Multimedia
Blogs
Forum
Affordable HD
Whitepapers
Newsletters
Events
Advertisers
Blogcast
MillimeterVista Systems Releases v2.5 Software for Vista Advanced and Spyder
Aug 16, 2006 12:23 PM
Vista Systems has announced the release of version 2.5 software for Vista Advanced and Spyder Server applications. In addition to linear keying allowing for cut and fill channels to be created using live source inputs this software release offers numerous feature enhancements.
“The software upgrade continues to open up new avenues for what creatives can achieve onscreen with Vista Advanced and Spyder,” says Vista Systems CEO Clark Williams. “We believe users will be excited about v2.5’s many new offerings, including DX4 support, input gamma adjustments, SpyderPoint support, enhanced scripting controls, and soft edge control.”
Key to the release is support for Spyder’s new DX4 quad-output digital board. The DX4 board features four DVI outputs on a single card. DX4 enables horizontal and vertical edge blending, black level compensation, and output rotation. In addition to these features, DX4 allows for more physical inputs or output boards to be placed into a single frame. This greatly expands Spyder’s capabilities and allows more configuration flexibility without the purchase of additional Spyder frames.
SpyderPoint, the add-in for PowerPoint that allows Spyder to be run in a normal PowerPoint presentation, is also included in this release. This introduction has made the use of Spyder even easier. Anyone familiar with MS PowerPoint presentation software can easily prepare and commence shows using it’s familiar tools. This capability will be of special interest to those in corporate presentation and worship environments; the latter’s support staff often being partially made up of volunteers.
Spyder’s scripting controls have been enhanced as well. The scripting controls in the user interface have been completely redone to allow script programming to be viewed and edited more logically. Many new drag-drop features have been added too.
Utilizing BVW 75 protocol, Spyder scripts now fully support external time code triggering with or without play items. Wait cues and jumps have also been added. Scripts are run on the server for frame accuracy even while Advanced is disconnected, for instance from an external control system. A new variable loop feature allows scripts to be run at preset intervals creating a “hands off” presentation environment ideal for many fixed install and tradeshow applications. Among others, this feature will be greatly appreciated by the sports book gaming and amusement sectors.
A new element has been added to scripts, which allows multiple layers to be controlled as a single object. This feature has been added specifically for use with linear keys and backgrounds but may be applied in many situations.
Finally, new soft edge control has been added to Spyder layers permitting edge layer edge softness to be enabled/disabled on individual edges. This capability allows multi headed graphics outputs or overlapped media such as created with Watchout to be blended using Spyder.
Continue the discussion on Crosstalk the Millimeter Forum.