of the delegated parameter values. Parameters can also be delegated to the Master E-MEM subpanel for exact value entry. Zodiak User Manual 3-31...
Page 106: Joystick
Section 3 — Control Surface Description Joystick The Zodiak system Joystick is a precision three-axis device. Moving the Joystick towards or away from you controls the Y-axis, moving the Joystick left and right controls the X-axis, and rotating the Joystick controls the Z-...
Page 107 3D space. Locate 3D button retains X and Y location but replaces Z location with Locate Size image size. button permits X, Y, and Z rotation of the image. Rotate Zodiak User Manual 3-33...
Page 108: Menu Controls
Master E-MEM subpanel keypad. The Master E-MEM subpanel keypad may then be used to enter an exact value for that parameter. The button can be used to apply the default (center) value Detent for the delegated axis. 3-34 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 109: E-Mem Subpanels
M/E or PGM/PST in which the subpanel resides. The E-MEM subpanel also provides Lock, Sequence, Effect Dissolve and Run capabilities. On the Zodiak system, M/Es 1, 2, and 3 (or PGM/PST in a 2.5-M/E system) are equipped with this subpanel (Figure 3-16).
Page 110: Keypad Prefix Buttons
Pressing the number button completes the bank selection operation (the Enter key is not used). For example, for the Recall operation, pressing the following buttons will recall a register from another bank. ↑ Bank, bank number, register number 3-36 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 111 E-MEM Readout display (see E-MEM Readout Display page 3-40). Sequence Button button is used to program and recall sequences of registers (see Effect Sequence on page 2-36). This preﬁx button modiﬁes Learn and Recall operations. Zodiak User Manual 3-37...
Page 112 Pressing the Effect Dis button while an Effect Dissolve is in progress stops it at that point. 3-38 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 113 Undo/• repeatedly allows toggling back and forth between the last two states of the current effect. The button must be used immediately after an undes- Undo/• ired operation, or it may be unable to undo it. Zodiak User Manual 3-39...
Page 114: Run Control Button
Reg is locked for ﬁve seconds. Typical readout dis- plays are shown in (Figure 3-18). Figure 3-18. E-MEM Readout Display of User Prompts Time Entry Prompt User Message Auto = 2:0 Reg is locked 3-40 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 115: Master E-Mem Subpanel
The Master E-MEM subpanel can also Learn and Recall effects for all the other M/Es, individually or in combination. In addition, the Master E-MEM subpanel can affect other Zodiak levels, making this an effective control center for the entire Zodiak system.
Page 116: Master E-Mem Enable Buttons
Prefix Buttons (3 of 7) Master E-MEM Enable Buttons The Master E-MEM subpanel can control the entire Zodiak effects system, but changing the entire system all at once is rarely needed except when pre- paring for a new session. The E-MEM system is divided into levels to allow...
Page 117: Auto Recall Button
It Auto Recall can be difﬁcult to remember which levels are involved in a complex effect. button can be used to make Zodiak system automatically Auto Recall enable the levels that were used to create an effect. Complex effects can then be easily recalled without fear of having the wrong levels enabled.
Page 118: Run Control Buttons
E-MEM recalls will Hold Inputs change any of the current source selections on any Zodiak system bus (including the Aux buses). When on, no source on any bus will change when an E-MEM is recalled. When off, sources may change during an E-MEM recall (if no other types of hold are in force).
Page 119: Keyframe Edit Buttons
Memory deﬁnes settings for each source. These settings are used when the source memory is cleared (see Work Buffer, E-MEM, and Source Memory page 2-41). Figure 3-21. Keyframe Edit Buttons Clear Work Buffer Previous Next Copy Modify Paste Insert Insert Before After Keyframe Edit Zodiak User Manual 3-45...
Page 120 The contents of the clipboard can be pasted anywhere on the timeline or deleted. Use this button to delete a keyframe. – Pressing the button places the currently marked keyframe(s) Copy Copy onto the clipboard but leaves it in the timeline. 3-46 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 121: Auto Run Button
Master E-MEM subpanel controls whether a Auto Run multiple keyframe effect will run when it is recalled. When on, the effect will immediately run when recalled. When off, the effect will remain on its ﬁrst keyframe when recalled. Zodiak User Manual 3-47...
Page 122: Disk Drives
Section 3 — Control Surface Description Disk Drives The Zodiak ﬁle system includes a CD-ROM drive installed in the side of the Menu panel used to load software ﬁles and an external 250 Mb Zip disk used for saving and loading conﬁguration and effect ﬁles. The system also includes two 1.44 MB ﬂoppy drives, one located inside the Main panel tub...
Page 123: Section 4 - Menus Overview
Main and Remote Aux panels. The Menu panel is used extensively for setup and effects creation. CAUTION Do not install unauthorized applications on the Zodiak system. Activity from other applications may adversely affect Zodiak system operation. Menu Panel Description The Menu panel has a touch screen display and ﬁve soft knobs on the right...
Page 124: Touch Screen
In these cases a line connects the soft knob to the controlled screen area. Figure 4-2. Soft Knob and Pad Soft Knob Label Data Soft Knob Zodiak User Manual...
Page 125: Menu Screen Organization And Components
Menu Screen Organization and Components Menu Screen Organization and Components Zodiak system menus are context sensitive. They display different infor- mation and provide various types of controls depending on what area of the system is involved. Menus are organized into categories of related con- trols, which can be directly selected with touch buttons located at the bottom of the screen.
Page 126: Data Pads And Touch Buttons
4-3). Touching this data pad brings up a wipes palette, from which wipe pattern generator shapes are selected. Note that a single touch of a data pad will not change any Zodiak system settings, but just brings up controls that permit changes. You can safely touch any data pad to explore that object’s parameters and settings.
Page 127: Menu Top Line
Menu Screen Organization and Components Menu Top Line The top line is identical in all the Zodiak system menus. The left portion of the top line identiﬁes the name of the current menu. The selected subcate- gory or speciﬁc mode is also displayed when appropriate. The right portion of the top line is an operator notiﬁcation area, where messages gen-...
Page 128: Parameter Control Area
Touching a soft knob pad or other single numeric parameter pad brings up a numeric keypad that can be used to enter exact values (Figure 4-4). You can also connect a standard computer keyboard to enter information while this display is active. Figure 4-4. Numeric Keypad Zodiak User Manual...
Page 129: Alphanumeric Keypad
Sometimes it is not possible to display all the available selections on a menu screen. For example, the Daily Setups-Local Panels menu has two vertically scrolling areas, one that lists the available buttons and one that lists the available sources (Figure 4-6 on page 4-8). Zodiak User Manual...
Page 130: Menu And Panel Interactions
Once that menu is displayed, delegation changes affecting that menu that are made on the Main panel will be tracked on the Menu panel. For example, if M/E 2 Key 1 is selected on a menu, and then M/E 2 Key 2 is Zodiak User Manual...
Page 131 Main panel will affect only M/E 1 Key 1. When the delegation of either panel is changed to a new object, that object’s current status (which may have been changed since last shown) will be reﬂected on that panel. Zodiak User Manual...
Page 132: Menu Summaries
Section 4 — Menus Overview Menu Summaries In the remainder of this chapter, ﬁgures of several Zodiak system menus are presented to familiarize you with various screen layouts. Cross refer- ences are provided for more detailed information. Because each menu con-...
Page 133: Home Menu
The Home menu (Figure 4-8) is used to access the other Zodiak system menus. Touch the button of the desired menu type to go directly to that menu. If multiple menus are available for that type, the last selected menu will be displayed.
Page 134 E-MEM registers load and save, source holds, interpolation paths, register ops Matte Matte adjustment controls for all mattes in the system Keyer Keyer type and adjustment controls Wipe Wipe pattern generator selection and pattern modiﬁer adjustment controls Last Menu Returns to the last menu viewed 4-12 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 135: Daily Setups Menus
Daily Setups Save-Load Menu The Daily Setups Save-Load menu employs the Zodiak ﬁle browser and is used to save and load User Proﬁles, Suite Proﬁle, and Source Memory information to disk. Only these ﬁle formats are supported in this menu. The...
Page 136: Profiles Menu
Proﬁles Figure 4-10. Proﬁles Menu A collection of preference settings is called a proﬁle. Zodiak proﬁles can be used to instantly change all the Suite or User preferences of a Zodiak system. This allows operators to quickly customize the behavior of the panels and/or to prepare for different shows without having to alter indi- vidual preference settings.
Page 137: Suite Prefs Menus
Menu Summaries Suite Prefs Menus A Zodiak suite is a grouping of one or more control surfaces. Systems with more than one control surface may be used by more than one operator at the same time. Suite Preference controls deﬁne how all the control surfaces associated with a Zodiak suite behave.
Page 138 Refer to Hold to Preview on page 3-23 and Show Key Button on page 3-26. Safe Title/Action The following overlays can be displayed on the Zodiak system Switched Preview output: Safe title (10% underscan), Safe action (5% underscan), Center of screen, Screen unit grid, User Lines (horizontal and vertical).
Page 139: Default Keyframe Menu
Default Keyframe Menu The Default Keyframe menu is used to learn the current Zodiak panel state to the system’s Default Keyframe, and to set the Default Keyframe back to factory settings. The Default Keyframe is used when an empty register is recalled and when the button is pressed.
Page 140: E-Mem Prefs Menu
Figure 4-13. E-MEM Prefs Menu E-MEM Level Group to Enable Button Assignment The Zodiak E-MEM system has many levels (M/E 1 -3, PGM PST, etc.), the actual number depending on installed options and external devices. Each level offers independent E-MEM control of speciﬁc Zodiak system areas and capabilities.
Page 141 None Misc 1, 2, or 3 Grouped level assignments can be used to isolate control of Zodiak compo- nents and external devices, and to logically associate things together. For example, you can assign GPIs 1-5 that are used for Play, Stop, Rewind, etc.
Page 142 On the left individual levels can be selected for assignment (the selected level is yellow). Touching one of the E-MEM Enable buttons will assign that level to that button. Click on to return to the previous menu, from Done which you can access other levels to change. 4-20 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 143: Video Settings Menu
Menu Summaries Video Settings Menu The Video Settings menu is used to set video standards to be used by the Zodiak system. This menu is accessed by touching Daily Setups Suite Prefs (Figure 4-15). Aspect Ratio, Matte Limiting, and Default Video Settings Transform Engine Crop controls are active on this menu.
Page 144 16:9 Command Processing These controls determine when commands (like source selections or the initiation of mixes or wipes) will be enacted by the Zodiak system (also known as ﬁeld dominance). These controls can be useful for consistent match frame editing.
Page 145: Source Memory Menu
, and ). Changing the key Fixed Lin Pst Ptn type of a currently selected source will select the source memory settings for that new key type, regardless of whether source memory is enabled or disabled. Zodiak User Manual 4-23...
Page 146: User Prefs Menus
Daily Setups User Prefs Button Mapping (Figure 4-17). Figure 4-17. Button Mapping Menu On the Zodiak system, each bank on the Main Panel has the same source to button mapping. See Button Mapping on page 5-3 for speciﬁc operating instructions. 4-24...
Page 147: Aux Deleg Mapping Menu
Figure 4-18. Aux Delegation Menu The Zodiak PVW/AUX panel has 9 Aux bus delegation buttons that can be used to control 9 Aux buses at a time. A 2.5-M/E system has a total of 9 Aux buses available allowing all buses to be conﬁgured. The 3-M/E system has 13 available aux buses, 9 of which may be delegated to the Aux delegation buttons.
Page 148: Shift Preferences Menu
Shift state and lights the button. Selecting any crosspoint button to its left now selects only a latched source until the button is pressed again and turns off. Figure 4-19. Shift Preferences Menu 4-26 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 149: Clip Hi Lo Preferences Menu
4-20). Prefs Figure 4-20. Clip Hi-Lo Prefs Menu The Clip and Gain knobs on the Zodiak system Main panel and Menu panel can control either Clip and Gain, or Clip Hi and Clip Low, depending on the preference set (see...
Page 150: Eng Setups Menus
Engineering Setups conﬁguration procedures are covered in more detail in the separate Zodiak Installation and Service Manual. Eng Setups Save-Load Menu The Eng Setups Save-Load menu employs the Zodiak ﬁle browser and is used to save and load Engineering Setup information. The menu is accessed by touching (Figure 4-21).
Page 151: Sources Menu
The menu is accessed by touching Eng Setup Sources (Figure 4-22). See Section 3 - Conﬁguration in the separate Zodiak Installation and Service Manual for speciﬁc instructions on deﬁning sources. Figure 4-22. Sources Menu Zodiak User Manual 4-29...
Page 152: Outputs Menu
Section 4 — Menus Overview Outputs Menu The Eng Setups - Outputs menu is used to assign the Zodiak system Aux Buses to the physical output destinations on the rear of the Video Processor frame. The menu is accessed by touching (Figure 4-23).
Page 153: System Menus
Menu Summaries System Menus The System menus are used to identify the Zodiak Frame and Main panel IP address (Conﬁg), and conﬁgure Remote Aux panels ( ). Subcate- Aux Panel gory selection buttons for these controls are located on the left.
Page 154: File Operations Menu
The File Operations menu employs the Zodiak ﬁle browser. This menu is used to navigate through the available ﬁle hierarchies, create folders, rename folders and ﬁles, and copy/paste ﬁles. Only mapped network drives and selected areas of the Zodiak system are accessible. The menu is reached by touching (Figure 4-25).
Page 155: Status/Diags - Versions Menu
Menu Summaries Status/Diags - Versions Menu The Versions menu displays currently loaded software versions for all the Zodiak system components (Figure 4-26). Touch to access this Status & Diags menu. Figure 4-26. Versions Menu A Memory Usage bar graph displays the amount of E-MEM keyframe memory currently in use.
Page 156: Facility Manager
Section 4 — Menus Overview Facility Manager The Facility Manager menu is used in conjunction with external interfaces to the Zodiak system. This functionality is currently not used. DSK Menu The DSK menu (Figure 4-27) is used to set the Clean Feed conﬁguration for the PGM A and PGM B switcher outputs.
Page 157: Aux Bus Menu
(see Aux Deleg Mapping Menu on page 4-25). Refer to Section 3 – Con- ﬁguration in the Zodiak Installation and Service Manual for complete Aux Bus conﬁguration instructions. When an Aux bus is conﬁgured as an Aux Pair, the settings on the Aux Bus menu affect the B channel output of that Aux Pair as shown in the example below.
Page 158 When a different source is chosen for the B channel (not associated with the video signal in the Sources menu) the SPLIT indicator will light as shown above to indicate a split key has been performed. 4-36 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 159: Timeline Menus
If a register is not currently loaded, the menu will be blank with a No Valid Register message (Figure 4-29). In this situation load a register containing keyframes to bring information to the screen. Figure 4-29. Timeline-View Menu Zodiak User Manual 4-37...
Page 160: Timeline - Edit Menu
The master keyframes are numbered, and show their time in the effect. If adjacent keyframes are located so close there is not room to display separate keyframe lines or numbers, they will be removed. Non-consecutive numbers will indicate hidden keyframes exist. 4-38 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 161 Changing the duration of a keyframe will move all the affected keyframes on the timeline to reﬂect their new locations in the effect. Zodiak User Manual 4-39...
Page 162: Clear Work Buffer Buttons
– This is a soft button in the Timeline Edit menu. Touching this Rest WrkBfr button restores the work buffer to its original keyframe values or interpo- lated state. For example, if you recall an effect and make changes to its set- 4-40 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 163: Timeline Navigation Button Group
Constant Duration mode, however, even though this does increase the duration of the overall effect. (This is different behavior from the Grass Valley Group Model 4000 switcher, which did not permit inserting on a keyframe in Constant Duration mode).
Page 164 M/E 1 M/E 2 parameters are compatible. If the clipboard contains data from multiple timelines, the paste operation will only be permitted if the same timelines are currently delegated in the effect. 4-42 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 165: Modify, Insert Buttons
Pause At KF current edit cursor position. A running effect pauses when it encounters a keyframe pause on the timeline, and will resume running when the Zodiak User Manual 4-43...
Page 166: Timeline - Time Adjust Menu
The Timeline-Time Adjust menu is accessed by touching Timeline Time Adjust (Figure 4-31). Select the button in the menu to change the duration with a numeric KF Dur keypad. Press the button to make the change. Mod KF Figure 4-31. Timeline-Time Adjust Menu 4-44 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 167: Timeline - Path Menu
The Path controls on the right may be delegated to a single part of the Zodiak system by selecting only one item in each delega- tion pane, but multiple delegation is also available. When only one item is selected in each delegation pane, the current Path type setting is indicated on the Path controls.
Page 168 (until a limit is reached). Entering a knob value using the data pad, how- ever, applies that exact value to all delegated items (absolute change). 4-46 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 169 Keyer Wipe and Pst Ptn Size parameters for M/E 1 Keyer 1 and 2, and M/E 2 Keyer 1 and 2 will all be affected by the Path controls on the right. Figure 4-33. Path Types Menu, Multiple M/E and Keyer Selections Zodiak User Manual 4-47...
Page 170 Figure 4-34 only the Position parameter of the C1 Wipe of M/E 2 will be affected by the controls, which shows the current setting of a Linear path type. Figure 4-34. Path Types Menu, Wipe Groups 4-48 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 171 Keyer and a C Wipe are selected the Groups pane is cleared (Figure 4-36). If both an M/E and a Bkgd are selected, both the Sublevels and the Groups panes disappear (Figure 4-37). Zodiak User Manual 4-49...
Page 172 Section 4 — Menus Overview Figure 4-36. Groups Pane Hidden Figure 4-37. Sublevels and Groups Panes Hidden 4-50 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 173: To Change Path Control Values In An Effect
Continuity in the plus direction gives a bigger bounce, with +2.0 a good value. Bias in the plus direction makes the curve happen after the keyframe. Bias in the minus direction makes the curve happen before the key- frame. Zodiak User Manual 4-51...
Page 174: Cutting And Pasting Path Values
Change the Path Type on the function keyframe to S-Linear. Set the Curve path Tension value on the function keyframe to 100. Set a Path Control menu Hold for the function on the previous key- frame. 4-52 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 175: E-Mem Menus
Menu Summaries E-MEM Menus E-MEM – Save-Load Menu The E-MEM Save-Load menu employs the Zodiak ﬁle browser and is used to save and load E-MEM ﬁles. Only this ﬁle format is supported in the menu. The menu is accessed by touching (Figure 4-38).
Page 176: E-Mem - Source Holds Menu
2. Select the buses you wish to hold by touching their labeled buttons on the menu so their green indicators illuminate. 3. Choose the bank and register number on the E-MEM subpanel, then press to create a new effect with a Source Hold in its ﬁrst Learn keyframe. 4-54 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 177: E-Mem - Path Menu
E-MEM – Path Menu The Path category selection button at the bottom of the menu provides access to the Interpolation Paths menu (see Timeline – Path Menu page 4-45). This menu provides controls over interpolation between key- frames. Zodiak User Manual 4-55...
Page 178: E-Mem - Register Ops Menu
Select the register to be copied by touching the button and entering a register number with the keypad. Select to assign a register to paste the effect. Figure 4-40. E-MEM Register Ops Menu 4-56 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 179: Matte Menus
4-41), touch pads are displayed for each keyer, and for the wipe in that M/E. Touching any of these pads displays the current parameters in the remainder of the menu, with soft knob control. Figure 4-41. Matte Menu Zodiak User Manual 4-57...
Page 180: Matte - Dsk
Values can be entered with the popup keypad, or with the standard PC keyboard. The DSK matte menu is a subset of the M/E menu. Zodiak downstream keyers are simpliﬁed and do not employ wash, borders, utility video ﬁll or texture.
Page 181: Matte - Background Menu
V-stretch set how many pixels repeat on each pattern element in the hori- zontal and vertical directions. For a complete explanation of setting matte values, see Matte Menu Controls on page 5-27. Figure 4-43. Matte Menu, Background Selected Zodiak User Manual 4-59...
Page 182: Keyer Menus
Eng Setups – Sources menu. The Keyer Mode selec- tions ( ) can be selected in the menu Matte Fill Video Key Force Shaped Invert or will follow the selections made in the Keyers subpanel on the Main panel. 4-60 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 183 When a luminance key is selected, Clip, Gain and Opacity controls will appear on the right of the screen for adjustment with the soft knobs. For a discussion of luminance keying, refer to Luminance Key and Self Key page 2-23. Zodiak User Manual 4-61...
Page 184 Also see Chroma Key Operating Notes on page 5-33 for more information on setting up a chroma key. For a concept overview of chroma keying, refer to Chroma Key on page 2-24. Figure 4-45. Keyer Mode – Chroma Key Menu 4-62 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 185 The matte controls can be accessed by touching . Opacity and Matte Adjust size of the preset pattern can also be adjusted with the soft knob controls on the right of the screen. Figure 4-46. Keyer Mode – Preset Pattern Zodiak User Manual 4-63...
Page 186: Keyer Priority Menu
Current Next button in the Keyer subpanel on the Main panel provides an Key Prior alternate method for setting key priority. Refer to Key Prior Button page 3-26. Figure 4-47. Keyer Priority Menu 4-64 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 187: Keyer Mask Menu
For either type of selected mask (Force or Inhibit) ﬁve different mask sources are available and will appear in the data pad on the right of the screen. Only one mask source can be selected at a time. Zodiak User Manual 4-65...
Page 188 – A mask can be generated from a complex wipe source. Complex Wipe 1 and 2 There are two complex wipe generators available, . The Complex Wipe 1 pattern for the complex wipe is chosen in the same manner as the keyer 4-66 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 189 When on, Mask Invert areas formerly masked will be visible, and previously visible areas will be masked. Masks are normally active in the center of the pattern. An inverted mask is active outside the pattern. Zodiak User Manual 4-67...
Page 190: Wipe Menus
The upper left delegation area identiﬁes the gen- erator connected to each point of use in gold text as well as the pattern selected on that generator. Figure 4-50. Wipes – Point of Use Menu 4-68 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 191 Complex wipe generators (C1 and C2) for main transitions, and the simpler Box and Keyer wipe pattern generators for the keyers. However, the Zodiak system gives you the ﬂexibility to use complex wipe generators with either main transitions or for keying and masking, and also the ability to use Utility bus video as the wipe pattern shape.
Page 192: Pattern Selection Menu
4-52). Selecting a pattern will change the shape of the pattern in the touch pad and the C2 location in the delegation area to indicate the new pattern. Select any of the other white data pads to close the pattern window. Figure 4-52. Pattern Selection Menu 4-70 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 193: Pattern Modifiers Menus
(H and V Multiply) functions (Figure 4-53). Modiﬁer parameters are con- trolled with the soft knobs on the right of the screen. Figure 4-53. Pattern Modiﬁers Menu – Pos, Rotate, Repeat, Split, Aspect Zodiak User Manual 4-71...
Page 194 Patterns from C1 Generator and C2 Generator may be mixed or non-add mixed with the control data pad. The ratio may be chosen by Mix Type touching the data pad to bring up the numeric keypad. Ratio Figure 4-54. Pattern Modiﬁers – Mix Menu 4-72 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 195: Other Menus
Other Menus As the Zodiak software is enhanced, additional menus, subcategories, and controls will become available (see the Zodiak Release Notes for the latest menu additions and changes). Once you understand the principles of Zodiak system menu organization and operation, you will be able to quickly learn these new menus and use them effectively for your work.
Page 196 Section 4 — Menus Overview 4-74 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 197: Section 5 - System Operation
Effects can be saved for future immediate recall, allowing fast and precise control of complex visual effects in real time. Power Up The Zodiak Video Processor frame and Main panel must be powered up for full system operation. The Menu panel receives its primary power from the Main panel.
Page 198 Section 5 — System Operation Figure 5-1. Video Processor Frame Front, Power Switch (Door Open) Frame Power Switch CAUTION The front door of the Zodiak Video Processor must remain closed during normal system operation for proper cooling airﬂow. Figure 5-2. Main Panel, Lid Open...
Page 199: Button Mapping
Button Mapping When the Zodiak system powers up or is reset, the ﬁrst system elements activated are the PGM PST buses, transition, and keying controls. This permits rapid on-air recovery of basic system operations. Sources can be cut, mixed, and wiped, and keys can be placed on and off air while the rest of the system initializes.
Page 200: Source Button Mapping
Section 5 — System Operation Source Button Mapping On the Zodiak system, button mappings on the Main Panel are set the same in each M/E, PGM/PST, and PVW/AUX bank for operating simplicity. The Button Mapping menu is accessed by touching...
Page 201 Selecting clears the window without making any changes. Selecting the check box allows mapping already assigned sources without bringing up the dialog box. Resetting the Menu panel auto- matically clears the check box. Zodiak User Manual...
Page 202: Aux Bus Delegation Button Mapping
User Prefs Aux Deleg Mapping Aux bus conﬁguration is explained in detail in Section 3 — Conﬁguration in the Zodiak Installation and Service Manual. Figure 5-5. Aux Bus Delegation Button Mapping Menu To Map Local Aux Panel Delegation Buttons: 1. Scroll the central pane and select the Aux Bus delegation button you wish to map.
Page 203: File Operations
Select multiple ﬁles. Introduction Zodiak system ﬁles are saved to the location that has been navigated to with the browser, creating copies of the information currently in use by the Zodiak system. Files are copied from one location to another without affecting the current operation of the Zodiak system.
Page 204: File Type Extensions
Section 5 — System Operation File Type Extensions The extension identifying each Zodiak system ﬁle type is included in the icon displayed on the File Operations menus (Table 5-1). Zodiak ﬁles are named by the user when saved, and this name appears below the icon.
Page 205: System Upgrade Backup Files
EMEM registers (up to 100) that resided in that bin when the upgrade occurred. The bins are numbered 0-9, corresponding to bins A-G. These are one time only backup ﬁles, and are not automatically updated when conﬁgurations are changed or effects are edited on the Zodiak system. Zodiak User Manual...
Page 206: Formatting Zip Disks
Formatting Zip Disks If you have unformatted Zip disks, or Zip disks formatted for other plat- forms (e.g., Mac), they will need to be formatted for use on the Zodiak system. This is done using standard Windows disk operations. A mouse is required (to right click), and if you name the volume you will need a key- board.
Page 207: File Operations Menu
File Operations File Operations Menu The File Operations menu is used for managing Zodiak system ﬁle storage. The File Operations menus is accessed by pressing the button File Ops (Figure 5-6). Figure 5-6. File Operations Menu On the left side of the File Operations menu is a ﬁle display pane equipped with a scroll bar.
Page 208: Copy/Pasting Files
Also displayed is the Frame User Directory, which provides access to the Zodiak Video Processor frame. Individual ﬁles and folders located on the Zodiak Menu panel Windows desktop are not shown.
Page 209: Moving Files
CAUTION Copy and Pasting a ﬁle with the same name as an existing ﬁle will overwrite that ﬁle without any precautionary message. Moving Files 1. Follow the Copy/Paste procedure described above. 2. Select the original ﬁle in the original directory and press Delete . Zodiak User Manual 5-13...
Page 210: Daily Setups Save-Load Menu
2. Navigate to the desired destination directory and/or create a new folder for the ﬁle using the buttons in the upper right. 3. Touch the File Name data pad and enter the name you wish the saved ﬁle to have. 5-14 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 211: To Load A Preference Or Source Memory File
2. Touch the icon of the desired ﬁle so it is highlighted. 3. Touch the Load button. CAUTION The Load button immediately replaces information the Zodiak system is cur- rently using with the selected ﬁle information. When conﬁguration ﬁles are loaded, signiﬁcant changes to Zodiak system operation are possible.
Page 212: Profiles Menu
Table 5-2. Default Directories for Proﬁles Menu Device Suite Proﬁles Path User Proﬁles Path Frame Frame:C:\User\proﬁles\suite Frame:C:\User\proﬁles\user [Zip Drive]:\proﬁles\suite [Zip Drive]:\proﬁles\user The Proﬁles menu is accessed by touching (Figure 5-9). Daily Setups Proﬁles Figure 5-9. Proﬁles Menu 5-16 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 213: Loading Profiles
3. Touch the Load button to load the selected proﬁle into the Zodiak system’s active memory. This alters all preference settings to match the proﬁle’s settings, and takes only a few seconds.
Page 214: Eng Setups Save-Load Menu
5-14) and operates in the same way, except there is only one type of Engineering Setup ﬁle. CAUTION The Load button immediately replaces information the Zodiak system is cur- rently using with the selected ﬁle information. When conﬁguration ﬁles are loaded, signiﬁcant changes to Zodiak system operation are possible.
Page 215: E-Mem Save-Load Menu
E-MEM data. While this does not directly affect the work buffer, as soon as the register runs to the next keyframe or is recalled the work buffer will reﬂect the new data, and so can change the Zodiak system program output signals.
Page 216: Basic Effect Editing
(on the path). An inserted keyframe has both work buffer values and a duration. The key- frame duration is calculated by the Zodiak system (time to the next key- frame) and is not actually contained in the keyframe data. This permits added ﬂexibility during effect editing.
Page 217: Inserting On The Path
Master Timeline. The Insert After Insert Before buttons perform the same operation when you insert on the path. Zodiak User Manual 5-21...
Page 218: Deleting A Keyframe
After a delete operation, any keyframes following the deleted keyframe are renumbered accordingly (Figure 5-15). 5-22 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 219: Restoring A Keyframe
When the cursor is moved between keyframes, the dura- tion shown is the distance from the current time to the next numbered Master Timeline keyframe. The time value displayed is used by default when a new keyframe is inserted into an effect. Zodiak User Manual 5-23...
Page 220: Changing The Duration Of A New Keyframe
2. Type a 1.0 duration value on the keypad and press Enter to change the value displayed on the readout. Note Pressing the Trim button will increase or decrease the duration value by the amount speciﬁed. 3. Press Modify to apply the new duration value to the keyframe. 5-24 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 221: Restoring Kf Duration Default To The Keypad
You can reset the keypad to the factory default one second dura- tion at any time 1. Press the KF Dur button so it is lit. 2. Press • , Enter Zodiak User Manual 5-25...
Page 222: Modify All Operations
3. Change the desired parameters by pressing a button, turning a knob, or entering a value with the key pad. 4. Press the Mod button on the Main panel or the Modify buttons in the menu to complete the operation. 5-26 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 223: Matte Menu Controls
Rotate 5. Touch the Wash Color data pad to delegate the soft knobs on the right to adjust , and of the wash ﬁll color. Saturation Brightness Zodiak User Manual 5-27...
Page 224 E-MEM, recalling that register will exactly reproduce the original texture. Because all background matte parameters are keyframeable, you can build effects with constantly changing backgrounds using multiple keyframes. 5-28 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 225: Split Key
Character Generator creating matte ﬁlled characters, but wish to use a dif- ferent signal to ﬁll the characters. A split key is used to accomplish this. On the Zodiak system, the source select buses by default tally the key ﬁll signal. When the button is held down the key cut signal is tallied.
Page 226: Keyer Priority
Only one key can be located over the other. The Zodiak system has four keyers per M/E and three keyers in the DSK, so more complex stacking is possible. Keys can be placed between other keys, using key priority.
Page 227 Priority 5. The current stack in the menu is automatically set to what is currently being output. You can change the Current priority stacking order if desired, as described on page 5-30. Zodiak User Manual 5-31...
Page 228 8. Move the lever arm or press the Auto Trans button in the Transition subpanel to perform the key priority transition. The transition is shown on the Program monitor. 5-32 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 229: Chroma Key Operating Notes
Section 3 - Concepts of the Zodiak User Manual includes chroma key back- ground information useful for understanding the chroma key controls. The following information provides more detailed instructions on how to set up a chroma key using the Auto Setup feature and the manual controls in the Keyer menu.
Page 230: Manual Chroma Key Adjustments
Keyers subpanel to access this menu. Delegate the keyer you wish to set up on the left side of the screen, then touch the Mode button (Figure 5-22). Chroma Key Figure 5-22. Keyer Chroma Menu, Pri Suppress Controls 5-34 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 231: Primary Suppression
ﬂare. adds a small amount of color to the entire foreground Flare Suppression image to cancel the splash or ﬂare. Typically less than 2% of the backing color is needed to neutralize the ﬂare. Zodiak User Manual 5-35...
Page 232: Key Controls
4. Check the ﬁnal results with Show Key off and the chroma keyer in normal mode ( turned off). Note that incorrect FG Only BG Only adjustments can create a hard, noisy key. 5-36 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 233 Size of the blue or green edge on the foreground subject. moves the key Position signal left and right, and can be used to reduce a color edge along only one side of the foreground. Zodiak User Manual 5-37...
Page 234: Secondary Color Suppression
In order to avoid contaminating nearby areas not affected by backing color bleed, selectivity for secondary suppression is normally set fairly high. Too wide and you'll notice surrounding areas turning colors they should not. Keep in mind that secondary color suppres- 5-38 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 235: Other Chroma Key Controls
Other Chroma Key Controls Additional chroma key controls are available by touching the stage 4 Other data pad (Figure 5-25). Coring, fringe, and shadow controls can be individ- ually activated by touching the labeled buttons. Figure 5-25. Other Controls Zodiak User Manual 5-39...
Page 236 Shadow Gain ground that produces a shadow. is an opacity control for the Shadow Density shadow and adjusts how much shadow is added to the background. 5-40 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 237 ﬁll video are each fully visible. Complex Wipe Pattern Generator A wipe pattern generator with additional ca- pabilities (for example, matrix wipes). Zodiak User Manual Glossary-1...
Page 238 A feature that permits control panel setups to VDR (Video Disk Recorder) be stored for later recall. A video recorder and playback device using hard disk storage in place of video tape. Glossary-2 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 239 A hardware positioner with control of multi- One complete scan of a video image. For in- ple axes. terlace video, alternate lines are scanned, and so a frame containing all the picture in- formation consists of two ﬁelds. Zodiak User Manual Glossary-3...
Page 240 A complete deﬁnition of an effect at a single borders. point in time. Default keyframe values can Matte Fill be set for a suite. Using matte video to ﬁll the hole of a key ef- Learn fect. To save a panel setup using E-MEM. Glossary-4 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 241 Reclocking Model name of a Video Disk Recorder. The process of clocking the data with a re- generated clock to remove jitter. Resource A capability of the system, typically consist- ing of a set of circuitry. Zodiak User Manual Glossary-5...
Page 242 Soft Edge Suite A pattern edge between two video signals in which the signals are mixed for a soft effect. One or more control surfaces conﬁgured for use on the same project. Glossary-6 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 243 E-MEM. Terminate, Termination To complete a circuit by connecting a resis- tive load to it. Transition A change from one picture to another. Cut, mix, and wipe are transitions. Zodiak User Manual Glossary-7...
Page 244 Glossary-8 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 245 Insert Before 4-43 Aux Panel menu 4-35 Int DPM 3-26 Axes Buttons 3-34 interlocked group behavior Key Cut 3-20 Key Invert 3-26, 3-28 Key Mix 3-21 background bus Key Split source select modifier 3-25 flip flop 2-14 Zodiak User Manual Index-1...
Page 246 3-25, 3-28 components X, Y, Z Axes 3-34 system button mapping configuration Button Mapping menu 4-24, 2.5-M/E 1-10 3-M/E 1-10 facility example 1-12 configuration overview of system cabling connections impact on system capability Menu Panel CD-ROM Index-2 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 247 Curve Path Control Tips 4-52 integrating into M/E curve path windup direct bank buttons 3-36 controlling 4-52 display E-MEM readout 3-40 explained 2-12 dissolve effect 2-35 Cut button 4-42 documentation cut transition,transition online 2-12 double press button behavior Zodiak User Manual Index-3...
Page 248 Master subpanel 3-41 field dominance readout display 3-40 any field 4-22 registers 2-31 even field 4-22 subpanel 3-35 odd field 4-22 E-MEM Ops menu 4-56 file browser E-MEM Prefs menu 4-18 features Enable buttons file extensions Index-4 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 249 2-18 delegation 3-32 Hold Inputs button 3-44 Joystick button 3-32 Hold to Preview 3-23, 3-27, 3-29 Home menu 4-11 hot cut,cut 2-12 hot swapping modules 1-10 clip 2-18 explained 2-15 flair suppression 2-25 Zodiak User Manual Index-5...
Page 250 Insert Before on a keyframe E-MEM 5-21 2-37 insert on path E-MEM types and number 5-21 2-40 inserting enabling 5-20 3-43 interpolated values enabling group of 2-34 2-40 modify enabling via Auto Recall 4-43 2-40 Modify All 5-26 Lever Arm Index-6 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 251 Preset Black button 3-19 Matte M/E 4-57 Trans PVW button 3-20 Outputs 4-30 mapping Pattern Modifiers 4-71 buttons Pattern Selection 4-70 Point of Use 4-68 mapping buttons to sources Preview Prefs 4-15 mapping, source to button Zodiak User Manual Index-7...
Page 252 4-1, numeric keypad menu screen on Menu panel components and organization data pad Menu panel top line online documentation touch button opacity key control 2-20 menu scrolling Opacity knob 3-25, 3-28 options explained 2-12 Main panel Index-8 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 253 Point of Use menu 4-68 power Local Aux Panel rate Main panel transition 3-21 Menu Panel rate of transition 2-14 power supply readout 2.5-M/E 1-11 Master E-MEM 3-43 3-M/E 1-11 readout display Video Processor frame 1-11 E-MEM 3-40 Zodiak User Manual Index-9...
Page 254 Save-Load menu (Eng Setups) 4-28, 5-18 soft knob screen Menu panel Menu panel touch software touch (Menu panel) download from web screen unit grid overlay 4-16 source scrolling explained menu source and input signal overview Index-10 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 255 DSK Keyer 3-27 timeline E-MEM 3-35 explained 2-33 Master E-MEM 3-41 Preview Timeline – Path menu 3-15 4-45 PVW/AUX 3-14 timeline navigation buttons Transform 3-31 Master E-MEM subpanel 3-48 suite and control surface definitions Timeline-Edit menu 4-38 Zodiak User Manual Index-11...
Page 256 Up Arrow Bank prefix button 3-36 Wipe Point of Use menu 4-68 User and Suite Preferences wiring distinguished from Engineering Setups impact on system capability user lines overlay 4-16 work buffer 2-30 and source memory User Preferences 2-41 Index-12 Zodiak User Manual...
Page 257 Clear Wk Bfr 3-46, 4-40 Zip disk formatting 5-10 Zip drive 3-48 Zodiak User Manual Index-13...
Page 258 Index-14 Zodiak User Manual...

GRASS VALLEY zodiak User Manual

Preface

Section 1 - System Overview

Section 2 - Concepts

Section 3 - Control Surface Description

Section 4 - Menus Overview

Section 5 - System Operation

Quick Links

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Summary of Contents for GRASS VALLEY zodiak