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Focus 3.2 User Manual

Focus enhancements media players user manual 3.2
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Firefly SC and MZ

Media Players

Version 3.2
User Manual

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Summary of Contents for Focus 3.2

  • Page 1: Media Players

    Firefly SC and MZ Media Players Version 3.2 User Manual...
  • Page 2 Trademarks The Focus Enhancements, Visual Circuits, and Firefly logos are registered trademarks in the United States and other countries. All other products, services or company names mentioned herein are claimed as trademarks and trade names by their respective companies. ©...

  • Page 3: Important Safety Instructions

    Firefly Safety Requirements IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS: The following safety instructions apply to the Visual Circuits Firefly: 1. Read and follow all warning notices and instructions marked on the product or included in this manual. Opening or removing covers and/or components may expose you to dangerous high voltage points or other risks.
  • Page 4 POWER AND GROUND REQUIREMENTS: Determine that the cumulative power requirements of the Firefly plus other equipment in the rack do not overload the supply circuits and/or wiring. If using a power strip or similar supply, make sure the power requirements of the chassis, plus the cumulative power draw of any other equipment in the rack, do not overload the supply circuit.
  • Page 5 User Manual Regulatory Documentation There is danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. A lithium battery on the product provides backup power for the device’s timekeeping capability. The battery has an estimated life expectancy of ten years. When the battery starts to weaken, the date and time may become incorrect.

  • Page 6: Industry Canada

    Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference. 2. This device must accept any interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
  • Page 7 Class A Warning (EN55024, EN55022) In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures. Failure to provide adequate surge protection may cause damage to the Firefly. Visual Circuits does not warranty damage caused by electrical surges to the system.

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    ONTENTS Welcome to Firefly SC Quick Start Plug and Play ......3 Before You Start, You Will Need......3 Installation Sequence .
  • Page 10 Contents Reviewing, Previewing and Deleting Firefly Media ..31 Reviewing Media and Storage Usage on the Firefly ..31 Previewing Videos and Graphic Overlays Deleting Media from the Firefly ..... 33 Using the Playlist Editor .
  • Page 11 USB Devices Settings ......92 USB Network Settings ......94 Multicast.
  • Page 12 Contents Diagnostic Logs ....... . 117 DTDs (Document Type Definition) ....117 Log Default Playlist .
  • Page 13 Insufficient Disk Space ......164 Forgot Name, Password, IP...??? ..... . 165 Preventing Cabling and Connection Problems.

  • Page 15: Welcome To Firefly Sc And Mz

    ELCOME TO ™ IREFLY ™ ™ Thank you for purchasing the Firefly SC or the Firefly MZ The Firefly SC and MZ are the media players developed specifically for A/V professionals; combining the ease and familiarity, flexibility and control of a disk-based, MPEG-2 decoder.
  • Page 16 ™ Welcome to Firefly SC and MZ Documentation Conventions The Firefly SC and MZ are single-channel devices that share many features and capabilities. Because of these similarities, this manual, in general, does not differentiate between these two players and simply calls them either the Firefly or the player. Thus, unless specifically identified as belong to a particular player, the information in this manual applies to both.

  • Page 17: Quick Start Plug And Play

    UICK LUG AND The Firefly is a single-channel output device that is simple to con- figure and can reside on a network or stand alone. Content Server Before You Start, You Will Need Have the following items ready before installing the Firefly MZ Media Player.

  • Page 18: Installation Sequence

    Quick Start Plug and Play Installation Sequence 1. Install Firefly on network. a. Connect your video and audio cables to the back of the Firefly. b. Connect the video and audio cables from the Firefly to the inputs on the monitor and audio component. c.

  • Page 19: Install The Firefly

    Install the Firefly Serial Power 12 VDC 1 2 3 4 5 6 + - + - + - Unbalanced S / PDIF (Left Right) 1. Attach the video cables to the Firefly. For Composite monitors: Connect a BNC-ended composite cable (not included) to the composite connector on the back of the Firefly.
  • Page 20 Quick Start Plug and Play 2. Attach the audio cables to the Firefly. For an unbalanced audio connection use audio cables with stranded wire ends and connect to terminal 1 (Left +), terminal 4 (Right +), and terminals 2 and 4 (designated grounds).

  • Page 21: Configure For Network

    Configure for Network Often, the Firefly TCP/IP defaults must change to accommodate the network where it will reside. The best method is to attach a computer to the media player. Contact the Network Administrator for the correct network configuration information, Attaching a Laptop or PC Before beginning, verify that the computer and/or the Firefly are powered off.

  • Page 22: Changing Tcp/Ip Settings

    Quick Start Plug and Play Changing TCP/IP Settings Firefly default TCP/IP settings: Static IP Address: 10.0.1.1 Login (case sensitive): firefly Password: 123456 There are two methods for initially changing the Firefly TCP/IP settings: WebView and serial commands. WebView via Ethernet Port WebView is a browser-based, administration tool-kit that resides on the Firefly.

  • Page 23: External Control Commands

    Restarting the Firefly is only necessary when updating the network settings in a DHCP environment, i.e. going from Static to DHCP mode, changing the Host Name, and so on. . External Control Commands External control commands require that the computer has an ASCII generating control program, such as Hyper Terminal.

  • Page 24: Install Media Messenger

    Quick Start Plug and Play Install Media Messenger Install Visual Circuit’s Media Messenger software from the Media Messenger CD by following the online screens and prompts. Refer to the Media Messenger User Manual for details. Whenever the installation sequence requests the Company Name or Registration Key, enter the name and key precisely as Visual Circuits provided it.

  • Page 25: Configure Ftp

    Configure FTP Setup on-board Firefly FTP Server • Configure Firefly properties. • Configure Firefly FTP server. Configure Firefly Properties 1. Open the Main window of Media Messenger. 2. Right-click in the Firefly object in the Network Pane and display Player drop down menu. 3.

  • Page 26: Configuring The Firefly Ftp Server

    Quick Start Plug and Play Configuring the Firefly FTP Server Network Administrator provides FTP configuration information. 1. Click on Settings in the Main Menu list and select FTP Server Setup. 2. Fill in the FTP Site Information Fields. a. IP Address/Hostname. Network Administrator provides the IP Address and Hostname of the FTP server.

  • Page 27: How To Create A Basic Playlist

    How To Create a Basic Playlist Playing media on Firefly requires 1. That the MPEG videos reside on the Firefly. 2. That a valid playlist resides on the Firefly. There are several methods for creating a layout and playlist for the Firefly.

  • Page 28: Publish

    Quick Start Plug and Play Publish Via FTP 1. Open WebView, click on System Settings, and select Network. Confirm that the network and security settings are correct. 2. Return to the Media Messenger main workspace. 3. Select the target player or player group in the Network Pane. 4.
  • Page 29 6. Select the Upload Option: a. a specific player, b. a group of players, c. all players, If uploading to one specific Firefly, select the Direct Upload to Firefly option, otherwise leave unchecked. 7. Click Begin Update button. When the upload completes, close the Update Control window. The Firefly MZ loads immediately and begins playing back the playlist.

  • Page 30: Via Cd/Dvd

    Quick Start Plug and Play Via CD/DVD Another method of transporting playlists, schedules, and media files is to create a media update disc.This process creates the content image of an autorun disc (CD/DVD). Media Messenger does not burn a CD or DVD. It prepares the necessary files so that when they are burned on to a disc, an autorun application is created.

  • Page 31: Software Updating

    Software Updating Visual Circuits is continuously looking for ways to improve and expand its features and product performance. We provide a variety of simple methods to keep your Firefly updated with the latest software for your application. Software updates are available from www.visualcircuits.com or by requesting a CD/DVD FROM a Visual Circuits representative.

  • Page 33: Encoding Requirements And Recommendations

    NCODING ECOMMENDATIONS In order to ensure proper playback on the Firefly, the MPEG content must be encoded following a particular set of encoding requirements. The Encoding Requirements, as well as the Encoding Recommendations, listed below provide a brief set of criteria to create MPEG files that will be compatible with the Firefly playback system.

  • Page 34: Encoding Recommendations

    Encoding Requirements and Recommendations Encoding Recommendations 1. Resolution: 720 X 480 or 704 X 480 in NTSC; 704 X 576 in PAL. 2. Closed GOP (Group of Pictures) with an “I-frame” every 15 frames is recommended. 3. The recommended audio bit rate is 384kbps and a sampling rate of 48khz.
  • Page 35 7. When encoding files, annotate and store notes on the audio levels of both the source tape and input settings of the encoder. It will then be possible to verify audio levels of later encoding sessions. It is desirable to maintain a baseline audio level across all files of a presentation whether at single or multiple locations.

  • Page 37: Web View

    The WebView interface allows you to access a Firefly over a network using only a conventional web browser. No special software is required. WebView is compatible with Microsoft ™ Internet Explorer 5.5 and higher. While WebView may work with other web browsers, Visual Circuits cannot guarantee full compatibility.

  • Page 38: Step 2: Determine The Address Of The Firefly

    Step 2: Determine the Address of the Firefly Once proper network connections are confirmed on both the Firefly and the web browser computer, you will need to know the IP address or DNS name (if your network has a DNS server) of the Firefly.

  • Page 39: Step 4: Enter Your User Name And Password

    Step 4: Enter Your User Name and Password All Firefly’s ship from the factory with a default user name of “firefly” and default password “123456”. If you have not yet changed those defaults, you should enter them at this time. Otherwise, if you have already created a new user name and password, enter them now.

  • Page 40: Using The Webview Interface

    Using the WebView Interface Once you have logged onto the WebView Interface, your browser will go to the “Media Transfer” page as the default starting point (page 27). Along the left side of the page are the navigation buttons used to access different pages in the WebView interface. At the top is a link to download the Firefly User Manual in PDF format.

  • Page 41: Transferring Media

    Transferring Media From this page you can transfer media from your computer or network to the Firefly. Up to six media files can be transferred at once by simply specifying the files to be transferred in each of the Media 1 through Media 6 boxes. Figure 2.
  • Page 42 If you cannot remember the names and locations of the files you wish to transfer, simply click the Browse button to the right of the box you wish to fill in. This will bring up a window that allows you to search your hard drive(s) and network for the desired file. Figure 3.
  • Page 43 When WebView begins transferring the selected files, an animated sequence of flashing circles will appear over the Visual Circuits logo in the lower left portion of the page to let you know that the transfer is in progress. Because media files can be quite large, the transfer process can take several minutes depending on the size of files you have selected and the speed of your network connection.

  • Page 44: Webview Software Update

    Webview Software Update To update your Firefly using the Media Transfer-Firefly Update method, simply browse your PC for the .upd file you may have obtained from the Visual Circuits web site or CD ROM. Now select “Firefly Update”. After the file has been transferred, the system will immediately begin to process the update for approx.

  • Page 45: Reviewing, Previewing And Deleting Firefly Media

    Reviewing, Previewing and Deleting Firefly Media Within the WebView Media Review page, you will be able to review media and storage usage on the Firefly, preview video and graphic overlay media on the Firefly and delete media from the Firefly. Figure 6.

  • Page 46: Previewing Videos And Graphic Overlays

    In addition, you will be able review the current storage status of the Firefly by observing the current “Used” space and “Free” space displayed in the upper left portion of the Media Review window. Previewing Videos and Graphic Overlays on the Firefly Within the Media Review page, you will be able to view basic previews (thumbnail images) of videos and graphic overlays on the Firefly.

  • Page 47: Deleting Media From The Firefly

    Figure 7. Media Review Page (Graphic Overlay) Deleting Media from the Firefly 1. Select the proper file type tab (video, overlay, playlist or schedule) at the top. 2. Select the file(s) from the media list on the right. If you would like to select multiple files at the same time, you can use the standard Windows ‘Shift/Control’...
  • Page 48 Figure 8. Media Review Page (Deleting Multiple Files) WARNING You may delete any or all media files from the Firefly in this fashion. This includes files that may be in use by the current playlist. If you delete a file that is currently playing, it will be allowed to finish playing before the file is actually removed.

  • Page 49: Using The Playlist Editor

    Using the Playlist Editor Within the Playlist Editor, you will be able to arrange videos on the Firefly into a playlist. A playlist is essentially a group of videos arranged in a particular playback sequence. A playlist can be used for immediate playback or saved on the Firefly for future playback.

  • Page 50: Creating A New Playlist

    Creating a New Playlist The process for creating a new playlist may be started in one of two ways; by choosing “New Playlist” from the “Playlist” drop down menu or by clicking on the “New” button in the lower right corner.

  • Page 51: Moving Videos Within A Playlist

    Moving Videos Within a Playlist While you are creating or modifying a playlist, you may find yourself wanting to modify the order of the videos. To move a video up (towards the beginning) in a playlist: 1. Select the video (from the Video list) you would like to move. 2.
  • Page 52 There are two ways you can add a graphic overlay to a video. The first method is as follows: 1. Click on the video within the playlist that you would like the overlay to associate with. 2. Locate and then click on your desired graphic overlay from the Firefly Media list.

  • Page 53: Working With Graphic Overlays In A Playlist

    Working With Graphic Overlays in a Playlist As previously noted, graphic overlays exist in a playlist as attributes of specific video entries. The only image types that are compatible with Firefly are .bmp, .jpg, .gif, .tga or .png. Figure 10. Graphic Overlay Properties Page While copying .jpg, .gif, .tga, .png or non 256-color .bmp image files, Firefly converts those files to a standard 8-bit, 256-color bitmap format and reduces the image sizes, if necessary, to the system maximum of...
  • Page 54 The process for altering the characteristics of a specific graphic overlay is as follows: (Skip steps 1 and 2 if you have already selected a graphic overlay and are within the Graphic Overlay Properties page). 1. Select the video you would like the graphic overlay to be associated with and then click on the Graphic Overlay Properties page.
  • Page 55 Use a solid background (one color) in your graphic overlays for the Auto key feature to work properly. Entering your own RGB values for the key color feature only works with 8 bit bitmap graphics less than or equal to 720x480 resolution.

  • Page 56: Adding Scrolling Text To A Playlist

    Adding Scrolling Text to a Playlist The process for adding scrolling text to a playlist is basically the same as the process of adding video files. The one significant difference, however, is that scrolling text is always linked to a particular video.

  • Page 57: Working With Scrolling Text In A Playlist

    Working With Scrolling Text in a Playlist As previously noted, scrolling text exist in a playlist as attributes of specific video entries. Figure 11. Scrolling Text Properties Page The process for altering the characteristics of a specific text file is as follows.

  • Page 58: Saving A Playlist

    3. Reverse - When Reverse is selected to the on position, the Text assumes the position of Background & visa versa. Entering your own RGB values for the background feature only works with 8 bit bitmap graphics less than or equal to 720x480 resolution. Saving a Playlist Once you have finished editing a playlist, you may save changes by clicking either the “Save”...

  • Page 59: Playing A Playlist Quickly

    Playing a Playlist Quickly If you are browsing through your playlists and find one you would like to play right away, simply click the “Play” button, which is located in the lower right portion of the Playlist Editor screen. Clicking the “Play” button will overwrite the original playlist file using the same file name and will begin designated playback on the Firefly immediately.

  • Page 60: Using The Schedule Editor

    Using the Schedule Editor Within the Schedule Editor, there are two separate pages: the Playlist Events Editor and the Video Dates Editor. Within the Playlist Events Editor you will be able to work with playback schedules. A schedule is a group of one or more playlist events.

  • Page 61: Creating A New Schedule

    Creating a New Schedule The process for creating a new schedule may be started in one of two ways; by choosing “New Schedule” from the Schedule drop down menu or by clicking on the “New” button in the lower right corner.

  • Page 62: Adding An Event To A Schedule

    Property Description Option to play playlist exactly once and then return to previously scheduled playlist. Example: “I’d like to play my one hour specials Play Once playlist just once during the business day”. Option to repeat a “play once” event periodically at a specified interval.
  • Page 63 Figure 14. Days of the Week Dialog Box Click on which days of the week you would like the playlist to play on. A “checked” box indicates the day is selected and an “unchecked” box indicates the day is not selected. If you would like to clear all of the day selections, click the Reset button.

  • Page 64: Deleting An Event From A Schedule

    2. Once you have finished editing the schedule, you may save your changes by following the instructions found in Saving a Schedule on page 52. Deleting an Event from a Schedule To delete an event from a schedule, use the following steps: 1.
  • Page 65 Figure 15. Days of the Week Dialog Box Click on which days of the week you would like the playlist to play on. A “checked” box indicates the day is selected and an “unchecked” box indicates the day is not selected. If you would like to clear all of the day selections, click the Reset button.

  • Page 66: Saving A Schedule

    2. Once you have finished editing the schedule, you may save your changes by following the Saving a Schedule instructions found below. Saving a Schedule Once you have finished editing a schedule, you may save changes on the Firefly by clicking either the “Save” or “Save As” buttons at the bottom of the screen.

  • Page 67: Additional Saving And Loading Methods

    Additional Saving and Loading Methods Beyond the standard saving and loading methods directly to and from the Firefly, there are two local options available to you. Save Local: The Save Local option allows you to save a copy of the schedule file currently being edited to your local computer or network (examples: hard drive, floppy drive).
  • Page 68 Figure 18. Save As Local Dialog Box 3. Type in your desired name for the schedule file and click the “Save” button. When saving a schedule locally, you must add the schedule file extension “.fsc” to the end of all file names. Once saved, you will be returned to the Schedule Editor main screen.
  • Page 69 Figure 19. Load Local Browse Dialog Box 2. Click the “Browse” button. The following Choose File dialog box will appear: Figure 20. Load Local Save As Dialog Box 3. Locate your desired schedule file (.fsc). Once found, highlight it and click the “Open” button. 4.

  • Page 70: Assigning Dates For Video Playback

    You will be returned to the Schedule Editor main screen. The schedule you just loaded will be open on your screen, ready for modifications if desired. Assigning Dates for Video Playback The Video Dates Editor allows you to designate the actual date(s) a particular video is allowed to play.
  • Page 71 Depending on your application, you may have a need for using any or all of the three previously mentioned date rules. The table below provides some “real world” examples for using the Video Dates Editor. Start Stop Date Date 02/01/03 - -/- -/- - - -/- -/- - 05/31/03...

  • Page 72: Exiting The Schedule Editor

    To delete a date rule for a video, use the following steps: 1. (From the Schedule Editor main screen) Select the Video Dates Editor from the drop down menu. The Video Dates Editor screen will be displayed. 2. Locate the video (under Video Name) you would like to delete the date rule for.

  • Page 73: Using The Player Control Panel

    Using the Player Control Panel The Player Control panel mirrors the basic functionality of the Firefly remote control. You will be able to Play, Pause and Stop the currently playing file (displayed on the output window). In addition, you will be able to skip to the Previous and Next video in a playlist using the respective Previous and Next buttons.

  • Page 74: Diagnostics

    Diagnostics The Diagnostics pages display a number of statistics about what the Firefly is doing at a fairly technical level. The information found within these pages can serve as a tool to help the Visual Circuits technical support team work with you over the phone in the event that you are experiencing problems.

  • Page 75: Diagnostics - General

    Figure 23. Diagnostics - General Page Diagnostics - General Player version:Displays the version of the Firefly (incorporating both hardware and software). Currently loaded schedule:Displays the file name of the currently loaded schedule (if applicable) on the system. Currently loaded playlist:Displays the file name of the currently loaded playlist on the system.

  • Page 76: Diagnostics - Video

    Figure 24. Diagnostics - Video Page Diagnostics - Video Horizontal Size:Defines the horizontal resolution of the currently playing MPEG file in pixels. Vertical Size:Defines the vertical resolution of the currently playing MPEG file in pixels. Video Bitrate:Defines the Video Bitrate or data rate of the currently playing MPEG file.
  • Page 77 Timecode:Displays the current timecode within the playing MPEG file offset so that all files start at 00:00:00. File Type:Displays the type of MPEG file being played on the channel. The possible types are: mpeg1 - mpeg1 system stream, mpeg2 - program stream, mpg1v - mpeg1 video only, mpg2v - mpeg2 video only, mpg1a - audio only, ac3 - ac3 audio only, ??? - unknown type or no file loaded.

  • Page 78: Diagnostics - Playback

    Figure 25. Diagnostics - Playback Page Diagnostics - Playback Interrupts:Displays the number of interrupts that have been received from the MPEG decoder. AV Syncs:Displays the number of times the audio or video streams had to be adjusted to maintain proper synchronization. (It is not uncommon for this to be a high number as this is a running total.

  • Page 79: Diagnostics - Logging

    Audio Data:Displays the amount of data currently in the MPEG decoder’s audio data buffer. Raw Data: Bytes of MPEG data in RAM. Disk Underflow:Displays the number of disk underflows that have occurred. A disk underflow occurs when the Firefly is unable to get the data off the disk fast enough to keep the disk buffers from becoming empty.
  • Page 80 Figure 26. Diagnostics - Logging Page (Run log) Once in the Run logfile viewer, the video playback data will be listed with one video per line and will be sorted by playback time (using Firefly’s internal 24-hour clock). You may move to the previous or next pages by clicking on the respective <<Prev or Next>>...
  • Page 81 Diagnostic Logs Diagnostic logs can be used to view a record of all media update transactions and any system errors on a Firefly. Information contained in the diagnostic log include: FTP/DVD Updating data: Tracks date, time of connection/ disconnection, errors- yes/no, files, sizes, percent transferred and FTP permission errors.
  • Page 82 Figure 27. Diagnostics - Logging Page (Diagnostic log) Once in the Diagnostic logfile viewer, the data will be listed with one diagnostic event per line and will be sorted by playback time (using Firefly’s internal 24-hour clock). You may move to the previous or next pages by clicking on the respective <<Prev or Next>>...

  • Page 83: System Settings

    System Settings Within the System Settings menu, the following options are available: General Settings Figure 28. Settings-General When a field is edited in any one of the following Settings Categories, the text for that category will turn red until you update the settings.
  • Page 84 Time Zone Allows you to select the appropriate time zone (measured in hours and minutes plus or minus Greenwich Mean Time) for where the Firefly is being used. Version This is where to reference the software version for technical support purposes or verifying version change following a “software update”.

  • Page 85: Video Settings

    Video Settings Figure 29. Settings-Video Channel 1 Video Selects the standard for video output: NTSC (USA) PAL (European) 480p 576p 720p 1080i NTSC Cropped PAL Cropped Interleave Mode When change frame size, select whether to use interleaving or not and the type. None Interleave...
  • Page 86 Bob (Bob and Weave) Display Mode 720 x 480 720 x 560 640 x 480 800 x 600 840 x 480 1024 x 768 1024 x 852 Channel 1 Video Out Selects the type of video output: Composite/S-video or Component. Composite and S-Video signals can be used simultaneously.

  • Page 87: Audio Settings

    Audio Settings Figure 30. Settings-Audio Volume This setting allows you to set the volume level for audio played back on the Firefly. The default volume setting is 10 on the 0-20 scale. Audio Output Firefly gives you several audio output options depending on the configuration you use (see Table 3 on page 74).
  • Page 88 Firefly Audio Configurations Config MPEG Audio Type MPEG Layer 2 Stereo Audio MPEG Layer 2 Stereo Audio Dolby Digital Audio (AC3) Dolby Digital Audio (AC3) Table 3. Firefly Audio Configurations Firefly Dolby Digital D/A decoding is only available when using the optional Dolby Digital Software Upgrade (config #4).

  • Page 89: Control Settings

    Control Settings Figure 31. Settings-Control Accept TCP/IP In conjunction with RS232 serial communication, TCP/IP allows the user to remotely operate the Firefly by sending operation commands through a network or locally using an external PC or show controller (see External Control Commands on page 119). WARNING For security reasons, “Accept TCP/IP”...
  • Page 90 Auto Play Upon initial start up, Firefly will begin playing the latest loaded playlist/schedule automatically. Following start up, if you choose to begin playback manually via External commands, you can default this option to “Off” to deactivate automatic playback. Baud Rate Select an identical value to your external controller.

  • Page 91: Network Settings

    Network Settings Figure 32. Settings-Network Host Name Choose a unique name that identifies each Firefly unit on the network.
  • Page 92 Mode DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) - A TCP/IP service protocol that offers dynamic leased configuration of host IP addresses and distributes other configuration parameters to eligible network clients. DHCP provides safe, reliable, and simple TCP/IP network configuration, prevents address conflicts, and helps conserve the use of client IP addresses on the network.
  • Page 93 Netmask Specify a range that falls on subnet boundaries. Most TCP/IP networks use subnets in order to manage routed IP addresses. For the range specified in From and To, Windows 2000 calculates the closest matching subnet. The range of addresses in the closest matching subnet may exceed the range specified.

  • Page 94: Snmp Network

    FTP Proxy IP Enter the address for the proxy, in IP format. FTP Proxy Port The number of the port to be used to access the FTP proxy server. Contact you system administrator for this information. HTTP Proxy Type Select the type of HTTP proxy best suited for application. HTTP Proxy IP Enter the address for the proxy, in IP format.
  • Page 95 SNMP Netmask Designates the Netmask information for the system(s) that will be able to monitor and control the Firefly. So for the individual example above you would set, (Ex. 1- 255.255.255.255) and for the range example above (Ex. 2- 255.255.255.0). Community The SNMP Community name defines the relationship between an SNMP server system (your Firefly) and the client systems.

  • Page 96: Logging Settings

    Logging Settings Figure 33. Settings-Logging Run Log Allows you turn to “On” or “Off” the run log. The run log provides a record of which videos played (with which graphic overlays, if applicable), starting at what dates/times, playing back what percentage of the video and for how long.
  • Page 97 Storage Cleanup data: Records what media have been deleted by the automatic storage cleanup routine, including file names, sizes and dates. Missing Elements Log: Records all missing media referenced by an active playlist or schedule, including date, time and file element. Error Summary data: Records important user player diagnostic information, including the number of system restarts, number of watchdog restarts, the player version,...

  • Page 98: Upload Logs

    Max Log MBs Allows you to set a value (in megabytes) for the maximum size a log file is able to reach. The default value is 10 MB. You may want to keep this value relatively small if you wish to maintain a large amount of free space for videos and graphic overlays.

  • Page 99: Webview Settings

    WebView Settings Figure 34. Settings-Logging WebView Enable This feature gives the user access to Firefly over a network using a conventional web browser (see WebView on page 23). File Access Enable/Disable - Accesses the Firefly directly with an FTP client. Username Enter at least 6 (but no more than 15) alphanumeric characters here.
  • Page 100 Password Enter at least 6 (but no more than 15) alphanumeric characters. This field is case sensitive. WARNING It is strongly recommended to change the user name and password from their original default values for system security.

  • Page 101: Ftp Auto-Update Settings

    FTP Auto-Update Settings Figure 35. FTP Auto-Update Settings Screen FTP IP Address Enter the FTP server IP Address here. FTP Port Allows you to enter the port for the FTP server. If left blank during an update, this field will continue to show a blank value, and FTP will use port 21.
  • Page 102 Directory It is advised that you leave this blank and use the home directory of your FTP account to place your media, playlists, schedules and/or updates folders. In the case where you are using multiple Firefly’s with different content for each unit, single and or multiple directories can come in handy.

  • Page 103: Http Auto-Update Settings

    HTTP Auto-Update Settings Figure 36. Settings-HTTP Auto Update HTTP Address Enter the HTTP server IP Address here. HTTP Port Allows you to enter the port for the HTTP server. If left blank during an update, this field will continue to show a blank value, and HTTP will use port 80.
  • Page 104 Update Interval Allows you to schedule HTTP updates every 30 minutes, 1, 2, 4 or 12 hours, 1 day or at a fixed time. Fixed Update Time Allows you to set an actual fixed time (on an hourly basis) for an HTTP update (Example: 14:00).

  • Page 105: Usb Devices

    USB Devices Figure 37. Settings-USB Devices...

  • Page 106: Usb Devices Settings

    USB Devices Settings Figure 38. Settings-USB Modem Enable Dialup If dialup is required. Phone Number Username Enter the USB server username here. Leave this blank if no username is present. Password Enter the password required for access to the USB server. Nameserver The IP address for the server, local or ISP, that handles URL name resolution for the network.
  • Page 107 Gateway A service that allows Firefly to connect to other servers. Creating a gateway also allows client computers running only Microsoft client software to access server resources through the gateway. See your Network Administrator for further information. Connect Type Disabled On Demand Use Fixed Time Connect Time...

  • Page 108: Usb Network Settings

    USB Network Settings Figure 39. Settings USB Network Mode Type of network being accessed: Dynamic or Static. IP Address A 32-bit address used to identify a node on an IP internetwork. Each node on the IP internetwork must be assigned a unique IP address, which is made up of a network identifier and a host identifier.
  • Page 109 Most TCP/IP networks use subnets in order to manage routed IP addresses. For the range specified in From and To, Windows 2000 calculates the closest matching subnet. The range of addresses in the closest matching subnet may exceed the range specified. Unless the addresses specified in From and To are subnet boundaries, the range based on the calculated subnet will be larger than the range specified.

  • Page 110: Multicast

    Multicast Figure 40. Settings-Multicast Multicasting is an optional feature enabled by a software upgrade. If your Firefly does not have the optional Multicasting feature (menu items are “grayed out”) and your application requires it, contact a Visual Circuits representative at 1-800-250-5533. Client Select the name of the content provider.

  • Page 111: Listen Address

    Channel Like presets, you can assign a Channel number for each “Listen” configuration. This allows you to easily recall up to 99 Channels of Listen Address & Port combinations. Listen Address The IP address that the multicast client will listen on. The value must be a Class D multicast address, which will typical start with 224.xxx.xxx.xxx.
  • Page 112 Reserves MBs Allows you to allocate a fixed amount of Firefly’s internal storage space for receiving a multicast update. To determine this value, you will need to estimate the largest multicast update you will ever receive (example: 1000 MBs). Then, double that amount (example: 1000 MBs x 2 = 2000 MBs) to allow room for both the compressed archive and the extraction process.

  • Page 113: Advanced Settings

    Advanced Settings Figure 41. Settings-Advanced Audio/Video Sync Turns audio/video synchronization on and off. Turning the audio to video synchronization or “lip sync” off, sometimes eliminates stuttering video playback. This may however result in poor audio to video synchronization. Consult with a Visual Circuits representative if the problem continues.
  • Page 114 If you are in “Schedule Mode”, if a new playlist has the same filename as a playlist already on the system, then any empty channels on the new playlist will utilize the channels from the original playlist. Reset Stats Allows you to reset the basic system statistics (number of Watchdog Restarts and System Starts) as viewable in the WebView Diagnostics/General page may be reset to zero.

  • Page 115: Networking

    ETWORKING Overview Firefly players can be deployed as a network of media playback nodes. Because Firefly can be placed on a network, standard network setup (i.e. establishing a Username, IP configuration, etc.) is fully supported. Firefly comes standard with fully integrated FTP functionality.

  • Page 116: Media Messenger Software

    Networking Media Messenger Visual Circuits Media Messenger combined with Firefly Media Player creates a simple, yet powerful, end-to-end solution for the distribution and utilization of high- quality digital media. Product Features: Windows XP/2000 compatible Firefly Network Manager - for grouping and organizing Firefly Media Players graphically Playlist Editor - for generating customized playlists of videos and graphic overlays...

  • Page 117: Updating Video Playback

    PDATING IDEO LAYBACK Firefly players can be updated in a variety of ways using a couple different interfaces. These updating processes include both automatic (minimal interaction) and manual methods. Automatic Updating: FTP, HTTP & Multicast Auto-Update - allows regular scheduled updating via FTP of any new media, playlists, schedules and/or system updates.

  • Page 118: Ftp Server

    Updating Video Playback (LAN). Often LAN connections have access to the internet, but be sure to check with a networking specialist for information on setting up an account if internet access is required to reach the FTP server. Often internet access from a LAN requires the use of a proxy server and fire wall permissions.

  • Page 119: Creating A Firefly Ftp Update Account

    This person does not need to be familiar with how the network is maintained technically, or how the Firefly nodes are serviced and maintained. What is crucial is the quality assurance and review of the videos. This review of videos and scripts is critical prior to posting for update to make sure that the intended results are achieved.

  • Page 120: Ftp Update Process

    Updating Video Playback FTP Update Process When an FTP update is initiated on the Firefly, either by selecting Update Now or by a regular update interval or fixed time trigger, the Firefly will try to establish communications with the specified FTP site.

  • Page 121: Ftp Updating Order

    FTP Updating Order The Firefly system will look for an update file following a specific order. It will proceed sequentially through this order until it finds a matching file and will then proceed to the When moving font files (.ttf) via FTP, set FTP mode to binary. on page 107. 1.

  • Page 122: System Update Check

    Updating Video Playback System Update Check After Firefly has finished its update routine it will search the /updates directory under the home directory of the FTP site for any valid software updates. If it finds a file in this directory with the extension “.upd”...

  • Page 123: Overview

    Updating Video Playback Overview Each Firefly on your network must have a unique serial number. This serial number will be used to identify the individual Firefly during a multicast update to ensure that the proper media goes to the correct player. Within Firefly multicasting, two multicast modes are available: Package Mode and Script Last Mode.

  • Page 124: Software Update Check

    Updating Video Playback Script Last Mode: In Script Last Mode, individual files can be sent to the Firefly. Any content will be stored on the system (unless none of its files are on the system). Any .tar/.fpl sent will be processed and played as long as it has at least one content file on the Firefly.

  • Page 125: System Settings For Multicasting

    Updating Video Playback System Settings for Multicasting The System Settings for Multicasting detailed below are accessible via either the remote control, WebView or Front Panel interfaces. Client Enable: Allows option to enable or disable the multicast client. Note that if you make changes to other Multicast settings, you must also toggle the Client Enable setting from “Disabled”...

  • Page 126: Manual Updating

    Updating Video Playback Manual Updating WebView Updating WebView is a web-based interface that can be used to transfer media from your computer and/or network to the Firefly. See Transferring Media on page 27 for instructions on transferring media to the Firefly using the WebView interface. In addition, WebView may be used to create, edit or delete playlists and/or schedules.

  • Page 127: Direct File Access Updating

    Direct File Access Updating Direct File Access (enabled in “Web” screen within Firefly System Settings) can be used to update the Firefly directly with an FTP client. Programs such as FlashFXP (see description below) may be used. Figure 1. Example of Direct File Access Using FlashFXP Direct File Access is a powerful way to work with your Firefly.
  • Page 128 Updating Video Playback Some of the options available to you include: Viewing the contents of your Firefly. Deleting files from your Firefly. Downloading files from your Firefly to your PC or network. Uploading files from your PC or network drive to the Firefly.

  • Page 129: Log File Reporting

    EPORTING Overview The logging of playback verification data, as well as diagnostic data, provides for easier and more powerful management of a Firefly Media Player network. There are two types of data logs available on the Firefly: run logs and diagnostic logs. You can enable or disable these capturing of these logs in any combination.

  • Page 130: Run Logs

    Log File Reporting Run Logs The run log provides a record of which videos played (with which graphic overlays, if applicable), on which channels, starting at what dates/times, playing back what percentage of the video and for how long. The primary uses for this feature are for verification of playback schedules and for compliance to paid playback agreements.

  • Page 131: Log Format

    Log File Reporting Log Format Run Logs The available output formats for a Firefly run log file are either .CSV or .XML Sample from a .CSV format run log: 12-07-02 20:30:07,1,05saturn.mpg,3_ser220.BMP,1,00:01:01,100 Sample from a .XML format run log: <mpeg datetime=”12-07-02 20:32:57” chan=”1” filename=”05saturn.mpg”...

  • Page 132: Uploading Log Files

    Log File Reporting When the log files exceed the maximum amount of defined storage space, an automatic cleanup process will delete the oldest file as required to contain the total log file space under the set limits. In addition, files will be deleted after they are transferred to the FTP server or downloaded from the Firefly player.

  • Page 133: External Control Commands

    XTERNAL OMMANDS Within this chapter, there are two types of external control commands that are described: Visual Circuits Corporation (VCC) control commands and Laserdisc emulation (LDV) control commands. Please note that the VCC control commands are proprietary in nature, and therefore are not designed to be mixed with LDV control commands.

  • Page 134: Basic Hyper Terminal Setup

    External Control Commands Basic Hyper Terminal Setup You will need a PC with Hyper Terminal (all Windows machines contain this under “Start/Programs/Accessories/Commuications”) and a null modem cable (female 9 pin ‘D” to female 9 pin D - RS- 232 cable). Connect cable and start Hyper Terminal. Select Serial Port 1 &...

  • Page 135: Vcc Control Commands

    VCC Control Commands: Filenames and External Commands When using external commands to handle files, it is necessary for those files to have names without, i.e. sales_video.mpg not sales video.mpg. One convention is to use underscores in place of spaces. Playlist Playback Commands Playlistload This command allows you to preload a playlist preparing it for playback.
  • Page 136 External Control Commands Playlistplay This command initiates playback as soon as the files are fully queued up and loaded. There may be a slight delay between this command and playback. The Playlistplay and Playlistload commands behave the same except Playlistplay starts playback automatically, whereas Playlistload only loads up the playlist.

  • Page 137: Playing Individual Files

    Playing Individual Files To accurately control the playback of individual videos, the following commands are used: The channel parameter is required for certain commands. These same External Control Command parameters are also used in Visual Circuits multi-channel products. The default channel for the Firefly-SC (single channel player) should always be ‘0’.
  • Page 138 External Control Commands mpgLoadNext This command queues an MPEG file to play when the current video file finishes. This file will play once. Syntax channel videoname mpgLoadNext 0 Parameters channel The channel on the Firefly (0) videoname The full path and video name of the MPEG file to load. (See description for mpgLoad.) Return Values This command returns ACK to indicate that the file was loaded...
  • Page 139 mpgLoadNextDef This command queues an MPEG file to play when the current video file finishes. This command adds file to a looping playlist. Syntax mpgLoadNextdef 0 Parameters channel The channel on the Firefly (0) videoname The full path and video name of the MPEG file to load. (See description for mpgLoad.) Return Values This command returns ACK to indicate that the file was loaded...
  • Page 140 External Control Commands mpgPlay This command plays a previously loaded MPEG file on the specified channel. The file must have already been loaded using the mpgLoad command. Syntax channel mpgPlay 0 Parameters channel The channel on the Firefly (0) Return Values This command returns ACK if playback was started successfully, or NAK if playback could not be started (e.g., no file previously loaded).
  • Page 141 External Control Commands mpgPlayAll This command starts playback on all channels simultaneously. The files for each channel to play must have been previously loaded using the mpgLoad command. Syntax mpgPlayAll Parameters None Return Values This command returns ACK to indicate that playback was started successfully, or NAK to indicate that playback could not be started on all channels.
  • Page 142 External Control Commands mpgBlack This command covers MPEG video on a channel, causing the corresponding video displays to go “black.” Note: This black may not be recognized by all displays as a true video signal. To cover the video again, use the mpgUnblack command. Syntax channel mpgBlack 0...
  • Page 143 External Control Commands mpgUnblack This command uncovers MPEG video, reversing the effects of the mpgBlack command. To cover the video again, use the mpgBlack command. Syntax channel mpgUnblack 0 Parameters channel The channel on the Firefly (0) Return Values This command returns ACK if mpgUnblack was started successfully, or NAK if mpgUnblack could not be started.

  • Page 144: Using Serial Commands To Create Playlists

    External Control Commands Using Serial Commands To Create Playlists You can create a playlist “on the fly” with the mpgLoadDef and mpgLoadNextDef commands. These two commands are used to define a “default” (i.e. looping) playlist of MPEG files. To make a playlist: call mpgClearDef to clear the old default playlist.

  • Page 145: Firefly System Commands

    External Control Commands Firefly System Commands fireflyFtpUpdate This command enables Firefly to update video content, playlists/ schedules and software via an FTP server (see FTP Updating on page 103 for more information). fireflyRestart This command restarts the entire Firefly system. This process normally takes about 1 minute to complete.

  • Page 146: Callback Commands

    External Control Commands Callback Commands mpgCallback Turns on/off callback (play complete). Syntax mpgCallback Parameters on=1, send callbacks (default off). Play Complete Callback Each time a file ends and another file is started, a string is sent back to the controller over the serial port. This string has the following format: CB 0 channel 2 “0”...

  • Page 147: Audio And Video Setting Changes

    Audio and Video Setting Changes mpgSetVolumeLeftRight The mpgSetVolumeLeftRight command sets the left and right audio volumes independently. The default volume level is 124. Lowering this value will make the volume softer or raising this value will make the volume louder. mpgSetVolumeLeftRight 0 Parameters channel...

  • Page 148: Networking Commands

    External Control Commands Networking Commands FireflySetDefault This command sets the networking back to it’s factory state: IP Address - 10.0.1.1 Gateway - 255.255.255.0 Netmask - Network Type - Static (2) Web Enable - On (0) Web User Name - firefly Web Password - 123456 Syntax fireflysetdefault...
  • Page 149 FireflySetGateway The FireflySetGateway command will allow you to change the players network Gateway. Syntax fireflysetgateway Parameters Gateway A service that allows Firefly to connect to other servers. Creating a gateway also allows client computers running only Microsoft client software to access server resources through the gateway.
  • Page 150 External Control Commands FireflySetWeb_Enable The FireflySetWeb_Enable command gives the user the option to turn on & off network communication to Webview. Syntax 0 (enable) or 1 (disable) fireflysetweb_enable FireflyGetIpAddr The FireflyGetIpAddr command retrieves current setting. Syntax fireflygetIpAddr FireflyGetGateway The FireflyGetGateway command retrieves current setting. Syntax fireflysetgateway FireflyGetNetmask...
  • Page 151 External Control Commands FireflyGetWeb_Enable The FireflyGetWeb_Enable command retrieves current setting. Syntax fireflygetweb_enable Remarks 0 = Enabled 1 = Disabled...

  • Page 152: Media Calls

    External Control Commands Media Calls mpgDir This command returns the names of all files on the Firefly. Syntax mpgDir mpgDelete This command permanently removes a media file from the Firefly. Syntax name mpgDelete Parameters name The full name of the media file (video or graphic overlay) to remove. The list of all media can be obtained with the mpgDir command.

  • Page 153: Information Calls

    Information Calls infoGetFile Syntax channel infoGetFile 0 Returns the file playing the channel. Parameters channel The channel on the Firefly (0) infoGetPlaylist Syntax infoGetPlaylist 0 Returns the current playlist. Parameters channel The channel on the Firefly (0) infoGetSchedule Syntax infoGetSchedule 0 Returns the current schedule (or None).
  • Page 154 External Control Commands infoGetState Syntax channel infoGetState 0 Returns the current playback state of the player. Parameters channel The channel on the Firefly (0) Return Values “STATE_PLAY”, “STATE_STOP”, “STATE_PAUSE”, “STATE_REW”, “STATE_FF”,...

  • Page 155: Ldv Control Commands

    LDV Control Commands Introduction Firefly may be controlled serially via the Laserdisc emulation control set described in this section. This interface sends commands to Firefly dictating video playback, player settings or to report back system information. Commands received and recognized by Firefly will return an “R” (ACK). Commands not recognized will be reported back to the controller as an error.

  • Page 156: Error Codes

    External Control Commands Other optional settings include: Field Baud Rate Parity Stop Bit Data Bit Be sure that the control device and Firefly’s COM port settings are the same. For Laserdisc Video serial communications, “LDV” must be selected in the Command Mode under System Settings.”VCC” is set for factory default.

  • Page 157: Command Syntax

    External Control Commands Command Syntax All commands shown in this section will be upper case. There are no spaces in the command argument itself. However, between commands there will be spaces. A sequence such as <command1>(space)<command2>(space)<command3>(space) <command4><CR> would indicate four separate commands to be executed.

  • Page 158: Command Summary

    External Control Commands Command Summary Remember all commands are either upper case or lower case characters as well as other ASCII characters. Some address arguments are optional and will be designated by () whereas mandatory addresses will be designated by <>. The channel parameter is required for certain commands.

  • Page 159: Playback Commands

    Playback Commands Play (PL) Command: Plays from the current file position and continues to play until the (address) value is reached. If no (address) is specified, play mode continues indefinitely. Format: (address)PL<CR> Response: R<CR> Explanation: This command is used to begin playback from the current file position.

  • Page 160: External Control Commands

    External Control Commands Reject “Stop” (RJ) Command: Stops playback and resets the file pointer to the head of the playlist (equivalent to a stop button on a DVD or CD player). Format: RJ<CR> Response: R<CR> Examples: RJ<CR> Stops playback and resets playback pointers to head of playlist.
  • Page 161 External Control Commands Pause (PA) Command: Pauses the current file position and blacks out the picture. Format: PA<CR> Response: R<CR> Explanation: The PA command will pause playback, Scan Reverse or Scan Forward. While having no visible effect on screen, it should also transition from Stop to Pause holding on frame 1 of the first file of the playlist.

  • Page 162: External Control Commands

    External Control Commands Still (ST) Command: Pauses the current file position and freezes the picture. Format: ST<CR> Response: R<CR> Explanation: ST is treated exactly the same as PA except that instead of the video output going black, the current video frame is held on screen. If an ST command is received after a PA the effect will simply be to unmute the video output.

  • Page 163: External Control Commands

    External Control Commands Search (SE) Command: Jumps to the specified position within the current MPEG file or playlist. Format: <address>SE<CR> Response: R<CR> Explanation: The Search command can jump to any I-frame within the current file or the head of any other file within the playlist. After executing the search command the video will transition to Still mode until another command is received.

  • Page 164: External Control Commands

    External Control Commands Multi-Track Jump Forward (JF) Command: Jumps forward in the current MPEG file or playlist by the amount specified in the <address> argument. Format: <address>JF<CR> Response: R<CR> Explanation: The Jump Forward command is similar to the search command accept that the address argument is interpreted relative to the current file and playlist position and the new position is always forward of the current position.

  • Page 165: External Control Commands

    External Control Commands Multi-Track Jump Reverse (JR) Command: Jumps backward in the current MPEG file or playlist by the amount specified in the <address> argument. Format: <address>JR<CR> Response: R<CR> Explanation: The Jump Reverse command is similar to the search command accept that the address argument is interpreted relative to the current file and playlist position and the new position is always before the current position.

  • Page 166: External Control Commands

    External Control Commands Display Control (DS) Command: Turns the on screen status display on or off . Format: xDS<CR> Response: R<CR> Explanation: This command is used to call up a graphic overlay. All elements of that overlay except the border box around the edge of the picture are included.

  • Page 167: External Control Commands

    Frame Number Request (?F) Command: Requests the file position in the current MPEG file in frame number format. Format: ?F<CR> Response: <framenumber><CR> Examples: Command 0@?F <CR> External Control Commands Response 02045 <CR>...

  • Page 168: External Control Commands

    External Control Commands Time Code Request (?T) Command: Requests the file position in the current MPEG file in time code format. Format: ?T<CR> Response: <timecode><CR> Explanation: This command can be global specific. If received as a global command, the Firefly will respond with the file position. Examples: Command Response...

  • Page 169: External Control Commands

    Chapter Number Request (?C) Command: Requests the position in the current playlist. Format: ?C<CR> Response: <filenumber><CR> Explanation: This command can be global specific. Examples: Command 0@?C <CR> ?C <CR> External Control Commands Response 3 <CR> 3 <CR> 1 <CR> 3 <CR> 7 <CR>...

  • Page 170: External Control Commands

    External Control Commands Player Active Mode Request (?P) Command: Requests the current mode. Note: The state after a reject command (RJ) will be P05 (stilled), not P01 (stopped). Format: ?P<CR> Response: Response indicates video is stopped indicates video is playing indicates video is stilled (paused with image frozen) indicates video is paused (paused with black...

  • Page 171: External Control Commands

    Firefly Model Request (?X) Command: Requests the software version. Format: ?X<CR> Response: <channels>V<softwarever><CR> Explanation: This command is always global specific. Examples: Command Response ?X <CR> 4V2.00<CR> ?X <CR> 2V3.12 <CR> External Control Commands Meaning 4 channels ver 2.00 software 2 channels ver 3.12 software...

  • Page 172: External Control Commands

    External Control Commands Load Playlist/Schedule (LD) Command: Loads a playlist/schedule. Format: “<filename>”LD<CR> Response: R<CR> Explanation: This command is used to load a new playlist/schedule. When this command is received a check is done to be sure the specified filename actually exists on the Firefly hard drive. If it does not exist, then the error code E12 is returned and playback continues uninterrupted with the previous playlist/schedule.

  • Page 173: External Control Commands Quick Reference Guide

    External Control Commands Quick Reference Guide: VCC Commands: Playlistload Playlistplay mpgLoad mpgLoadDef mpgLoadNextDef mpgLoadNext mpgClearDef mpgPlay mpgStop mpgSetInitOnOpen mpgBlack fireflyFTPUpdate FireflySetDefault fireflySetIPAddr fireflySetGateway fireflySetNetmask fireflySetNetworkType fireflySetWeb_Enable fireflyGetIPAddr fireflyGetGateway fireflyGetNetmask fireflyGetNetworkType fireflyGetWeb_Enable mpgCallback Play Complete Callback mpgSetVolumeLeftRight osdLoadBMP osdShow osdHide External Control Commands osdSetXYMix genSetVideo genSetAudio 0 chip Source...

  • Page 175: Troubleshooting

    ROUBLESHOOTING General Issues No Power to Firefly Firefly should automatically start up when power is applied and begin playing back video. If there is no power indicator: 1. Confirm power sources by plugging in another electrical device. 2. Verify that electrical plug is fully seated in power supply and or the video player.

  • Page 176: Latent Images" Or "Flashing" During Playback

    Troubleshooting "Latent Images" or "Flashing" During Playback 1. Incorrect timecodes or improperly closed encoding session. If the incorrect timecode is given for a particular file it is possible to actually encode a frame or two of the trailer or header information from the source.

  • Page 177: Some Files In The Playlist Do Not Play

    3. The bit rate of the MPEG files being played exceed the system capabilities: The Visual Circuit MPEG decoder boards and digital servers all have a maximum sustained bit rate that can be delivered. Refer to the system capabilities above for basic information.

  • Page 178: Smooth Transitions

    Troubleshooting Smooth Transitions For smoother transitions, MPEG files in the same playlist should be encoded at the same resolution and size (height x width). SMPTE time codes are not recognized properly Some SMPTE tracks loose information during compression and may not "trigger" events as required. It is recommended to encode these tracks "hot"--adding approximately +6 db to the track while encoding.

  • Page 179: Forgot Name, Password, Ip

    Troubleshooting Forgot Name, Password, IP...??? If you’re in a situation where you cannot get into the Webview interface because of a misplaced “User Name, Password, IP address, DNS Name, etc. Or perhaps the system was inadvertantly set to DHCP when you don’t even have a DHCP server? All is not lost (see Basic Hyper Terminal Setup on page 120 &...

  • Page 180: Preventing Cabling And Connection Problems

    Troubleshooting Preventing Cabling and Connection Problems The suggestions listed below provide basic tips for preventing or minimizing problems related to cabling and connections to and from the Firefly. Use the best cable you can afford. Use the shortest cables possible. For composite video, PAL or NTSC, RG-59 cable can be used for distances of up to 20 meters between the video source and the acceptor.

  • Page 181: Firefly Multi -Zone (Mz)

    ™ IREFLY ULTI (MZ) Installing the MZ S-VideO Video Output For best quality video out put and for output to analog displays, it is necessary to attach a DVI to VGA adapter to the MZ’s DVI output. This connector is provided with the Firefly MZ.

  • Page 182: Functionality

    ™ Firefly Multi-Zone (MZ) Functionality ™ Firefly Multi-Zone Messenger Multi-Zone Layout Editor that provides the ability to integrate high-resolution, rich-content graphics with dynamic video and scrolling text in a simultaneous display. The Layout Editor does this by dividing the screen into a variety of content zones. These zones are extremely flexible as to their content type and their size and position within the display area.

  • Page 183: Software Update

    ™ Firefly Multi-Zone (MZ) Software Update The MZ handles software updates in the same manner as the SC. There is one diffence, however. Status LED The MZ Status LED displays RED while an update is occuring while te SC does not indicate that a update is in progress. WARNING Do Not Reboot Firefly SC or MZ during an update.

  • Page 184: Using Firefly Mz To Create A Layout And Playlist

    ™ Firefly Multi-Zone (MZ) Using Firefly MZ to Create a Layout and Playlist Creating a Playlist requires: 1. Setting Display Parameters. 2. Creating the MZ (multi-zone) layout. 3. Creating a playlist and attaching layout to it. 4. Adding content to playlist. 5.

  • Page 185: Creating A Mz (Multi-Zone) Layout

    3. Select the New Layout, give the layout a name, and click OK 4. Return to the Layout button, select Screen Resolution and choose the appropriate setting. 5. Next select Video Resolution and choose the appropriate video standard. 6. Save. Creating a MZ (multi-zone) Layout Go to the Layout Editor workspace: Video Zone...

  • Page 186: Position Zones In Layout Workspace

    ™ Firefly Multi-Zone (MZ) Position Zones in Layout Workspace 1. Create the Video Zone first. Video Zone The Layout must have a video zone with a video file to function. There is only one video zone in a layout. Scrolling Text Zone There is only one scrolling text zone per layout.

  • Page 187: Creating The Playlist

    ™ Firefly Multi-Zone (MZ) 4. Save the layout. Creating the Playlist Scheduling Pane Navigation Pane Playlist Menu Schedule Menu Playlist Pane 1. Return to the Media Messenger main workspace. 2. Open the Playlist Editor. 3. Verify that the correct playlist is shown in the Playlist Menu field.
  • Page 188 ™ Firefly Multi-Zone (MZ) 4. Verify that the Navigation Pane lists the layout content zones. 5. Right-click on the Default Video Zone and insert a video file. .To locate files to insert into the content zone, use the file browser or, if the file is already resident on the Firefly MZ Media Player, enter the filename with its extension when it is requested by application.

  • Page 189: Link The Playlist To The Firefly

    7. Insert additional video files in to the video zone to create the rest of the playlist. 8. Insert he graphic or scrolling text objects belonging to each video. 9. Save the playlist by clicking on the Close button in the Playlist Editor workspace.
  • Page 190 ™ Firefly Multi-Zone (MZ) This procedure links the playlist to the player. Linking a schedule to the player is similar but initiates through the Schedules Pane. 1. Return to main Media Messenger workspace.. The Playlists Pane displays a list of the videos used in the playlist.

  • Page 191: Firefly Mz Tips

    Firefly MZ Tips 1. A layout has only one Video and one Scrolling Text zone. 2. A layout can have unlimited graphics zones although large numbers do impact performance. 3. The Video Zone can have multiple video files inserted into it, n which case, they play in the order they appear in the playlist.
  • Page 192 ™ Firefly Multi-Zone (MZ) 9. Graphics Quality Most often, the automatic sizing and color-depth conversion performed by the Firefly meets the needs of the presentation. Occasionally however, it may be necessary to adjust a graphic so that it displays precisely as required. For the highest quality rendition of a graphic it is important to consider two things: color-depth and precise sizing.
  • Page 193 ™ Firefly Multi-Zone (MZ) 11. Smooh Video Transitions MPEG files used in a layout should be of the same resolution and size (height x width).

  • Page 195: Technical Specifications

    ECHNICAL PECIFICATIONS Option Basic Configuration Video Output Audio Output Networking Software Video Dimensions Weight Power Temperature Range Certification / Regulation Description 40GB HDD storage NTSC, PAL Decodes all 18 ATSC formats up to 1920x1080p 4:3, or 16.9 aspect ratios Composite, Component (PbPrY), S-video 32-bit OSD;...

  • Page 197: Index

    NDEX Advanced Settings audio/video sync merge playlists animated GIF files audio cabling 19, 162 Dolby Digital line-level multiplexing output S/PDIF stream test tones unbalanced Audio Output Audio Settings volume 64, 99, 163 audio/video sync Auth Passphrase auto play basic configuration baud rate 19, 20, 62, 163 bit rates...
  • Page 198 Index 67, 82, 116 diagnostic logs Diagnostics general logging playback video dimensions direct file access updating directories disk underflow display parameters, setting DNS name 19, 162 Dolby Digital DTDs DVMPEG elementary stream 19, 162 encoding 19, 20, 62, 163 bit rates Dolby Digital MPEG MPEG2...
  • Page 199 Index updating order FTP Auto-Update Settings directory fixed update interval FTP update now password site ID update interval username gateway General Settings time zone GIF, animated graphic overlays adding fade in rate fade out rate key color positioning previewing 39, 43 properties serial commands transparency level...
  • Page 200 Index WebView 83, 117 log format logging 67, 82, 116 diagnostic logs log default playlist log format max log MBs 65, 82, 116 run logs upload logs WebView Logging Settings diagnostic log log default playlist 83, 117 log format 84, 117 max log MBs run log upload logs...
  • Page 201 Index gateway host name IP address mode netmask proxy address 79, 80 proxy type 101, 134 Networking Networking Commands 20, 71, 166 NTSC null modem cable output audio video package mode 20, 71, 166 parameters display parity parsing routine 23, 25 Password pause play...
  • Page 202 Index S/PDIF saving locally Schedule Editor exiting schedules adding events creating deleting events editing events saving script last mode Scrolling Text scrolling text scrolling text zones Security Name serial port configuring Firefly shuffle Simple Network Management Protocol site ID sizing graphics smooth video transitions 21, 164 SMPTE...
  • Page 203 Index networking temperature range test files 63, 162 time codes time zone tips Firefly MZ 97, 111 transfer order transparency animated GIF 40, 43 transparency level Troubleshooting unbalanced audio Update update software update interval updating direct file access manual multicast status LED WebView 84, 118...
  • Page 204 Index uploading username Video Dates Editor WebView Settings file access password username WebView weight zone video, default zones graphic scrolling text...
  • Page 206 813-0049c © 2004 Focus Enhancements...

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