Wanted: DL2 Programming tips

Here is what I learned from using 6 DL.2's in Colllage.

-Make group palletes for each layer on every fixture (all of the layer 1's of every fixutre, layer 2 of every fixture, etc..) as this is how you will bring up content on the collage array.
-When setting up all your custom content, if there is a lot of it, put it all onto one fixture, set the addresses for all the content, then make an archive of the DL.2 (right click on the fixture in the CMA and select "Create Archive"). Now deploy the archive to all of the other fixtures on the array. This way you don't have to set everything up on each fixture one at a time.
-When setting up the collage, I open up the DMX output window so I can see the raw values of the fixture because a you only see a percentage if your dialing it in on the wheel.
-Generally when I am programming Digital Lighting, I like to have a "home" pallete. To create it, I release all cue stacks so all the layers are at their default position. I then "touch" the layer and save the pallete using color and beam. That way, if I'm doing wacked out FX, movement (x, y, z), etc., I can get back to normal instead of trying to figure out everything I messed with.
- When doing a "slide show", I pre-load all the content onto the layers and fade each one up starting with the layer on the bottom. Once all the layers have been faded up, my next mark cue will change the content on layers 1 & 2. I now fade layer 3 out to reveal layer 2. Rinse... Repeat.. In revrse that is...
-Try to avoid doing too many things in one cue. For instance, in the same cue you fade in layer two over layer one, you put a delay on the content to change in layer one. It gets rather messy when you try to change the timing of the fades because now you have to change the delay times of only certain layers of all the fixtures. Sorry... does that make sense?

Anyway, have fun with that kind of array. Just for kicks, when I had my array set up, I created a piece of my own custom content with my name/logo on it so I could see it being projected that big (and snapped a photo of it too..)

hope that helps...

Andrew,

Great tips. I'll use every one of them. Thank You.

A couple comments:

1. USE BRIGHTNESS/CONTRAST Optimizations!!!! Use I really did mean to yell that. Most graphics designers create stuff that looks great on a monitor but is only half the intensity it needs to be when projecting it. Using the Brightness/Contrast controls lets you easily double or triple your output intensity for free!

2. Gigabit Ethernet if you have a lot of content. The Gigabit Switches are dirt cheap now, but what most people forget to do is get a Gigabit card for their laptop which means that when you are cloning content or doing anything else you're still capped at 100MBit.

3. Read the Manuals! We really do try and put everything we know into them and update them frequently.

Thanks Scott.
Next question. Where can I get a list of 3rd party content providers? Specifically, Vegas and Gambling graphics.

[QUOTE=FxDrew]-When setting up the collage, I open up the DMX output window so I can see the raw values of the fixture because a you only see a percentage if your dialing it in on the wheel.

If you use Global Effect 2, you will have 255 steps instead of % of CMY when using Global Effect 1.

Save Effect 1 for your color effects since you can dial in the CMY values.

:friday:

[QUOTE=barnes2000]Thanks Scott.
Next question. Where can I get a list of 3rd party content providers? Specifically, Vegas and Gambling graphics.

Are you looking for stills or video or both???

And I'll second Scott's suggestion of using the Brightness and Contrast settings...you can adjust it for each cue to really optimize the content and make it pop!

www.blueponydigital.com is a good place to start....

There are tons of resources out there Scott...even a nice Mini-DV cam running around town a couple of days before the shoot.

Jon

Content...

I would first check with a lot of the providers that have provided the Stock Content for the DL.2. Those guys just give us a small sampling of the total content they have available mainly as an advertisement for their services, so they would be the best first stop.

Each folder of Stock Content is named with who the provider is such as Blue Pony, etc..

Another resource, although their content is more expensive is www.thoughtequity.com

Scott

Video or stills, either's fine. I like the idea of the miniDV. I'll see if I have time to do that. I'm not sure what I'm looking for. Something that screams Vegas. Actually, it's for the Hard Rock Hotel...it could be very Rock and Roll looking too. I don't know. I'm sure the provided content will be enough. I was just going to browse around this week before I go out there next week. Thanks Again.

[quote=jxgriffi]
There are tons of resources out there Scott...even a nice Mini-DV cam running around town a couple of days before the shoot. Jon

Don't a bunch of the Casino's around Vegas have their buldings copyrighted? You know... can't use an image of their buildings without written consent.. etc.. etc..?