Fredrik Svahnberg

We don't do reruns ;-) See you in Vegas! Fredrik S Dataton

If I do remember correctly... All 5 projection channels came out of a single WATCHOUT Display PC (equipped with a 6-output ATI card). The 6th channel was used to feed the LED pixel mapping system. Capture of the Game Computer (equipped with a Matrox TrippleToGo) came in via 3 BlackMagic Intensity cards. Live tracking via IR sensors was translated into a 16 bit (dual channel) high resolution DMX input in WATCHOUT. Impressive!!! Fredrik S Dataton

Yea, It was a very cool "concept install". The WATCHOUT part was created by Matt and Huw from APS in Manchester. See a condensed clip here: http://www.thinkaps.com/index_flash.php

WATCHOUT version 5.2 will be released within the next few weeks. Best regards, Fredrik Svahnberg Dataton

I think I know what this is: It require rather specific circumstances (must be a free running comp, must be a large image extending outside the display, and must use multiple displays). But we have devised a fix that should be in the next release. In the meantime, you can work around it it by putting the image on a timeline so that it appears on all displays (you may need to make it pan across to ensure this). This can be an Aux timeline that you never actually use. Hope it helps! Best regards, Fredrik Svahnberg Dataton

Jim, all respect for your vast knowledge. But in this case you complicate the matter for the gentleman above. I repeat: Animation of still images (bitmaps) should be absolutely silk smooth in WATCHOUT if all frequencies match. It does not really matter how large or in which format they are saved. A test should be performed with just one bitmap and one position track on the timeline (no videos or other images playing at the same time). Smooth or not? The problem is most likely due to mismatch of frequencies or the display itself, unless there is a lot of media action going on at the same time on the WATCHOUT timeline. Then it is a completely different issue. Good luck. Happy Weekend Fredrik S PS Jim and I are very good friends since 1990 ;-)

PNGs and PSDs are bitmaps as well (in WATCHOUT). I suggest you study my previous post carefully. Animation of still images (bitmaps) should be absolutely silk smooth in WATCHOUT if all frequencies match Best regards, Fredrik Svahnberg Dataton

Moving a bitmap in WATCHOUT should be absolutely smooth. In the past we have always suggested a test with an analog VGA signal cable and a CRT monitor (this combo will never lie or introduce any digital artifacts). I realize this old stuff can be hard to get these days. If you can't, please try to source a display/projector that you can trust, and connect it directly to WATCHOUT. No Scalers or Switchers in between. If your graphic card (in the WATCHOUT Display Computer) is set to 60 Hz and WATCHOUT set to 60 Hz in preferences (default) everything should be fine. All projectors and displays can sync to 60 Hz. If your issue is indeed happening in the blend/joint area, Jim's post above gives the correct answer. Best regards, Fredrik Svahnberg Dataton

Hi Denis! I suggest you start by using the "Perspective" setting for this kind of geometric shape, to familiarize yourself with the geometry control in WATCHOUT. If you're still stuck, please contact support@dataton.com and We'll have someone step you through the process. Best regards, Fredrik Shahnberg Dataton

Hi Claude! We have an updated version of the Dynamic Image Server that we would be happy to let you test. Please contact support@dataton.com for more info. Best regards, Fredrik Svahnberg Dataton

Hi Andrew! That's a good idea. I see no reason why we could not include that in a future version. The best way to do it now is probably to capture the Gaming machine as a Live Video feed. You still have access to all the good effects (cropping, keying etc) Best regards, Fredrik Svahnberg Dataton

Hi Paul! Thanks for your good feedback/suggestions Regarding your problem Quicktime movies, If you send the files to support@dataton.com we will get back to you ASAP. Please include general hw specs, version of WATCHOUT etc. Best regards, Fredrik SVahnberg Dataton

Hi Lloyd! I fully understand your concern and you're absolutely right. In some situations Auto-calibration is definitely the way to go. The Domeprojection system (First link in your mail) works beautifully with WATCHOUT http://www.domeprojection.com/pdf/Alignment-Suite%202011.pdf Best regards, Fredrik Svahnberg Dataton

Appreciate you feedback, Jim! It still sounds like something we would like to take a look at if you can describe it well and send us a show sample. Good luck! Fredrik S

If you have a reproducible case, please create a small show file and send it support@dataton.se

Hi Jim! I think I know what this is: It require rather specific circumstances (must be a free running comp, must be a large image extending outside the display, and must use multiple displays). But we have devised a fix that should be in the next release. In the meantime, you can work around it it by putting the image on a timeline so that it appears on all displays (you may need to make it pan across to ensure this). This can be an Aux timeline that you never actually use. Hope it helps! Best regards, Fredrik Svahnberg Dataton

Ryan, One again, the manual is pretty good reading. Try it ;-) I see two alternatives... Either you use DMX inputs triggering Auxiliary timelines (where you put your cues/sequences). Again, that is well described on page 187-205 in the manual. Or, if your console supports MIDI SHOW CONTROL, you might find a more appropriate solution firing your cues on the main timeline. Page 265-266 in the manual. Best regards, Fredrik Svahnberg Dataton

Makkot Pretty much any MIDI USB interface and any DMX box which supports Artnet will work. For more details, please study the WATCHOUT manual, page 187-205 Best regards, Fredrik Svahnberg Dataton

An great new feature in WATCHOUT version 5.1 is that you can use inputs (DMX, MIDI etc) directly connected to a display cluster (a group of Display Computers) without having to go through the WATCHOUT Production Computer. It is however not enough just to go offline with the Production Computer. You have to "activate" the display cluster first. An easy way to do this is to use the "command file" (see page 247-249 in the manual). You can of course do the same from any external control system. Best regards, Fredrik Svahnberg Dataton

Hi Lloyd! The idea is to create a "searchable archive" for the old "Showroom Forum". Best regards, Fredrik Svahnberg Dataton

Page 127 in the manual: In the Preview Menu > Select Frontmost Image "...uncheck this menu option, select the cue corresponding to the image to be moved, then drag the image in the Stage window." Best regards, Fredrik Svahnberg Dataton

Hello! You are correct, there is no upper limit for how many displays you can use in WATCHOUT. You're also correct regarding the Multi-head output feature of version 5. But for a massive project like this, please contact me off forum(fredrik@dataton.com) so we can discuss the details. Best regards, Fredrik Svahnberg Dataton

Hi Kees! You are indeed correct regarding "delete tiers". Currently, it can not be done. You just have to leave them if they are not used. They do not consume any extra overhead. It is not a bug "as such" but it will be addressed in one of the future versions. Regarding your comment on "locking tiers". It is also correct, currently, you can not lock the displays in the stage window but you can lock the layers (and its media) in the timeline. Isn't that what you are looking for? Best regards, Fredrik Svahnberg Dataton

A formal WATCHOUT Academy training program is currently in development and will be launched in Europe early next year. We do however provide regular WATCHOUT version 5 training upon request. Please contact your local Dataton Premium Partner for further information: http://www.dataton.com/watchout/partners

WATCHOUT 4.5.1 fixes the "v5 key issues" in version 4.5. WATCHOUT 4.5.1 can be used with either version 4 or version 5 license keys. Version 4 license keys can't be upgraded by software to version 5. They must be physically replaced with newer keys. This version allows you to continue using version 4 after upgrading your license keys to v5. Available for download from the support center at http://www.dataton.com/watchout/support/downloads