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Pinnacle Systems FXDEKO User Manual

Bringing a new level of effects to character generators
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FXD
EKO
TM
Bringing a new level of Effects
to Character Generators
User's Guide
Software Version 4.1
PPN 51002588 Revision F
280 N. Bernardo, Mountain View, CA 94043

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Summary of Contents for Pinnacle Systems FXDEKO

  • Page 1 Bringing a new level of Effects to Character Generators User’s Guide Software Version 4.1 PPN 51002588 Revision F 280 N. Bernardo, Mountain View, CA 94043...
  • Page 2 COPYRIGHT Copyright © 2001 Pinnacle Systems, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Portions of the software described in this document Copyright © 1985-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Portions of the software described in this document Copyright © 1991-2001 Arthur D. Applegate. All Rights Reserved. The Sentry Spelling Checker Engine Copyright ©...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Introduction Welcome!...9 How to Use This Manual...10 Other Documents ...10 How to Contact Pinnacle Systems ...11 Starting Windows NT...12 Starting FXDeko ...12 Exiting FXDeko ...12 Exiting Windows NT...13 Overview of FXDeko The FXDeko Desktop...15 About Graphic Files ...15 Program and Preview...16 Creating a Graphic ...17...
  • Page 4 Assigning a Style to a Style Preset ...80 Retrieving a Style ...81 Saving Preset Styles ...82 Saving a Pre-rendered Style...83 Graphics and Layers Video Standard ...84 About Layers and Backgrounds...84 The Layer Browser...85 The Background...85 Adding a Text Field...87 Table of Contents FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 5 Justifying a Layer...98 Rotating a Layer...99 Scaling a Layer...99 Skewing a Layer...100 Effects, Motions, and Sequences About FXDeko Effects ...102 Single Effect Playback...103 Creating a Sequence ...104 Browsing for Graphics in a Sequence ...106 Selecting Events ...106 Cutting and Pasting Events ...107 Inserting and Deleting Events...108...
  • Page 6 Operators ...157 Comments ...160 Conditional Commands and Loops ...160 Subroutines ...162 Return Values...163 Objects ...164 Data Type Conversions ...164 FXDeko Options About FXDeko Options...167 Aston Import...168 Automation ...169 Chyron Import...176 ClipDeko ...177 FastAction Keyboard ...184 Rocket ...188 SportsWare ...188 Timeline...191 Menu Commands Baseline...192...
  • Page 7 Menu Commands (cont.) Edit...194 File ...196 Help ...198 Layer...198 Macro ...199 Motion ...200 Options ...200 Presets...201 Sequence ...202 Shader ...203 Style...204 Text ...205 Timecode ...206 View...207 Window ...208 Appendixes Shortcut Keys...211 Glossary ...215 Index...233 FXDeko User’s Guide Table of Contents...

  • Page 9: Introduction

    Like a word processor, FXDeko offers a variety of tools for typing text and for selecting fonts and styles. Like a page layout program, FXDeko allows total flexibility in positioning text and full-color graphic elements on the screen.

  • Page 10: How To Use This Manual

    Hardware issues, including installation and setup of FXDeko, are covered separately, in the comprehensive FXDeko Installation Guide. Also included with your FXDeko is a Quick Install Guide that will have you up and running in no time. Use the Deko Tutorial to quickly learn how to use the exciting features FXDeko offers.

  • Page 11: How To Contact Pinnacle Systems

    Product name and software version number Product serial number (in the Help menu, choose About) Precise description of problem and attempted solutions Exact wording of any error messages (650) 930-2990 +44 1895 442-003 +44 1895 442 009 FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 12: Starting Windows Nt

    Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to log on. Enter your user name and password, then press Enter. If you don’t have a user name, log on as user "FXDeko". This user name is installed at the factory and does not require a password.

  • Page 13: Exiting Windows Nt

    Choose Minimize from the control icon menu. Hold Alt down and press Tab repeatedly to switch to other open applications. When you are ready to return to FXDeko, double-click the FXDeko icon. Exit FXDeko. In the Windows NT Program Manager, do one of the following: Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete, then choose Logoff.
  • Page 14 Introduction another user can log back on. Shared files are not accessible from other networked workstations. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 15: Overview Of Fxdeko

    RAPHIC ILES The main function of FXDeko is the creation and display of graphic files. You create a FXDeko graphic, including text and background elements, in either a Preview or Program window. Once created, a graphic may be saved on disk in a graphic file.

  • Page 16: Program And Preview

    All graphics are created in a Preview or Program window. The Program window shows the current on-air graphic. The contents of this window match FXDeko's video output, plus a cursor, safe-title lines and other markers. There can be one or two Program windows.

  • Page 17: Creating A Graphic

    Use the cursor keys or click the mouse to position the text cursor. Type any desired text. Use any of FXDeko’s compositional tools to select fonts and styles, add geometric shape or text layers, position layers, etc. Save the graphic, by choosing Save Graphic As (F12) from the File menu.
  • Page 18 From the File menu choose Save Graphic As (F12). In the Save Graphic As dialog box, choose Options. Check Add automatic comment, based on text in file. FXDeko will automatically fill in the comment field with the characters from the graphic’s first text field.
  • Page 19 Creating and Saving Graphics Under When saving TIFF and Targa files, check Save with alpha channel (32-bit). Click OK or press Enter. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 20: Opening A Graphic File

    Choose the file from the File Name list box or type the file name in the File Name text box, then click OK or press Enter The next time you call up the File Open dialog box, FXDeko will prompt you with the name of the next file in the current directory.
  • Page 21 Choose the file from the File Name list box or type the file name in the File Name text box, then click OK or press Enter. Note Clip to fit and Pad to fit maintain the graphic’s original aspect ratio. Scale to fit distorts it. FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 22 Overview of FXDeko To re-open the graphic file in the active window: From the File menu, choose Revert. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 23: Keying

    To transfer a GF/Halo/Kseries/Presto image to FXDeko: Note EYING Using FXDeko’s built-in keyer, you can key text and graphics over live video. Or, you can use FXDeko’s linear key output to key text and graphics downstream, using a switcher. To enable FXDeko’s built-in keyer:...

  • Page 24: Frame Grabbing

    Select to enable frame grabbing of shaped input video. This selection is not available if Grab With Key is not selected. Connect an input signal to FXDeko. See Video Inputs in the FXDeko Installation Guide. From the Channel menu or from the Keying and Routing dialog box, choose Frame Grab.
  • Page 25 Check Duplicate Scan Lines to specify duplication of every other scan line. Check either Preserve Field 1 (odd field) or Preserve Field 2 (even field) to specify which field’s scan lines to interpolate or duplicate. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 26: Composing Text

    Shift and press right or left arrow. From the top left of the text, drag across, then down the text. Press Insert and Tab to the text field, or choose Select Field from the Edit menu. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 27: Selecting A Typeface

    Double-click a typeface on the browser or the drop-down list, or type the name of the typeface in the text box. If you select a custom typeface, FXDeko automatically sets the font to the size at which no scaling will occur. You may then select any font size.

  • Page 28: Using An International Character Set

    International. Refer to Windows NT documentation for more detailed information. Deko2000 supports most alphabet-based languages as well as several ideographic languages. For the following languages, you must install the local version of Windows NT: Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, Japanese, Korean, and Thai. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 29: Bold And Italic

    Italic. Select the text to be underlined, or select nothing to add an underline to the current style. Press the underline button on the text bar (Ctrl+U). To change text back to normal, unpress the underline button. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 30: Rotating Text

    Move the pointer near the dotted line surrounding selected text, so that the pointer becomes the rotation tool. Drag to rotate selected text. Select the text to rotate. If no text is selected, FXDeko applies changes to the current style. Activate the Style window.

  • Page 31: Small Caps

    Move the pointer over the top-right-corner handle of the selected text, so that the pointer becomes the skewing tool. Drag the handle to skew selected text. Select the characters to skew. If no text is selected, FXDeko applies changes to the current style. Activate the Style window.

  • Page 32: Changing The Text Field Box

    Drag to move or size the text field box. When you size the text field box, FXDeko does not scale the text along with the box. The text remains the same size, but wraps differently to fit within the box.

  • Page 33: Scaling Text

    Hold Ctrl down while dragging a corner handle to preserve the aspect ratio of the text — height and width scale together. Select the text to scale. If no text is selected, FXDeko applies changes to the current style. Do one of the following: On the text bar, double-click the Size text box.

  • Page 34: Character Spacing (Kerning)

    Drag the handle either outward to widen spacing between characters or inward to decrease character spacing. Select the characters to kern. If no text is selected, FXDeko applies changes to the current style. Activate the Style window.

  • Page 35: Row Spacing (Leading)

    Drag the handle either outward to widen characters or inward to decrease character width. Select the characters to change. If no text is selected, FXDeko applies changes to the current style. Activate the Style window.
  • Page 36 Drag the handle downward to increase the space between rows, or upward to reduce row spacing. Select the text for leading. If no text is selected, FXDeko applies changes to the current style. Activate the Style window.

  • Page 37: Cutting And Pasting Text

    Select the text to be deleted. Choose Delete (Delete) from the Edit menu. Select a text field. From the Layer menu, choose Clear Text. The emptied layer remains in the graphic. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 38: Finding And Replacing Text

    Alt + moves the cursor row and all lower rows up. Shift+Alt+ exchanges the cursor row with the row above it. Shift+Alt+ exchanges the cursor row with the row below it. FXDeko User’s Guide ) to move selected...
  • Page 39 When you cut and paste text, the cursor follows the text, but when you move text, the cursor appears in the original location of the text even after the text has been moved. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 40: Justifying Text

    (hard return), flush with the left and right sides of the text field box. Full vertical justification makes the top and bottom lines of selected text flush with the top and bottom of the field box. FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 41 Middle left Middle center Middle right Bottom left Bottom center Bottom right Justification off Note If you select only some of the text in a field, that text will be justified in a separate field. FXDeko User’s Guide Top right...

  • Page 42: Tab Stops

    Do one of the following: In the Options menu, select Transform, then Move. Click the move button in the Tools window. Hold Alt and use the right or left arrow keys ( tab stop. FXDeko User’s Guide Decimal: ) to move the...
  • Page 43 In the Decimal tab char text box, type a new decimal tab character. Choose OK or press Enter. To display or hide tab markers: From the Options menu, choose Preferences. In the dialog box, under Markers, check or uncheck Tab stops. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 44: Spell Checking Text

    Ignores all-cap words, such as acronyms like “ASAP”. Ignore words with numbers Ignores words that contain numbers, such as “File24”. Ignore words with mixed case Ignores mixed-case words, such as “FXDeko”. Report words with mixed case Reports mixed-case words, such as “FXDeko”. Report doubled words Reports double occurrence of the same word, such as “the the”.

  • Page 45: Using Undo

    Undo will not undo changes to a macro or custom typeface, and is disabled during sequence playback. When you play a sequence, FXDeko resets the Undo buffer so that no previous actions can be undone. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 46: Baseline Editing

    Click to begin the line, then move the line tool to the desired end point and click again. Repeat this step as desired to draw multiple line segments. To break the line, move the cursor out of the Baseline Edit window. FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 47 To reverse the direction of the baseline: If not already in the Baseline Edit mode, choose Edit Baseline from the Layer menu. In the Baseline menu, choose Reverse Baseline. FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 48 Do one of the following: To cancel all changes and exit the Baseline Edit window, choose Cancel from the Baseline menu. If Undo is enabled, you can choose Undo (Ctrl+Z) from the Edit menu, for each change you wish to undo. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 49: Creating Styles

    SPECIFYING A FONT BOUT ONTS A font is a single typeface in a particular size and orientation. In FXDeko, the current font and the current look make up the current style. The preceding Composing Text chapter described how to select and manipulate a font interactively.
  • Page 50 The digits 0-9 are monospace, but all other characters are proportional. For many typefaces, there is no difference between “proportional” and “digits” spacing. In other words, the fonts were designed with monospaced digits. Keyboard Selects the keyboard language layout for typing with the font. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 51: Installing Truetype Or Postscript Fonts

    Cancel the Fonts dialog box and close the Control Panel (Alt+F4) to return to FXDeko. Once fonts have been installed in Windows NT, you must restart FXDeko before those fonts are available in FXDeko. Select text whose font you wish to copy. From the Edit menu, choose Copy, then Font.

  • Page 52: Creating A Custom Typeface

    FXDeko copies the file into the selected character. FXDeko can import several file types, including: Bitmap (.dib, .rle), Windows Bitmap (.bmp), Photo CD (.pcd), PCX (.pcx), FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 53 To change pin location and set width of a character: In the Custom Typeface window, double-click the character you wish to edit. FXDeko displays the character in its own window. In the character window, type in or scroll to X and Y values for the character’s pin location.

  • Page 54: Specifying A Look

    Frame A frame behind the character. Shadow A shadow of the character. The shadow is based on details above it in the list of details. Underline An underline below the character. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 55: Face

    Click the face button on the text bar to toggle the face on or off. Select the text to change. If no text is selected, FXDeko applies changes to the current style. Do one of the following: Click the shader button next to the face button on the text bar (only for the first face of a look).

  • Page 56: Face Attributes

    Priority Determines whether the face appears in front of or behind other details. By default, FXDeko assigns a priority to each detail so that they render from front to back, in the order they appear in the Details list. Use Priority to change the rendering order. Priority ranges from 0 (closest to viewer) to 1000 (farthest from viewer).

  • Page 57: Edge Attributes

    To change other attributes of an edge: TTRIBUTES Specifying a Look Select the text to change. If no text is selected, FXDeko applies changes to the current style. Do one of the following: Click the shader button next to the edge button on the text bar (only for the first edge of a look).
  • Page 58 Priority Determines whether the edge appears in front of or behind other details. By default, FXDeko assigns a priority to each detail so that they render from front to back, in the order they appear in the Details list. Use Priority to change the rendering order. Priority ranges from 0 (closest to viewer) to 1000 (farthest from viewer).

  • Page 59: Shadow

    Next to the Details list, choose Add, then choose Shadow from the popup menu. The shadow is added after the selected detail. Select the text to change. If no text is selected, FXDeko applies changes to the current style. Do one of the following: Click the shader button next to the shadow button on the text bar (only for the first shadow of a look).

  • Page 60: Shadow Attributes

    Priority Determines whether the shadow appears in front of or behind other details. By default, FXDeko assigns a priority to each detail so that they render from front to back, in the order they appear in the Details list. Use Priority to change the rendering order. Priority ranges from 0 (closest to viewer) to 1000 (farthest from viewer).

  • Page 61: Underline

    Click the underline button on the text bar to toggle the underline on or off. This button controls only the first underline of a look. Select the text to change. If no text is selected, FXDeko applies changes to the current style. Do one of the following: Click the shader button next to the underline button on the text bar (only for the first underline of a look).

  • Page 62: Underline Attributes

    To change other attributes of an underline: NDERLINE TTRIBUTES Creating Styles Select the text to change. If no text is selected, FXDeko applies changes to the current style. Activate the Style window. Choose Look at the top of the Style window.

  • Page 63: Frame

    Next to the Details list, choose Add, then choose Frame from the popup menu. The frame is added after the selected detail. Select the text to change. If no text is selected, FXDeko applies changes to the current style. Do one of the following: Click the shader button next to the frame button on the text bar (only for the first frame of a look).

  • Page 64: Frame Attributes

    To change other attributes of a frame: RAME TTRIBUTES Creating Styles Select the text to change. If no text is selected, FXDeko applies changes to the current style. Activate the Style window. Choose Look at the top of the Style window.

  • Page 65: Cutting And Pasting Details And Looks

    If necessary, open the Style file into which you will paste the detail. Click on the detail in the Details list where you will insert the cut or copied detail. From the Edit menu, choose Paste Detail (Ctrl+V), or click the paste button in the Tools window. FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 66 Select the text or position the cursor where you will apply the look. From the Edit menu, choose Paste (Ctrl+V), or click the paste button on the text bar. When you copy a look, it is saved in the Windows NT clipboard. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 67: Specifying A Shader

    SPECIFYING A SHADER BOUT HADERS To apply color to text or graphics, FXDeko uses a shader. Each detail in a look (face, edge, frame, shadow or underline) has its own shader. The shader determines how color is applied to the detail.

  • Page 68: Activating A Shader

    If you click the shader button for a detail that is not in the Details list, FXDeko automatically adds the detail. Click the background-shader button (Ctrl+F7) on the text bar. Activate the Style window. In the Style window, click the desired detail in the Details list box.

  • Page 69: Applying A Ramp

    100 percent, only part of the ramp is applied to the group. V Scale Determines the height of the ramp relative to the group. For settings less than 100 percent, only part of the ramp is applied to the group. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 70: Applying A Texture

    In addition to FXDeko (.dko) graphics, FXDeko can import several file types, including: Bitmap (.dib, .rle), Windows Bitmap (.bmp), Photo CD (.pcd), PCX (.pcx), Photoshop (.psd), Windows metafile (.wmf), TIFF (.tif), Targa (.tga), JPEG (.jpg),...
  • Page 71 Specifying a Shader replaces the texture filename with the texture filename in the counter. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 72: Texture Options

    File Name The name of the texture file. If you check the File Name check box (the default), FXDeko saves only the name of the texture file when saving the graphic. Any changes you make to the texture file will be reflected in the graphic as well.

  • Page 73: Applying Video

    Activate the detail's shader. At the top of the Shader window, choose Keyhole. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 74: Applying A Cel Animation

    Plays cel animation through any pause in the motion. Automatically puts a pause at the end of the motion so that the animation continues when the motion ends. Rate The rate of animation playback in images per second. FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 75 To keep a cel animation playing once a motion ends: In the Shader window, under CAP shader options, select Continuous. Deko automatically puts a pause at the end of the motion so that the animation continues when the motion ends. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 76: The Color Picker

    OLOR ICKER Use FXDeko’s color picker to pick colors for the color shader and ramp shader. Creating Styles Selects the RGB color space. Click a color on the palette, or enter numerical values up to 100 percent for each of red, green and blue.

  • Page 77: Picking A Color

    In other words, if Value is the Selected Component, this square shows Hue along the vertical axis and Saturation along the horizontal axis. If Opacity is the Selected Component, FXDeko displays a gray scale in this square. Current Color Shows the current color, the color whose numerical values appear above.
  • Page 78 File Name text box, then click OK or press Enter. When you save a preset shader file, FXDeko automatically attaches “.shd” to the file name. Do not type a different extension.

  • Page 79: Working With Styles

    The cursor becomes a sizing cursor. Drag the border to change the window’s size. Move the selection cursor over the window’s title bar. Drag the window offscreen left. The window will pop back to its original spot in the lower left corner. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 80: Saving A Style

    When you save a style file, FXDeko automatically attaches “.sty” to the file name. Do not type a different extension. Activate the Style window (F6). Choose Save Style (Ctrl+S or Alt+F12) from the File menu. FXDeko replaces the previously saved version of the file. TYLE Select text whose style you wish to copy.

  • Page 81: Retrieving A Style

    Options/Preferences/Cursor dialog box, you can omit step 3. Activate a graphic window. From the Text menu, choose Pick Presets. FXDeko assigns the first style in the graphic to the first preset button, the next style to the second preset button, and so on.

  • Page 82: Saving Preset Styles

    Type a new file name in the File Name text box, then click OK or press Enter. When you save a preset style file, FXDeko automatically attaches “.pst” to the file name. Do not type a different extension.

  • Page 83: Saving A Pre-Rendered Style

    Type a file name in the File Name text box, then click OK or press Enter. When saving a pre-rendered style, FXDeko renders each character in the style’s font using the style’s look. For complicated styles, this can take several minutes.

  • Page 84: Graphics And Layers

    Graphics and Layers IDEO TANDARD You can create FXDeko graphics in standard 4 x 3 aspect ratio or in the wider 16 x 9 aspect ratio used for some feature films, music videos and commercials. The default video standard is standard NTSC.

  • Page 85: The Layer Browser

    “live video” shows through when FXDeko graphics are keyed over external video. When on, the background’s shader determines its color. Like all FXDeko shaders, the background can be a solid color, a ramp or a texture. Do one of the following: Click the background button on the text bar.
  • Page 86 The background turns into a full-screen rectangle, but keeps the shader it had as a background. The graphic now has a transparent background. If the background is an unnamed texture, you cannot turn it into a layer. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 87: Adding A Text Field

    This is useful if your graphic has a “companion” graphic in which the luminance represents the key of the original. From the Layer menu choose Add Text Field. FXDeko adds a text layer based on the boundaries of the safe title area.

  • Page 88: Graphics And Layers (Cont.)

    Same priority as previous layer Specifies that the current layer appears in the same plane as the layer in front of it. In other words, FXDeko renders this layer as if it were part of the layer in front of it.

  • Page 89: Adding A Rectangle Layer

    A text string to display in the field or the name of a macro file. Usage Specifies whether FXDeko use text, a macro (which must return a string), or data in an .aut file, or requests data from an automation host to initialize the field.

  • Page 90: Adding An Ellipse Layer

    Drag the cursor to define the rectangle. Holding Ctrl as you drag the cursor maintains a square rectangle. FXDeko always adds a new layer as the frontmost layer. From the Layer menu choose Add Ellipse. An ellipse layer is added at the center of the screen.

  • Page 91: Layer Properties

    Same priority as previous layer Specifies that the current layer appears in the same plane as the layer in front of it. In other words, FXDeko renders this layer as if it were part of the layer in front of it.
  • Page 92 Database window. See Usage below. Usage Specifies whether FXDeko use text, a macro (which must return a string), or data in an .aut file, or requests data from an automation host to initialize the field.

  • Page 93: Selecting A Layer

    In the Layer menu, click Select Next Layer (Alt+Page Down). Choose Select Layers from the Edit menu. Check the Select More toggle in the Edit menu. Use one of the above methods to select each layer individually. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 94: Creating Real-Time Clocks

    Type in the clock ID or select it from the Clock List. Click the arrows next to the On/Off box to turn the clock on. From the Edit menu, choose Clear Layers (F8). FXDeko replaces the layers with a single, empty text field.

  • Page 95: Clearing Or Deleting A Layer

    To have FXDeko prompt you to save modified files before clearing them: LEARING OR ELETING A To delete one or more layers: To delete all layers: Note To clear text from a text field: UTTING AND ASTING To cut or copy a layer: Justifying a Layer From the Options menu, choose Preferences.

  • Page 96: Appending A Graphic To Second Graphic

    Select a layer. From the Edit menu, choose Paste (Ctrl+V), or click the paste button on the text bar. FXDeko pastes the layer directly in front of the selected layer. ECOND RAPHIC Open the first graphic file. From the File menu, choose Append Layers (Alt+F9).

  • Page 97: Pasting Layers To The Background

    Makes the layer the frontmost layer. ACKGROUND From the Layer menu, choose Layers to Background. FXDeko copies the layers to combine them in the background. The original layers remain until you choose Clear Layers (F8) from the Edit menu. Select the text fields you wish to combine. Hold Ctrl and drag the mouse to select the fields.

  • Page 98: Justifying A Layer

    Hold Ctrl down and press one of the numbers on the numeric keypad to justify the rectangle or ellipse in the corresponding position of the Program window. Top left Top center Middle left Middle center Middle right Bottom left Bottom center Bottom right Justification off FXDeko User’s Guide Top right...

  • Page 99: Rotating A Layer

    Coarse or Fine (Ctrl+spacebar). Select the layer. Hold down Alt and press either the up or down arrow ( increase or decrease layer size, or the right or left arrow ( increase or decrease layer width. FXDeko User’s Guide ) to ) to...

  • Page 100: Skewing A Layer

    Choose Layer at the top of the Style window. In the Style window, enter values for H Scale and V Scale. When you scale a text field, FXDeko scales all text within the field. To change the size of the text field without scaling the text, change the Box value in Text Field Properties.
  • Page 101 Changing a Layer’s Appearance or Size To specify a numerical value for skewing: Select the layer. Activate the Style window. Choose Layer at the top of the Style window. Double-click the Skew text box, then type or scroll to a value. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 102: Effects, Motions, And Sequences

    The Preview graphic slides on top of the Program graphic. slideoff up/down/left/right The Program graphic slides off to reveal the Preview graphic. wipe up/down/left/right The Program graphic is wiped off in place, revealing the Preview graphic. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 103: Single Effect Playback

    Options depend on the specified effect. Leave this column blank to perform the effect on the entire graphic. Rate The numerical value for the rate at which FXDeko performs the effect. Units The unit of measurement for rate.

  • Page 104: Creating A Sequence

    Starts as soon as the previous event is done. pause Waits for a GPI trigger, right mouse click, or a Pause Sequence (Pause) or Play Sequence (Alt+Enter) command before playing. hold Displays the first frame of the effect, then waits for a trigger before continuing. FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 105 The name of the graphic file on which to perform the effect. Press Ctrl+L or click the Browse button to select the file from the Graphic Browser window. Rate The rate at which FXDeko performs the effect, as specified here or with Sequence/Playback Rate. Units The unit of measurement for rate.

  • Page 106: Browsing For Graphics In A Sequence

    Double-click a thumbnail to enter it into the sequence. Activate the Sequence window (F11). In the Sequence menu, select Auto Advance From Browser. If the next event is empty, FXDeko duplicates the last event. Do one of the following: Double-click the event number.

  • Page 107: Cutting And Pasting Events

    Position the cursor at the event where you will insert cut or copied events. From the Edit menu, choose Paste Events (Ctrl+V), or click the paste button on the text bar. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 108: Inserting And Deleting Events

    Press Alt+Enter to run the effect. Activate the Sequence window (F11). From the Sequence menu, choose Smooth Roll Playback Adjustment, then select one of the following from the drop-down menu: None—Turns off Smooth Roll Playback Adjustment. FXDeko will not suggest any adjustments. FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 109 Allows only clean rates. Choose OK or press Enter. Note When you enter a playback rate for a roll effect, FXDeko displays any suggested adjustments in a dialog box. You can choose to decrease or increase duration of the roll or original line spacing of the graphic.
  • Page 110 Select the marker for the imbedded speed change you would like to edit. In the Text menu, select Edit Speed. Click Pause or select a speed from the drop-down menu. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 111: Command Event

    Creating a Sequence OMMAND VENT One additional, powerful, sequence feature, command event, is available with the Automation option. Command event runs the macro specified in the File Name column during sequence playback. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 112: Creating Motions

    REATING OTIONS Using the FXDeko Motion Editor, you can create special effects, called motions, which are not based on specific graphics. A Motion window contains a motion script, which is a series of one or more motions. The motion script is saved in a motion (.mot) file.
  • Page 113 (off), or inward, convening at the center of the bounding box (on). Tiles An array of rectangular “tiles” of the object randomly fall off a “wall” (off), or the tiles randomly rearrange themselves to form the object (on). FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 114 You do not have to make them part of the background. Preview/Program Specifies whether the FXDeko applies the motion to the Preview graphic or to the Program graphic. Specify any of the following motion descriptor parameters. Click the arrow next to the parameter and choose a value from the drop-down list.
  • Page 115 Grows at a constant rate. ease in Starts growing slowly and accelerates to full speed. ease in fast Starts growing slowing and accelerates up to full speed, faster than ease in. FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 116 Refine the rate at which opacity increase or decreases, to keep it constant throughout, or cause it to slow down or speed up. constant Increases or decreases opacity at a constant rate. ease in Starts to increase or decrease opacity slowly and accelerates to full speed. FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 117 Starts to increase or decrease opacity at full speed and decelerates, faster than ease out. ease in and out Accelerates, then decelerates increase or decrease in opacity. ease out and in Decelerates, then accelerates increase or decrease in opacity. FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 118 .mot file. Type a new file name in the File Name text box, then click OK or press Enter. FXDeko automatically adds the .mot extension to the file name. Do not type in a different extension. When you save a motion script, FXDeko automatically attaches “.mot”...

  • Page 119: Playing A Motion

    Click the pause button just below the offset bar for the motion descriptor. During playback, FXDeko will pause the motion at the specified in time. Click play to resume playback. Note that if you use a Cap shader with the Continuous option selected, Deko automatically pauses the end of the motion.

  • Page 120: Using The Timeline Option

    IMELINE PTION If your FXDeko has the Timeline option enabled, the Motion Editor provides a timeline graph, which displays the selected motion parameter as y and the time-- or duration--for the motion as x. Units of measurement of motion or time change to suit selected motion parameters.
  • Page 121 Click the arrow next to the path indicator and select a new path from the drop down list. Choices depend upon what parameter is currently selected. FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 122 If you do not specify an opacity value, (OVR) might appear next to the parameter to indicate that Deko is overriding standard opacity to enhance the current DVE effect (this only happens with some DVE effects). FXDeko User’s Guide Offset Absolute Absolute to Home...
  • Page 123 Previous point Selects the previous point. Move Enables moving the selected point. Line / Curve / Cusp / Smooth / Symmetrical Determine the nature of the point. Reset graph Resets the timeline graph to its default shape. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 124: Using A Motion In A Sequence

    Activate the Sequence window. Press the up or down arrow ( ) to move the cursor to an event. FXDeko always begins a sequence with the current event. Activate the Sequence window. Do one of the following: Click the play button in the Sequence window.

  • Page 125: Using Agpi Trigger

    Preview window, then pauses the sequence and displays the message “Sequence paused. Press Alt+Enter to continue.” In the Control column, select hold. FXDeko displays the first frame of the effect, then waits for a trigger. Do one of the following: Right-click the mouse.

  • Page 126: Stopping Sequence Playback

    TOPPING EQUENCE LAYBACK To stop sequence playback: Effects, Motions, and Sequences Do one of the following: Press Esc. Click the stop button in the Sequence window. Choose Stop Sequence Playback (Ctrl+Pause) from the Sequence menu. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 127: User Preferences

    User Preferences AYOUTS FXDeko offers eight standard layouts for creating, editing and playing back graphics and macros: In addition to the eight standard layouts, you can save any configuration of your FXDeko desktop as a custom layout. RRANGING THE ESKTOP...
  • Page 128 In the View menu, click an unchecked item to view it, or click a checked item to minimize it. In the View menu, click an unchecked item to show it, or click a checked item to hide it. From the Window menu, choose Reset. From the Window menu, choose Freeze. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 129: User Preferences

    In the dialog box, select the tab for the type of preferences you wish to specify: Common, Prompts, Paths, Cursor, Marker or Advanced. Hardware settings are described in the FXDeko Installation Guide. In the Options menu, check Save Settings Now.

  • Page 131: Common Preferences

    The desktop layout that appears each time you start FXDeko. Color used where graphic is transparent The color FXDeko uses to fill all transparent areas of a graphic (areas filled with live video when the FXDeko keyer is turned on).The default color is dark gray. To select a new color, click the color button.

  • Page 132: Paths Preferences

    NTSC 16x9) or imported from another file format (Windows bitmaps, Targa files, etc.). Although FXDeko automatically converts these graphics to the current resolution, the conversion process takes time, which can slow recall time and sequence playback. You may want to re-record these files in the current resolution using the Save As (F12) command from the File menu.
  • Page 133 Shift+End selects text from cursor through last character in text field Ctrl+End sends cursor to end of row FXDeko User’s Guide Windows sends cursor to of row selects text from cursor to beginning of row sends cursor to...

  • Page 134: Marker Preferences

    You can set it to any convenient value. Text rendering Specifies a time limit for FXDeko to render text. If FXDeko is unable to fully render text within this time, it automatically substitutes low- resolution text.
  • Page 135 Word wrap enabled Enables word wrap automatically for all new text fields. Font size based on FXDeko allows you to specify whether to base font size on row height or cap height. Show actual font size in Presets box The buttons in the Preset Style window display sample text in actual font sizes.

  • Page 136: Managing Files

    Unlike many Windows applications, FXDeko does not always open a new window when you open a file. If a window of the appropriate type is already open, FXDeko opens the file into that window, replacing the previous file. Be sure to save any modified file before opening another file in the same window.

  • Page 137: Closing Files

    AVING ILES FXDeko always saves the file in the active window. An asterisk (*) next to a file name on a window’s title bar indicates that the file has been modified since it was last saved. FXDeko automatically attaches the standard extension to the file name. For example, a macro file named myfile is saved as myfile.mcr.

  • Page 138: Sharing Files

    HARING ILES If FXDeko is networked to other computers, you can share files with other users on the network. Using File Manager, you can make any directory a shared directory, allowing other users to access all files in that directory. By default, a directory is not shared unless you explicitly share it, or one of its parent directories is already shared.

  • Page 139: Deleting Files

    To delete a file or group of files: ROWSING FOR TILLS AND You can integrate FXDeko with Thunder and Lightning. Lightning is a high performance, network based, image storage and management system, used in on- air broadcast and production. Thunder works similarly, and has the added capability to store and manage clips as well as still images.

  • Page 140: Connecting To An Existing Remote Database

    Right-click the drive where you will store Lightning databases (probably C or D), then choose Sharing. Under the Sharing tab, click the New Share button. Type the drive designation letter, such as C, in the Share Name text box, then click OK twice. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 141: Accessing Stills And Clips

    From the File menu, choose Open From Lightning. In the Open From Lightning dialog box, double-click anywhere on the image data line. You can re-sort images alphanumerically by StillNum, Date, Title, Category, User, or Memo, by clicking the appropriate FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 142 When you then use the graphic in a sequence, Deko plays the clip simultaneously with the effect associated with the graphic. In Deko, open the graphic in a Program or Preview window. The window must be active. Drag and drop the clip from the Thunder browser. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 143: Storing Images

    Click OK. The image is stored in the Lightning database, and will show up in the Browse window if you ALT+TAB over to the Thunder Browse application. You can also drag and drop images from Windows Explorer into the Thunder Browser. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 144: Working With Macros

    Every command recognized by FXDeko is listed and described in detail in the accompanying FXDeko Command Reference. A macro is a sequence of FXDeko commands. You can name and store a macro by saving it in a file. You can invoke a macro in the same way you can invoke a command, by typing the macro name on the Command Bar and pressing Enter.

  • Page 145: Working In The Macro Window

    Unlike many Windows applications, FXDeko does not automatically open a new window when you open an existing macro. If the Macro window is already open, FXDeko opens the macro into that window, replacing any previous macro. Be sure to save any modified macro before opening another macro in the same window.

  • Page 146: Using The Macro Recorder

    Choose Record Macro (Ctrl+F2) from the Macro menu. Press F2 to turn the recorder off and activate the Macro window. Do one of the following: From the Window menu, choose Select Layout, then Macro Edit. From the View menu, choose Macro (F2). FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 147: Playing A Macro

    The name of the macro that is currently playing appears on the status bar. If no Macro window or Sequence window is active, FXDeko plays the macro in the most recently activated Macro window. If the Command Bar is not visible, choose Command Bar (F4) from the View menu.

  • Page 148: Stopping Macro Playback

    Do one of the following: Click the play button at the right end of the text bar. Choose Play Macro (Alt+F2) from the Macro menu. The blinking cursor in the Macro window indicates where the macro is paused. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 149: Editing A Macro

    Type a new file name in the File Name text box, then click OK or press Enter. When you save a macro, FXDeko automatically attaches “.mcr” to the file name. Do not type a different extension. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 150: Appending To A Macro

    From the Sequence menu, choose Convert Sequence to Macro. From the Motion menu, choose Convert Motion to Macro. FXDeko determines the sequence of macro commands needed to recreate the graphic, sequence or motion and inserts them into the active macro.

  • Page 151: Macro Programming Language

    Commands are the basic building blocks of any macro. In macros, commands are similar to the verbs, or action words, we use in speech. A command is a direct instruction to FXDeko to perform a function. An FXDeko command may include alphanumeric characters and underscores (_). The first character may not be a number.

  • Page 152: Parameters

    Very large or small real values may be expressed in exponent form. For example, 2.5e-10. Working with Macros justify default (unchanged) justification justify left bottom horizontal left; vertical bottom justify vertical=top top vertical justification; horizontal unchanged justify v=top top vertical justification; horizontal unchanged FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 153 An integer parameter specifies a whole number value, either positive or negative, e.g., 3, 12967, -14, 0, etc. If you specify a real value for an integer parameter, FXDeko ignores the fractional component. An example of an integer parameter is the number parameter of the...
  • Page 154 An object parameter specifies an object, a collection of values that is treated as a single item. Typical objects in FXDeko include colors, shaders, ellipses, rectangles, boxes, fonts and looks. The letter command, which adds a letter to a text field, includes two object...

  • Page 155: Variables

    ARIABLES In FXDeko, a variable name can include any upper or lower case alphanumeric character as well as the special character, underline (_). The first character is always a dollar sign ($), and the character immediately after the dollar sign cannot be a number.
  • Page 156 Working with Macros Other system variables may be assigned values. For example, the system variable @wordwrap can be set to 0 to disable word wrap, or 1 to enable it FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 157: Operators

    (=), which is just one of many symbols, known as operators, that represent operations performed on data. The FXDeko Macro Programming Language uses a subset of the operators available in C, as well as a few additions specific to FXDeko. Arithmetic operators perform mathematical operations within expressions: Operator You can perform arithmetic operations on one-character strings by adding or subtracting integer values to the character.
  • Page 158 Additional string operations are performed by commands. Please refer to the FXDeko Commands section of this manual. The index and element operators allow direct access to values that are elements of arrays or elements of objects: Operator : $a:$b Bitwise operators perform operations on integers based on bit position: Operator <<...
  • Page 159 OR $a and 2, assigns result to $a $a ^= $b bitwise exclusive OR $a and $b, assigns result to $a FXDeko uses the same order of operator precedence used by C: subscript, element parentheses logical not, one’s complement, unary minus...

  • Page 160: Comments

    You may find the same to be true of your macros. A single-line comment starts with a pound sign (#). FXDeko ignores text to the right of the pound sign. # This comment is on a line by itself.
  • Page 161 Notice how indentation makes conditional statements easier to read. Indenting the commands between if and its corresponding end is a good practice. Loop commands instruct FXDeko to execute a series of commands multiple times. Loop commands include loop, while and for.

  • Page 162: Subroutines

    Conditional loop commands define both the loop and its conditional test. The while command continues looping as long as its test expression is true. FXDeko evaluates the test expression prior to each iteration of the loop, and as long as the result is true, continues the loop: $a=1 while $a<=5...

  • Page 163: Return Values

    $squareroot = sqrt 4. sqrt returns the real value 2. $test = file_open "moon over miami" file_open returns 1 if FXDeko successfully opens "moon over miami", or 2 if not. $color = rgb 0 0 100 The rgb command creates and returns a color object that is then assigned to the variable $color.

  • Page 164: Objects

    BJECTS An object is a data structure created by a command. Typical objects in FXDeko include colors, shaders, ellipses, rectangles, fonts and looks. The elements of an object correspond exactly with the parameters of the command that created it. Consider the rgb command, which creates a color:...
  • Page 165 Macro Programming Language $b = integer $a+.5 $b equals 13 FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 166 $b = str2ascii $a $b equals 97 Use the command: ascii2str $a = 97 $b = ascii2str $a $b equals "a" Use the command: obj2str $a = @black $b = obj2str $a $b equals "yuv 16 0 0" FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 167: Fxdeko Options

    FXDeko Options BOUT PTIONS FXDeko options currently available for purchase include: To see what FXDeko options are enabled on your system: Aston Import Automation Chyron Import ClipDeko DVE Effects Group 2 FastAction Keyboard SportsWare Timeline From the Options menu, choose Enabled Options. A check mark next to an option indicates that it is enabled on your system.

  • Page 168: Aston Import

    In the Font Mapping section of the Aston Import window, find the Aston font in the lefthand column. Deko automatically maps Aston fonts into default fonts supported by Deko. Double-click the corresponding Deko font and select a new font from the drop-down list. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 169: Automation

    The Automation option includes III protocol, both serial and network; TimeCode Control; and Database Connection. See below for details. The III protocol allows you to control FXDeko externally, in two ways: By any external computer, using a serial input port. You can use macro commands to input and output arbitrary bytes and strings.
  • Page 170 In the Options Menu, select Save Settings on Exit. Replace A replace field gets its data from an automation (.aut) file. When you read an .aut file, FXDeko replaces the graphic’s replace fields with the data in the .aut file. Query The seldom used query field causes the Automation interface to request updates from the host at user-specified intervals.
  • Page 171 In the dialog box, enter the amount of time to add or subtract. Choose whether to add or subtract the offset time, then click OK or press Enter. Open the Sequence file. From the Timecode menu, choose Find Event Closest to Timecode. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 172: Database Connection

    ATABASE ONNECTION The Automation option includes a dynamic feature that enables FXDeko to read and display information from a database. This means you can set up a layer to query a database and display the value of a field within that database.
  • Page 173 Enter a value in the Frequency box to specify how many seconds to wait between requests to the data source for updates. If Frequency is set to zero, the automation interface will issue the request only once. Click Create Query. FXDeko User’s Guide Automation...
  • Page 174 FXDeko Options Database Name A database name defined in the ODBC Data Source Administrator. Connect Connects FXDeko to the specified database. Table In Database A table within the database. Record Number The number used to identify the data record. Field Value A value of the specified Field Name field.

  • Page 176: Chyron Import

    The Chyron Import option gives you the ability to read Chyron Infinit family files and work with them in the FXDeko environment. The members of the Infinite family include Maxine, Max, Winfinit, and Infinit. These files come in two flavors:...
  • Page 177 In the Chyron Import window, click Details. Click Save. Enter a name for the mapping file, then click Save. Click OK or press Enter. FXDeko saves the font mapping file as a text (.txt) file. To open a font mapping file: In the Chyron Import window, click Details.

  • Page 178: Clipdeko

    In the Channel menu, choose ClipDeko. Turn on ClipDeko. In the View menu, click Clip Browser. Do one of the following: In the Clip Browser, click the Edit Clip tool. In the View menu, choose Clip Edit. FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 179 Double-click the fill clip thumbnail to load it as the current clip. Import the key clip as described above, but be sure to choose “Use as key in currently loaded clip” in the Import Clip dialog box before you click Open. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 180: Playing Clips

    The format (e.g. DV25, YUV, or RGB) of the .avi file appears next to the file name. If no clip is selected, the clip viewer is greyed out. FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 181 Use the double right arrows to jump to the nearest point forward in the clip (Out, In, or end). To play a clip: Do one of the following: From the Clip menu, select Play. In the Clip Editor, click the Play button under the thumbwheel. FXDeko User’s Guide ClipDeko...
  • Page 182 Do one of the following: Drag and drop the clip from the browser onto the graphic. Click the Link tool at the top of the browser, then select the graphic file name from the list of available (open) graphics. FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 183 Open the browser and click the clip to select it. Open the Clip Editor and click Delete. Deko displays a message box asking if you want to delete the .avi file, too. Click Yes or No. FXDeko User’s Guide ClipDeko...

  • Page 184: Fastaction Keyboard

    FASTACTION KEYBOARD The FastAction Keyboard (FAK) enables you to perform common tasks in FXDeko with a single keystroke. It is designed for use in real-time on-air environments, where speed is critical. Based on a standard PC 101 keyboard, the FAK provides additional keys for one keystroke accessibility to many of FXDeko’s functions.
  • Page 185 Selects the face shader for the current style from the first eight preset shader chicklets. Delete File Deletes file open in the active window. Effect Activates single effect playback layout. Font Activates the Style/Font Window. Help Activates FXDeko Online Help. Justify Activates the Justify dialog box. FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 186 Reads the graphic whose filename appears in the alphanumeric display into the Program window. Redo Undoes Undo. Rot/Skw Selects the Rotate/Skew tool. In conjunction with the arrow keys, moves, scales, rotates, skews or kerns rows, depending on which tool is selected. FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 187 Selects preset styles from the currently active Preset Window. Tab Set Sets a tab stop at the current cursor position. Undo Undoes changes to the current graphic, style, style presets, shader, or sequence. If the most recent action is not reversible, Undo is unavailable. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 188: Rocket

    3D graphical elements. With the option, you can launch Rocket from Deko, and use it to create, animate, and display 3D elements in documents created in Deko. Rocket accesses Deko graphics using FXDeko as a server. For comprehensive information about Rocket, refer to your Rocket User’s Guide or Online Help for Rocket.
  • Page 189 When you use Save Selection to save a graphic, the Graphic browser indicates next to the graphic file name that the graphic is a pop file. Likewise, the File Info section of the File Open dialog box will tell you if a file is a pop file. FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 190 Choose the file from the File Name list box or type it in the File Name text box, then click OK or press Enter. FXDeko creates a new layer for the place pop in front of the current or selected layer, then automatically activates the layer behind the previously current or selected layer.

  • Page 191: Timeline

    Timeline TIMELINE The timeline enables precision editing and playback of motions. If your FXDeko has the Timeline option enabled, the Motion Editor provides a timeline graph, which displays the selected motion parameter as y and the time--or duration--for the motion as x. The figure below shows what your Motion window looks like with Timeline enabled.

  • Page 192: Menu Commands

    Activates the “insert point” mode, in which you can insert points by clicking on the baseline where you wish to insert them. Line to Changes the selected point to a “line to” point. FXDeko draws a straight line from the previous point to the line to point. Loose Fit Filters out “wobbles”...

  • Page 193: Channel

    Sets options for grabbing shaped input video or input with key. Keyer Test Displays a test pattern in the Program window. Use this pattern to help time FXDeko’s video and key outputs at a downstream keyer or switcher. Keying and Routing...

  • Page 194: Clip

    Removes all layers from the active graphic and replaces them with a single, empty text field. Does not affect the graphic’s background. Clear Selected Text Removes selected text from the active graphic. è Font è Copy (Ctrl+C) Copies the selected or current font to the clipboard. FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 195 Removes the selected sprite from the active motion and copies it to the clipboard. Delete (Delete) Erases selected text. Delete Events (Delete) Deletes selected events from the active Sequence window. Find (Ctrl+F) Searches the active graphic or macro for a user-specified character string. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 196: File

    If the most recent action is not reversible, Undo is grayed out. Undo enabled Enables Undo. 1, 2, 3, 4… Opens one of the four most recently opened files. Append Layers (Alt+F9) Appends the layers in a graphic file to the active graphic. FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 197 Deletes a file. Delete Selected File Deletes the selected file. Exit Closes all FXDeko windows and ends the current FXDeko session. Import Character Imports the graphic from the Program window into the active Character window of the current custom typeface.

  • Page 198: Help

    Saves the active file under a user-specified name. Overwrites any existing file with the same file name. About FXDeko Displays your FXDeko software version and ID numbers as well as FXDeko copyright information. Help Contents Opens the FXDeko Help Window.

  • Page 199: Macro

    Convert Graphic to Macro Converts the current graphic into its equivalent macro. Playback of the resulting macro recreates the graphic. Convert Motion to Macro Converts the current motion into its equivalent macro. Playback of the resulting macro recreates the motion. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 200: Motion

    Configure Clip Server Provides a dialog box for configuring clip server for use with Thunder or Lightning. Enabled Options Provides a list of FXDeko options. Marked check boxes indicate enabled options. Factory Defaults Resets FXDeko options to their original (factory default) settings.

  • Page 201: Presets

    Preset Style Set Assigns the current style to one of eight user-specified preset styles. A check mark indicates the current style. FXDeko User’s Guide and Alt move the cursor row and all and Alt+ skew it.

  • Page 202: Sequence

    Specifies the playback rate of the selected event in the current sequence. Play Sequence (Alt+Enter) Sequentially performs the events in the active Sequence window. Sequence playback begins with the current event, indicated by its highlighted event number. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 203: Shader

    Adds or removes the first face in the current look. Face Shader Displays the face shader for the first face in the current look. If there is no face in the current look, FXDeko automatically adds one. Frame Adds or removes the first frame in the current look.

  • Page 204: Style

    Adds or removes the first shadow in the current look. Shadow Shader Displays the shadow shader for the first shadow in the current look. If there is no shadow in the current look, FXDeko automatically adds one. Underline Adds or removes the first underline in the current look.

  • Page 205: Text

    Applies the style of the character to the left of the text cursor to the current style. Preset Style Select (Shift+F1 through Shift+F8) Selects the current style from a list of presets. A check mark indicates the current style. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 206: Timecode

    Detects which event of the open sequence is closest to the current output timecode. Add Offset to In/Out Times Specifies an amount of time to add or subtract to in/out times. Timecode Settings Specifies the com port and drop frame mode settings for timecode control. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 207: View

    Deko files. Automation Displays or hides the Automation window, for viewing or specifying FXDeko automation options. A check mark indicates that the Automation window is displayed on the desktop. Browser (Ctrl+L = display, Alt+F4 = close) Displays or hides the browser, used for selection of graphic (.dko) or typeface (.fac) files.

  • Page 208: Window

    Auto Cascade Toggles auto-cascade mode on and off. A check next to Auto Cascade indicates that it is on. In auto-cascade mode, FXDeko automatically arranges windows so that windows of the same type overlap and each title bar is visible. If you activate a window while in auto-cascade mode, it automatically becomes the frontmost window.
  • Page 209 Returns windows to their default positions in the current layout. Save Layout As Saves the current layout as a custom layout. Select Layout Lists standard and custom desktop to choose from. A check next to a layout indicates that it is the current layout. FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 211: Shortcut Keys

    Transfer and Read Next File Ctrl+F7 Ctrl+L Alt+F7 Alt+F5 Alt+F6 Ctrl+Tab Ctrl+F4 Ctrl+F8 Alt+F8 or F8 F8 Ctrl + (plus key) Ctrl + (minus key) Alt + (plus key) Alt + (minus key) Alt+PageUp Alt+PageDown Alt+F9 Alt+F10 Ctrl+F9 Ctrl+F3 FXDeko User’s Guide...

  • Page 212: Formatting Text

    Cancel Macro Playback Shortcut Keys Ctrl+X Ctrl+C Ctrl+V F9 or Ctrl+O Alt+F12 or Ctrl+S Ctrl+N Ctrl+Delete Ctrl+F12 Ctrl+P Ctrl+F Ctrl+G Ctrl+H Ctrl+B Ctrl+I Ctrl+U Ctrl+NumPad0 Ctrl+NumPad1 Ctrl+NumPad2 Ctrl+NumPad3 Ctrl+NumPad4 Ctrl+NumPad5 Ctrl+NumPad6 Ctrl+NumPad7 Ctrl+NumPad8 Ctrl+NumPad9 Ctrl+F2 Alt+F2 Pause Ctrl+Pause FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 213 Exchange text row down Rotate Mode Scale/Width Mode Toggle Coarse/Fine Shortcut Keys Ctrl+Z Alt+F4 Shift+Alt+p Shift+F1 Shift+F2 Shift+F3 Shift+F4 Shift+F5 Shift+F6 Shift+F7 Shift+F8 Shift+arrow keys Ctrl+A Pause Ctrl+Pause Alt+Enter Ctrl+K Ctrl+M Alt+ Alt+ Shift+Alt+ Shift+Alt+ Ctrl+R Ctrl+W Ctrl+spacebar FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 214 Style 7 Style 8 Preset Styles Clear All Bgd Shader Clear Bgd Read Next Replace Layers Style Edit Graphic Compose FXDeko User’s Guide Swap Style 3 Transfer Style Style 6 Program Pick Style Read (Open) Append Layers Read Bgd Record (Save As)

  • Page 215: Glossary

    An array is a set of data values. In FXDeko, elements of an array are referenced as variables that include the array name and an index number (which must be an integer or an expression that returns an integer), e.g.
  • Page 216 When the background is on, the background shader determines its color. Like all FXDeko shaders, the background can be a solid color, a ramp or a texture. A bitmap is a set of numerical values specifying the colors of the pixels in a graphic image.
  • Page 217 The clipboard is the Windows NT temporary holding area for text or other data that has been cut or copied from a FXDeko graphic, macro, style or sequence. When you cut or copy a selection, it replaces any previous contents of the clipboard.
  • Page 218 A control point is the point at either end of a Bezier curve or a line segment. In FXDeko, you can move control points to change the curvature or length of a baseline segment. A creation station is a workstation where you can create, edit and store graphics, but which does not contain video input/output hardware.
  • Page 219 TrueType characters. default value A default value is the value that FXDeko uses for a parameter with no explicitly specified value. desktop Desktop is the Windows NT term for everything appearing on your computer’s color monitor —...
  • Page 220 0 to 255. The number of rows and columns of pixels determines the resolution of the frame buffer. In NTSC, FXDeko’s frame buffer has 720 pixels in each of 486 rows. In PAL, it has 720 pixels in each of 576 rows.
  • Page 221 In FXDeko, glyphs are actual renderings of characters, in a particular style (font and look). FXDeko normally renders characters as you type them. For a style with a large font or complicated look, you can increase the speed of typing by pre-rendering the style.
  • Page 222 Double- click the thumbnail to use the graphic. A graphic file is a FXDeko graphic that has been saved on disk with a file name and the ".dko" extension, for example, "mypict.dko".
  • Page 223 An integer parameter specifies a whole number value, either positive or negative, e.g. 3, 12967, -174, 0, etc. if you specify a real value for an integer parameter, FXDeko ignores the fractional component of the value. An example of an integer parameter is the number parameter of the...
  • Page 224 Glossary A layer is one element of a FXDeko graphic. A layer is either a text layer, a rectangle layer or an ellipse layer. A graphic can have any number of layers. Layers are rendered from front to back.
  • Page 225 A macro is a series of FXDeko commands that can be saved in a macro file and played back on demand. You can use the macro recorder to record a macro, or you can edit a macro as a text file.
  • Page 226 Some examples are the arithmetic operators, + and -, or the assignment operator, =. An optional parameter always has a default value. FXDeko uses the default value unless your command specifies a different value.
  • Page 227 A ramp shader, or color gradient, is a type of FXDeko shader, used to apply color to a detail. You specify the colors at the four corners of the detail, and FXDeko creates the ramp by interpolating those colors across the interior of the detail.
  • Page 228 A required parameter has no default value. Your command must specify a value for the parameter. FXDeko specifies resolution in screen units, which are user- definable in Options/Preferences/Advanced/Resolution. The default value for screen units is 486 in NTSC and 576 in PAL.
  • Page 229 In Options/Preferences, choose Cursor Movement by Pixels for screen space. screen units Screen units are the units FXDeko uses for the height of a typeface and for the location of text and shapes in a graphic. Screen units are user-definable, in Options/Preferences/Advanced/ Resolution.
  • Page 230 A style consists of a font and a look. A font is a typeface of specified size, shape and orientation. A look controls how FXDeko renders a font character. Each look is comprised of a list of details. Each detail is a face, edge, frame, shadow, or underline, and has its own set of attributes which dictate its color, size, shape, etc.
  • Page 231 Box cursor text field A text field is one layer of text in a FXDeko graphic. A text field is defined by its text field box, which controls word wrapping and justification. A text field has a default style (font and look).
  • Page 232 You can set world space units to any convenient value. In Options/Preferences/Advanced, enter the number of full screen vertical units, and FXDeko derives the number of horizontal units automatically by multiplying the height by the aspect ratio. The current number of vertical units is stored in the system variable @resolution.

  • Page 233: Index

    65 edge, 54 eyedropper, 73 face, 52, 53 frame, 60, 61 picking a, 73 shadow, 56, 57 specifying, 64–73 underline, 58, 59 where graphic is transparent, 125 Command categories, 145 conditional loop, 155 invoking, 138 FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 234 103 cutting and pasting, 103 deleting, 104 inserting, 104 specifying, 99–121 specifying starting, 119 Exiting FXDeko, 12–13, 125, 131 Expressions, 152 Eyedropper, 73 Face adding or removing, 52 blurring, 53 changing attributes of, 52 changing color of, 52, 53...
  • Page 235 Layer. See also Text field, Rectangle, Ellipse keyhole, 88 Layer menu commands, 190–91 Layers about, 80 adding to graphic, 83, 85, 86 clearing from graphic, 90 copying, 91 cutting and pasting, 91 deleting, 91 moving, 93–94 position, 93–94 rotating, 95 FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 236 145–46 list, 148 object, 147 positional order of, 145–46 real, 146 string, 147 switch, 147 Pasting. See Cutting and pasting Pinnacle Systems how to contact. See Technical Support Preferences advanced, 128 common, 124–25 cursor, 126–27 marker, 127–28 FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 237 56 blurring, 57 changing attributes of, 56 changing color of, 56, 57 distance from detail, 57 hiding, 57 offset angle, 57 priority among other details, 57 shape, 57–58 type, 57 Shortcut keys, 201–5 Skewing layer, 96–97 FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 238 58 blurring, 59 changing attributes of, 59 changing color of, 58, 59 height and width, 59 hiding, 59 offset, 59 priority among other details, 59 shape, 59 spaces between words, 59 Underlining Text, 41–45 User interface, 138 FXDeko User’s Guide...
  • Page 239 122–23 Windows NT changing keyboard layout, 25 clipboard, 34, 48, 63, 76 File Manager, 132 installing TrueType and Postscript fonts, 48 Program Manager, 12, 13, 25, 48 starting, 10–11 Wipe, 98 Word wrap, 85, 88 FXDeko User’s Guide...

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