Configuring the Collage Generator with a DMX Console

You can access the Enhanced Collage Generator™ with a Global Effects parameter DMX value = 141.

Note: The Standard Collage Generator option (DMX value = 134) should only be used with legacy shows. The Enhanced Collage Generator option's higher resolution for arrays provides the best output.

The three global Effects Mode Modifier parameters then operate as described below.

Modifier channels for Effect Mode 1 are labeled as CMY in the Wholehog 3 system so you can also make use of the color picker, HSI, and other Wholehog 3 functions. Use the CMY parameter controls to adjust the three Effect Mode 1 Modifier parameters for both the Global and Graphic fixture types. The default for Effect Mode 1 is set to CMY1 as well. Effect Mode 2 Modifier channels are labeled Mod 1, Mod 2, and Mod 3.

The Modifier 1 parameter selects what type of collage array to use.

Modifier 1 Parameter Settings

The Modifier 2 parameter selects which cell of the grid a particular DL2 will display. DMX values 0-15 step through grid pattern you selected with the Modifier 1 parameter. As you dial through Modifier 2 you will see each cell in the grid highlight in a different color as it is selected.  DMX values of 16-255 default to the upper left corner of the grid.

The Modifier 3 parameter lets you manually or automatically control the blended edges of the adjacent projections.  

Modifier 3 Parameter Settings

Setting up the collage effect

Here’s a typical scenario for setting up a 2.2 central panorama collage effect.

·          Select the same content on four DL.2 fixtures. Note: Any parameter adjustment to a graphic object must be set on ALL graphic objects that are a part of the collage.

·          For example, if you are configuring Graphic Object 1 on four DL.2 fixtures to project as a collage and want to apply a color effect, that effect must be manipulated on Graphic Object 1 of all four DL.2 fixtures.

·          Set the global Effects Mode 1 parameter to the Collage Generator™ option (DMX value = 134). Align the projections of the DL.2 fixtures in such a way that there is some overlap between the separate portions of the image.  This overlap is needed for blending adjustment.

·          Select a pattern to align the images. High End Systems will supply an alignment pattern for downloading from our web site that will be good for all types of grids.

·          On all the DL.2 units you are configuring, set the global Effect Mode 1 parameter to a DMX value of 134. For the most reliable performance, use the global Effect Mode 1 parameter on all the Graphic objects to set up the collage effect. This also leaves global the Effect Mode 2 parameter available for adding a second effect to the composite image. 

·          Set global Effect Mode 1 Modifier 3 parameter on all units to a DMX value of 192 or above (to bring up the collage selection grid).

·          Using the global Effect Mode 1 Modifier 1 parameter on all the DL.2 units you are configuring, select the type of grid to use.  NOTE: The selection grid will not appear until the first modifier is set above 0.

·          Using the global Effect Mode 1 Modifier 2 parameter on all the DL.2 units you are configuring, select which cell of the grid that DL.2 fixture will project.

·          On all the DL.2 units you are configuring, set the global Effect Mode 1 Modifier 3 parameter to a DMX value between 128-160 or between 0-127.  This will put the DL.2 fixtures into their cropped collage state. The choice between the two values will depend on your preference for aligning the images.  

·          Use the global Keystone parameters to align the images.  The Keystone X and Y ratios can be especially useful for certain projections.

Executing the panorama collage
Create a setup cue that identifies the content media file and folder, sets the Play Mode parameter to Pause and Rewind to In Frame (DMX = 5) and the Opacity to 0 for the same graphic object on all units you are configuring for the panorama.

For this example, follow with a cue that sets the Play Mode parameter of Play Loop Forward (DMX = 0) and brings up the Opacity to 100% for the same graphic object on all units you are configuring for the panorama.

How do I set up the Collage Generator™ effect using input from the DL.2 onboard camera?

All the DL.2 fixtures need to be receiving the same source input signal to use the camera as a Collage feed. For example, for a DL-2 Camera outputting across a 2 x 2  20K lumen Central Panorama Collage, all four DL-2 are assigned an output from the D-Tek switcher to each S-Video input and a fifth DL-2 is used as the source. See Previewing and Routing Live Video from DL.2 Live Video Cameras for more information.

Uploading Your Custom Content to the DL.2 Fixture

You will use the Content Management Application (CMA) on your computer to upload and organize your encoded footage into your DL.2. media server. The CMA and a User Manual shipped on CD with your DL.2 fixture.