Viz Video Wall ER Setup and Configuration Manual · the Video Wall Control application can be used...

Viz Video Wall ERSetup and Configuration Manual

Product Version 2.6.0

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Last Updated

June 23, 2009 11:20 am

© Copyright Vizrt 2009

Table Of Contents

1 Setup and Configuration ............................................................................ 11.1 Overview.......................................................................................................2

1.1.1 Video Wall Control Application........................................................................... 21.1.2 Video Wall Distributor Server.............................................................................. 21.1.3 Configuration Options ....................................................................................... 31.1.4 General System Architecture .............................................................................. 51.1.5 Hardware Requirements..................................................................................... 5

1.2 Software Installation......................................................................................61.3 Workbench Description .................................................................................7

1.3.1 Machines ........................................................................................................... 81.3.2 Parameters ........................................................................................................ 81.3.3 Status Bar .......................................................................................................... 91.3.4 Saving Data and Reconnecting ......................................................................... 10

1.4 Setting Up a Video Wall ...............................................................................111.4.1 Opening Video Wall Control ............................................................................. 111.4.2 Configuring the Viz Engine .............................................................................. 121.4.3 Configuring the Graphics Card......................................................................... 171.4.4 Configuring the Viz Engine Machine’s GSync Card............................................ 191.4.5 Connecting Video Wall Control to the Distributor Server................................... 211.4.6 Video Wall Control Configurations ................................................................... 221.4.7 Saving Settings ................................................................................................ 261.4.8 Configuring the Control Application................................................................. 261.4.9 Backup and Redundancy .................................................................................. 29

1.5 Networking Issues.......................................................................................341.5.1 Communication Types Between Video Wall Processes....................................... 341.5.2 Setting Ports .................................................................................................... 34

1.6 Taking the Video Wall On-Air......................................................................361.7 Scene Design ..............................................................................................371.8 Interactivity.................................................................................................38

1.8.1 Prerequisites for Video Wall Interactivity .......................................................... 381.8.2 Designing Interactive Scenes for Video Wall ..................................................... 381.8.3 Enabling Interactivity ....................................................................................... 391.8.4 Simulating Touch Events .................................................................................. 39

1.9 Command Line Arguments and Keyboard Shortcuts ....................................411.9.1 Command Line Arguments............................................................................... 411.9.2 Keyboard Shortcuts.......................................................................................... 411.9.3 Debugging Commands .................................................................................... 41

2 Troubleshooting ......................................................................................432.1 Problems Connecting Video Wall Control to the Distributor .........................442.2 Viz Engine Connection Problems .................................................................452.3 Failure To Send Real Time Command ..........................................................462.4 Animation Speed on One of the Viz Engines is Too Fast ..............................482.5 Interactivity Problems..................................................................................492.6 Graphic Synchronization Problems ..............................................................502.7 Not All Commands Executed .......................................................................512.8 Black Screen in One of the Viz Engines ........................................................522.9 Graphics Do Not Split Correctly on Screens .................................................53


2.10Scenes Do Not Appear on Video Wall as on Viz Engine................................54


Viz Video Wall ER Setup and Configuration

1 Setup and ConfigurationThis section contains information on the following topics:

OverviewSoftware InstallationWorkbench DescriptionSetting Up a Video WallNetworking IssuesTaking the Video Wall On-AirScene DesignInteractivityCommand Line Arguments and Keyboard Shortcuts

© Copyright Vizrt 2009 1


1 OverviewViz Video Wall is a technology that allows the use of two or more Viz Engines to drive a multi-screen video wall. The solution features a 1600x1200 pixel resolution per Engine, and the possibility to further enhance resolution with additional Engines. Viz Video Wall takes advantage of the full resolution that modern projectors and flat panels can deliver.

A key advantage of the Viz Video Wall solution is the consistency of workflow: everything works like a standard Viz Engine system. The control clients, the newsroom system integration and playout management work just like everyone is used to. Designers, journalists and control room operators can continue to work in a familiar environment, whether a graphics scene is played out on a Video Wall or a normal Viz Engine is just a matter of choosing the right output channel in the playout client.

Viz Video Wall has two main roles in the video wall broadcast production line:

Configure the size and position of different parts of the video wall.Receive commands from external control applications (Viz Content Pilot, Viz Trio, Viz Weather), and distribute the commands while making sure that they are issued at the exact same time on all the machines that participate in the Video Wall.

The Viz Video Wall includes two applications:

Video Wall Control ApplicationVideo Wall Distributor Server

1.1 Video Wall Control ApplicationVideo Wall Control is a front-end application to control and manipulate the Video Wall parameters. The application is used only in the configuration stage, so there is no need to run it during normal operation. The Video Wall Control communicates with the Video Wall Distributor Server. The Video Wall Control cannot communicate directly to Viz Engine machines, and will not work without correct communication with Video Wall Distributor Server.

1.2 Video Wall Distributor ServerThe Video Wall Distributor Server is a special gateway process that makes several Viz Engines appear as a single engine from the Control application’s point of view. To trigger and send commands to all Viz Engine machines simultaneously, the Video Wall Distributor Server keeps track of the internal clock of every Engine in the setup. When commands are sent from the Control application, Video Wall Distributor Server compensates for any clock differences, so that all machines get the correct execution time based on their own clock.

2 © Copyright Vizrt 2009


1.3 Configuration OptionsWhen building a Video Wall, there are a number of considerations to take into account. The first one is how many actual screens will make up the Video Wall. The number of Viz Engines required to power the screens is then calculated accordingly.

The number Viz Engines required to power a Video Wall is determined based on the following criteria:

How many screen will make up the Video WallThe required resolution (higher means more Engines)Input formats and resolution limitations of the screens (DVI, SDI, HD, etc.)Whether or not a hardware controller will be deployed

Each Viz Engine is capable of delivering up to 1.9 million pixels. These pixels can be spread overs the screens either directly (for example 2 x 1024 x 768 or 1600 x 1200, etc.) or via a wall controller that can spread them differently across the screens, depending on the available input formats. Depening on the required resolution of your Video Wall, you will need to decide on the number of Viz Engines to use.

1.3.1 Using a Dedicated Wall Controller

An optional 3rd party wall controller can be used in some cases. In this scenario, the output of the Viz Engines does not go directly to the screens. Instead, it is fed into the wall controller , which then spreads it and across the Video Wall. The wall controller can integrate other video sources into the Video Wall as well. A wall controller can be used:

When more types of inputs beyond Viz applications are required. These can be PowerPoint presentations, direct video, and so forth. If you want to power more than two screens with a Viz Engine.

1.3.2 Deployment Options

For a Video Wall of 12 screens (4 x 3), the following table summarizes the deployment options.

Table 1: Video Wall Configuration Options for a 4x3 Wall

No. of Viz Engines

No. of screens fed by each Engine

Screens fed by single Engine

Comments

1 12 Controller required.



Assuming each Viz Engine can produce either 2 x 1024 x 768 pixels (1.6 million pixels) or 1600 x 1200 (1.9 million pixels) these numbers can represent the basic number of pixels available from each Viz Engine in DVI format.

When a controller is needed (due to many video-in signals, among other reasons) the above options are available. When a controller is not used, you can deploy six Viz Engines with dual output as a feed. This can provide a resolution of 1024 x 768 for each screen.



6 2 Dual output.No controller required.

12 1 No controller required.

Table 1: Video Wall Configuration Options for a 4x3 Wall

No. of Viz Engines

No. of screens fed by each Engine

Screens fed by single Engine

Comments



1.4 General System Architecture

Figure 1-1: Architecture

1.5 Hardware RequirementsScreensViz Engine machine(s)• NVIDIA 4600 video card• NVIDIA Gsync II• Matrox card (if video-in is required or video-out is an output format)Video Wall Control PC - running control application (Trio, Pilot, Weather)Wall controller (optional - depends on configuration)



2 Software Installation

Important! The control machine will be referred to as control. The Video Wall machine will be referred to as vwall. See the Architecture diagram.

To install Video Wall software1. Install the Viz Engines on the requisite machines. Use only Viz Engine 2.8 pl2

and up, or 3.2.2. and up (viz-3.2.2.xxxx.exe ) . Ensure that each machine has its own separate IP address and machine name.

2. Ensure that the Viz Graphics Hub is common for all the machines, including the Control PC (control). For more details on how, refer to the Viz Engine documentation.

3. Install the Viz Video Wall software package on both the vwall machine and the control machine (VizVideoWall_2.6.0.exe).

4. Install the control application (Trio, Pilot, Weather, etc.) on the control machine.

5. For greater convenience, install Synergy software for keyboard and mouse sharing.



3 Workbench DescriptionThis section provides information about the Video Wall Control user interface. When starting Video Wall Control, the window has the following appearance.

Figure 1-2: Video Wall Control

This interface enables you to set up a Video Wall and define the necessary parameters, as detailed in Setting Up a Video Wall. Once the Video Wall is set up, the Video Wall Control application can be used for monitoring the system in real-time.

The user interface allows you to define and monitor the computers taking part in generating the graphics for the Video Wall. The graphic scenes are rendered by a few Viz Engines with each rendering the relevant part of the scene according to their location in the Video Wall.

The Video Wall Control user interface has the following main panels:

MachinesStatus BarParametersSaving Data and Reconnecting



3.1 MachinesThe Machines panel is positioned in the middle of the window.

Figure 1-3: Machines

The Machines panel shows a matrix of the machines that make up the Video Wall. When selecting a cell in the matrix (refers to a screen in the Video Wall), the settings belonging to this machine becomes modifiable in the Machine Parameters panel. Use the machines panel for monitoring the Video Wall or changing any parameters as necessary.

The parameters are configured to reflect the role of each Viz Engine on the complete Video Wall, i.e. which part of the graphic scene is rendered by that particular Viz Engine.

3.2 ParametersThe Video Wall parameters are set in the main screen of the Video Wall Control application. They consist of the following:

Main ParametersOutput ParametersMachine Parameters

3.2.1 Main ParametersThe main parameters panel is located in the upper left portion of the window.



Figure 1-4: Main Parameters

To configure these parameters, see Connecting the Viz Engines to the Video Wall.

3.2.2 Output ParametersThe output parameters panel is located in the upper right portion of the window.

Figure 1-5: Output Parameters

To configure theses parameters, see Connecting the Viz Engines to the Video Wall.

3.2.3 Machine Parameters

The machine parameters panel is located in the lower portion of the window.

Figure 1-6: Machine Parameters

To configure theses parameters, see Setting Machine Parameters.

3.3 Status BarThe Status bar is positioned at the bottom of the window, and has the following appearance.

Show Commands: Shows commands in the Video Wall Distributor Server console window and in each of the Viz Engine machines.Show Performance: Tests performance while the Video Wall is active.Message Area: Displays messages. Connection Status: Indicates if Video Wall Control is connected to the Video Wall Distributor Server.



Tip: Right-clicking the connection indicator causes the system to attempt to reconnect.

3.4 Saving Data and ReconnectingSave Data: Saves the parameters entered up to this point. Stored as Distributor.ini in C:\Program Files\vizrt\VizVideoWall.Reconnect: Reconnects to all Viz Engine machines. Auto Reconnect Viz: If a Viz Engine machine gets disconnected for whatever reason, checking this box will cause the Video Wall Distributor to continuously attempt to reconnect.

Figure 1-7: Save and Reconnect Buttons



4 Setting Up a Video WallThis section contains the procedures on how to set up a video wall consisting of three Viz Engine machines, controlled by Viz Content Pilot.

Important! The three Viz Engine machines will be referred to as viz1, viz2, and viz3. The control machine will be referred to as control. The Video Wall machine will be referred to as vwall.

The content for the Video Wall can be sent via Viz Content Pilot, as well as Viz Trio, Viz Weather, etc. Some settings may vary between applications. Consult the relevant application’s documentation for further details.

The procedures below assume that the Viz Video Wall Control is installed on the control machine and the Viz Video Wall Distributor is on the vwall machine. While this is the standard setup, theoretically, you can run both applications on the same machine. See Optional Setup Solutions for details.

This section contains information on the following topics:

Opening Video Wall ControlConfiguring the Viz EngineConfiguring the Graphics CardConfiguring the Viz Engine Machine’s GSync CardConnecting Video Wall Control to the Distributor ServerConnecting the Viz Engines to the Video WallVideo Wall Control ConfigurationsSaving SettingsConfiguring the Control ApplicationBackup and Redundancy

4.1 Opening Video Wall ControlThe Video Wall control application resides on its own machine.

To open Video Wall ControlDo one of the following:• Double-click the icon on the desktop, or• Select the program from the Start menu: All Programs > vizrt >

VizVideoWall > VideoWall Control.

4.2 Configuring the Viz EngineViz Engine configuration differs depending on your intended output types. Graphics can be output from Viz Engines in two main ways:

Using the video board in SDI format ( SD or HD )



Using the graphics board in DVI format

In addition, there is also the option to have video-in, which requires another configuration.

Depending on your needs and hardware, you will have a different version of the Viz Engine installed on each machine. If the machine has a video card, you will install the video version, enabling video-out and video-in. Otherwise, you will install the standard PC version. The Viz Engine installation package automatically detects which version to install on each respective machine. Furthermore, configurations are different according to the selected output format.

To run Viz ConfigRun Viz Engine in Config mode by clicking Start -> Programs -> vizrt -> Viz Config.The Viz Configuration window is displayed.

4.2.1 Configuring the Viz Engine Video VersionIf your intended output is SDI and/or you are using video-in, configure the Viz Engine parameters below. Otherwise, proceed directly to General Viz Engine Configuration.

To configure input and output formats1. In the Viz Config window, in the left pane, click Video Output.



2. In the right pane, if your intended output is DVI, set DVI Out (Video Wall) to Active. If your intended output is SD/HD, set it to Inactive.

3. In the left pane, click Video Input.

4. In the right pane, select the input formats. If you have no video input, select Inactive.

5. In the left pane, click Video Board.



6. In the right pane, set Videout Ringbuffer to Off.

4.2.2 General Viz Engine Configuration

To configure basic Viz Engine parameters (all versions)1. In the Viz Config window, in the left pane, click Communication.2. Click UDP & Multicast.

3. In the left pane, click Render Options.



4. Set Force Sleep to Inactive.5. For OnAir Resolution, click and select Desktop Resolution.

This means that when Viz is set to on-air mode its render window size will match the resolution of the desktop as was set in the graphics card.

6. Set Use NVIDIA Frame Counter to Active.This will synchronize the graphics to the signal from NVidia GSync card.

7. In the left pane, click Output Format.

8. Select the required output size and format according to the required resolution.

Important! If you are using video input, ensure that the output dimensions match the size selected in Configuring the Viz Engine Video Version Step 4.



See AlsoSetting Ports

4.2.3 Sharing the Graphic AssetsHow the database connection is created depends on which version of the Viz Engine you are running.

For Viz 2.8, create the database on one of the machines, and then mount it from the other machines by setting the database path in the Data Root Directory menu of the Configuration menu.

For Viz 3.x, you must share the Graphics Hub between all machines.

For further details, consult the relevant Viz Engine documentation for your version.

Figure 1-8: VizDB settings for version 2.8



Figure 1-9: Viz Graphics Hub settings for version 3.x

4.3 Configuring the Graphics CardThis section is relevant if you are using DVI output.

To configure the Viz Engine machine’s graphics card1. On the Viz Engine’s machine, navigate to the NVIDIA control panel.



2. In the left pane, click Manage 3D settings.3. In the right pane, set Vertical sync to Force on.4. On the Windows desktop, right-click and select Properties; click the Settings

tab.

5. Set the screen resolution according to the input required by the Video Wall screens (if feeding directly to screens), or according to the input required by the Controller or DVI Router.

6. If the configuration assumes an engines feeds two screens, enable the dual output option on the NVIDIA panel, by clicking Set Up Multiple Displays.



4.4 Configuring the Viz Engine Machine’s GSync CardThe GSync card ensures that all screens making up the Video Wall are synchronized. Therefore, you must verify that all the GSync cards are connected in a chain via an ethernet cable. When there are several Viz Engines at work, one is defined as the master and all the others as slaves.

Figure 1-10: GSync II card

To configure the GSync card on the master1. On the Viz Engine’s machine to be the master, navigate to the NVIDIA control

panel.

2. In the left pane, expand the Workstation node and click Synchronize displays.3. In the right pane, for the timing server, select the On this system radio button.4. Under the displays to lock to the server, check to make active all that appear

in the field below.

You also have the option of using a genlock (house sync) signal from the studio as an input to the GSync card. In this case, once connected, you can verify the signal in the View system topology screen, under the Workstation node.



House sync signal is not present means that no external genlock is connected and that the pulse is generated internally. If you are not using an external genlock, there is no reason for worry if you see this message.

Figure 1-11: House sync signal is not present. Nothing to worry about.

To configure the GSync card on the slave(s)1. On the Viz Engine’s machine designated to be the slave, navigate to the

NVIDIA control panel.



2. In the left pane, expand the Workstation node and click Synchronize displays.3. In the right pane, for the timing server, select the On another system radio

button.4. Under the displays to lock to the server, check to make active all that appear

in the field below.

To verify Gsync status1. On each machine in turn, navigate to the NVIDIA control panel.2. In the left pane, expand the Workstation node and click View system topology.3. On the slave system(s), ensure that Frame lock sync pulse is present figures in

the GSync status portion on the lower part of the screen.

4.5 Connecting Video Wall Control to the Distributor Server

To enable Video Wall Control and Video Wall Distributor Server communicationIn Windows Explorer, browse to C:\Program Files\vizrt\VizVideoWall and open the VideoWallControl.ini file on the control machine, and then edit the file so that machine=vwall.This notifies the Video Wall Control application that the Distributor Server is running a different machine.



4.6 Video Wall Control ConfigurationsThe following parameters and settings are configured in the Video Wall Control application.

Connecting the Viz Engines to the Video WallDefining Output ParametersSetting Machine ParametersSetting Layout Parameters

4.6.1 Connecting the Viz Engines to the Video WallThe Main Parameters panel is positioned in the top left corner of the window. Changes made in this panel require restarting the Video Wall Distributor, by clicking the Save and Restart button.

Figure 1-12: Video Wall Main Parameters

To connect the Viz Engines to the Video Wall1. On the vwall machine, click Start -> All Programs -> Vizrt -> Viz Video Wall -

> Viz Video Wall Distributor.2. On the control machine, click Start -> All Programs -> Vizrt -> Viz Video Wall

-> Viz Video Wall Control.3. In the Status bar of the Video Wall Control window, make sure that the

Connection Status is Connected.4. On the vwall machine, set the width and height of the Video Wall.

This number is determined according to the way in which the Viz Engines are powering the actual screens. Refer to Configuration Options for details. • Width: Sets the number of screens/Engines horizontally.• Height: Sets the number of screens/Engines vertically.

5. Define the connection protocol.• Connect by: Sets the connection protocol between the Distributor and Viz

Engines. Options are TCP, UDP and Multicast. See also Networking Issues.6. Define the Video Wall’s geometry.

• Type: Determines whether a Video Wall will be flat or circular.



7. If you have selected a circular Video Wall, define the following parameters:• Default Overlap: Enter the number, in degrees, that is needed for

overlapping between screens.• Total FOV (Deg): Enter the size, in degrees, of the entire circular Video

Wall.8. Click the Save and Restart button.

4.6.2 Defining Output ParametersThe Output Parameters panel is positioned in the top right corner of the window.

Figure 1-13: Output Parameters Panel

To define output parameters to the Viz Engines1. In the Video Wall Control, change the following parameters, as needed by your

particular configuration.• Refresh Rate: Sets the refresh rate of the video wall output in fps. For PAL

the value is 50, and for NTSC the value is 60.• Requested Frame Rate: Modify this number if you wish to force a lower

frame rate than provided by the Viz Engine.

Note: This option is only available when using DVI output and GSync without external genlock.

• Frame Delay (TCP): Number, in fields, used for synchronizing the various Viz Engines. Once the external command is received, sets after how many fields it will be sent to the Viz Engine. Modify this number in accordance with the amount of network traffic you expect.

Note: The larger the number the more latency you will get. The smaller the number the bigger the chance that you might lose sync, since the command may arrive after the time to execute has passed.

• Send Command Offset (UDP/Multicast): Number, in milliseconds, used for synchronizing the various Viz Engines. Modify this number in accordance with the amount of network traffic you expect.

Note: This is needed to make sure all computers receive the command in the same field. When using DVI out it should be 5. When using video-out it should be 0.

• Aspect Ratio: Per Viz Engine.2. If you have defined a circular Video Wall, you can also define the following

parameters.



• Offset Y: additional offset to be applied to all Viz Engines (cameras)• Offset Pan: additional offset to be applied to all Viz Engines (cameras)

4.6.3 Setting Machine Parameters

To set the machine parameters1. In the Video Wall Control, double-click the first machine’s label.

You are prompted to enter the machine name and port number in a pop-up dialog.

2. Set the machine Name to viz1.3. Ensure that the port number is the same as the port in the config of the

respective Viz Engine. This is for communications between the Video Wall Distributor and the Viz Engine.



Note: If the setup in Optional Setup Solutions is used, and the Video Wall Distributor Server is running on a different Viz Engine machine, there is may be a need to change the Viz Engine port on viz3.

Note: If you use UDP or Multicast protocols, the UDP port number must defined in the Distributor.ini file, located at C:\Program Files\Vizrt\VizVideoWall.

4. Click OK.5. In the Machines panel, make sure that the Machine Status is Connected.6. Repeat for each Viz Engine machine.

4.6.4 Setting Layout ParametersThese parameters are set for each Viz Engine. This ensures that each Viz Engine renders the correct portion of the graphics according to its defined location in the Video Wall.

The settings in the Machine Parameters panel becomes available once a machine has been selected in the Machines panel. The position and size values are by default set according to the number of machines in the Video Wall. These settings should only be modified if the video wall is not equally divided between the different machines. If there is a need to change the default settings, follow the procedure below.

To set layout parameters for a flat video wall1. Define the following parameters as necessary.

• Position X: Sets the position as a percentage of the whole Video Wall for the X value of the selected machine.

• Position Y: Sets the position as a percentage of the whole Video Wall for the Y value of the selected machine.

• Width: Sets the width as a percentage of the whole Video Wall, for the selected machine.

• Height: Sets the height as a percentage of the whole Video Wall, for the selected machine.

• Overlap left: Sets the left overlap, as a percentage, of the selected machine.

• Overlap right: Sets the right overlap, as a percentage, of the selected machine.

2. Repeat for each Viz Engine machine.

Figure 1-14: Flat Wall Machine Parameters

Tip: To reset a value, click the R button next to the text box.



To set layout parameters for a circular video wall1. Define the following parameters as necessary.

• Pan: Sets the pan, in degrees, for the selected machine. • Pos Y: Sets the position, as a percentage, of the Y value of the selected

machine. • FovX: Sets the X axis field of view, in degrees, of the selected machine. • FovY: Sets the Y axis field of view, in degrees, of the selected machine.• Overlap left: Sets the left overlap, in degrees, of the selected machine.• Overlap right: Sets the right overlap, in degrees, of the selected machine.

2. Repeat for each Viz Engine machine.

Figure 1-15: Circular Wall Machine Parameters

Tip: To reset a value, click the R button next to the text box.

4.7 Saving SettingsClick the Save Data button to save the Video Wall configuration. The data is stored as Distributor.ini in C:\Program Files\vizrt\VizVideoWall.

Figure 1-16: Save Data Button

4.8 Configuring the Control ApplicationViz control applications (Viz Trio, Viz Content Pilot, Viz Weather) communicate with the Viz Engine through TCP on port 6100.

When a Video Wall is used, multiple Viz Engines require control, and are controlled by the Video Wall Distributor, rather than the control application directly. The Video Wall should be configured as if it were the on-air machine. The control application should communicate all messages to the Video Wall, which will in turn pass them to all relevant Viz Engines. The Video Wall thus “impersonates” a Viz Engine by opening port 6100 and intercepting all messages that were sent by the control application.

As a sample, a Viz Content Pilot Configuration to work with Video Wall is shown ahead. Similar configurations should be used when using other control applications. If you are using another application, consult the relevant documentation.



4.8.1 Viz Content Pilot ConfigurationViz Content Pilot must be configured so that during design mode in Viz Template Wizard, it will communicate directly to a Viz Engine machine. During design mode, there is a lot of communication between Viz Content Pilot and Viz Engine. As such, having the Video Wall Distributor Server in between slows down the communication. During On-air mode, Viz Content Pilot communicates directly with the Video Wall Distributor Server.

To configure Viz Content Pilot for Video Wall1. In Windows Explorer, browse to C:\Program Files\Vizrt\Viz Content

Pilot and open the ContentPilot.ini file.2. Edit the Machine section of the ContentPilot.ini file:

machine1=controlmachine2=viz1machine3=viz2machine4=viz3machine5=vwall

3. During design mode, select viz1, viz2 or control to avoid communication through the Video Wall Distributor Server.

4. During run mode, select vwall.

4.8.2 Advanced Viz Content Pilot ConfigurationThis advanced configuration is optional. However, it can optimize system resources.

During run mode, icons should not be communicated through the Video Wall Distributor Server. Instead the Viz Content Pilot group system should be used.

To perform advanced configuration of Viz Content Pilot1. In Windows Explorer, browse to C:\Program Files\Vizrt\Viz Content


machine1=controlmachine2=viz1machine3=viz2machine4=viz3machine5=vwall[GROUP distributor] machine1=controlmachine2=vwall

3. During On-Air mode, select the Distributor group that consists of the control and the Video Wall Distributor Server. Since the control machine is first in the group, all the icon communication will go directly to this machine, and not through the Video Wall Distributor Server.

Important! The control machine must have a Viz Engine Preview license.



4.8.3 Optional Setup Solutions

The solution used throughout this configuration process assumes a dedicated machine for the Video Wall Distributor (vwall). This machine can later be used for handling Interactivity and ensures optimal performance. However, if there is a need to save on a machine, there are two alternative setup options for running the Video Wall Distributor.

Option 1: Running the Video Wall Distributor on the control machine1. In Windows Explorer, browse to C:\Program Files\Vizrt\Viz Content


machine1=controlmachine2=viz1machine3=viz2machine4=viz3

The Video Wall Control can still run on the control machine. 3. In Windows Explorer, browse to C:\Program Files\vizrt\VizVideoWall

and open the VideoWallControl.ini file. 4. Ensure that the VideoWallControl.ini file points to the control machine

(Video Wall Distributor Server):machine=localhost

5. During run mode, select control (Video Wall Distributor Server).

Note: When this option is enabled, the Video Wall Control will start the Video Wall Distributor Server automatically.

Option 1 has two main disadvantages:

The local preview option is disabled.The icon communication goes through the Video Wall Distributor Server (see Advanced Viz Content Pilot Configuration).

Option 2: Run the Video Wall Distributor Server on a Viz Engine machine

Note: This option shows how to use the viz3 machine as a host for the Video Wall Distributor.

1. In Windows Explorer, browse to C:\Program Files\Vizrt\Viz Content Pilot and open the ContentPilot.ini file.

2. Edit the Machine section of the ContentPilot.ini file: machine1=controlmachine2=viz1machine3=viz2machine4=viz3

The Video Wall Control can still run on the control machine. 3. In Windows Explorer, browse to C:\Program Files\vizrt\VizVideoWall

and open the VideoWallControl.ini file.



4. Edit the VideoWallControl.ini file to point to the viz3 machine (Video Wall Distributor Server).

machine= viz3

5. On the viz3 machine, open Viz Config and the change the port number of the Viz Engine to be 6101, as described in Setting Ports.

6. In the Video Wall Control, double-click the viz3 machine’s label and change the port number to 6101. The Video Wall Distributor will now talk to the Engine on viz3 through this port, as 6100 is taken by the Distributor.

7. During run mode in Viz Content Pilot, select viz3 (Video Wall Distributor Server).

The main disadvantage of this setup is that viz3 cannot be externally controlled, since the machine port has been set to 6101.

4.9 Backup and RedundancyYou can create redundant Viz Engines and Distributor Servers for backup purposes.

Defining Backup Viz Engines for RedundancySetting Up Backup Distributor Servers for Redundancy

4.9.1 Defining Backup Viz Engines for Redundancy

When working with multiple Viz Engines, for redundancy, it is possible to define backup machine(s) in the event that one Engine ceases to function as expected. When backup machines are defined, you can swap them manually.

This option requires that a DVI router be used between the machines and the Video Wall screens.

Note: SDI Router is not implemented yet.

Upon switching to a backup machine, the layout parameters are automatically sent to the replacement, and the routing command is sent to the router to ensure that the backup machine takes its right place in the Video Wall.

Tip: In a configuration that includes backup machines, it is recommended that you use the UDP or Multicast protocols. This will ensure that when switching back to a machine that was down, its content will up to date.

To define backup machines1. In the Video Wall Control application, in the Main Parameters, enter the

number of backup machines you wish to make available.



2. Click the Save and Restart button.The backup machines will appear on the right side of the window.

3. For each backup machine defined, follow the procedures for:• Setting Machine Parameters• Configuring the Viz Engine• Configuring the Graphics Card• Configuring the Viz Engine Machine’s GSync Card

To configure the router1. On the vwall machine, ensure that the Video Wall Distributor is not running.2. In Windows Explorer, browse to C:\Program Files\Vizrt\VizVideoWall

and open the Distributor.ini file.3. If the input number on the router is not a default number, you must modify

the routeID parameter(s) for each machine.Machine5 VideoWallHost-5Port5 6100UdpPort5 6100DataPoolPort5 7124RouteId5 5

4. If the output number is not a default number, you must modify the router (matrix) parameters.

################# DVI Matrix ######################RouterOutput1 1RouterOutput2 2RouterOutput3 3

To put a backup machine into service1. Right-click the machine that you wish to replace.



2. From the pop-up menu, select Switch to Backup -> the desired backup machine.

To revert to the original source machine1. Right-click the machine that you wish to replace.



2. From the pop-up menu, select Original Source.

4.9.2 Setting Up Backup Distributor Servers for Redundancy

In case you want to have redundancy for the Video Wall Distributor Server, there is an option that allows to manually switch off a Distributor Server.

To set up a backup Video Wall Distributor1. Install Video Wall Distributor and Video Wall Control software on an additional

machine.2. In Windows Explorer, browse to C:\Program Files\vizrt\VizVideoWall

and open the VideoWallControl.ini file.3. Edit the VideoWallControl.ini file on both vwall machines, ensuring that

the line for globalbackup reads globalbackup=1

A new button appears in the GUI.



4. In the Video Wall Control application for the Distributor Server machine you wish to disable, select the machine and click the Deactivate button to disable the current Distributor Server, disconnecting it from its Viz Engines.

5. In the Video Wall Control application for the backup Distributor Server machine, select the machine and click the Activate button to enable the backup Distributor Server.



5 Networking IssuesThis section contains information on the following topics:

Communication Types Between Video Wall ProcessesSetting Ports

5.1 Communication Types Between Video Wall ProcessesThere are several types of communication protocols used in the Video Wall environment, as illustrated below. Depending on your machine configuration, some ports may need to be modified to ensure proper data flow.

Figure 1-17: Communication Between Video Wall Processes

5.2 Setting PortsIn Viz Config, under the Communication section, there are a number of parameters that may need to set for each Viz Engine machine, depending on your Video Wall configuration.



The port number must match the value entered when Setting Machine Parameters in the Video Wall Control application. This is absolutely essential when the Video Wall Distributor is running on a Viz Engine machine to avoid both applications from using port 6100.

Note: If you change to port number on a Viz Engine machine, other external controls will now not be able to access that Engine directly.

Note: If the suggested setup is used, and the Video Wall Distributor Server is running on a different computer, there is no need to change the Viz Engine port on the Viz machines.

If you are using the UDP protocol ensure that the UDP port number in the Viz Config is the same as the UdpPort value for that machine in the Distributor.ini file, located at C:\Program Files\Vizrt\VizVideoWall.

##################### Machine 3 #####################Machine3 VideoWallHost-3Port3 6100UdpPort3 6100

Important! Ensure that the Video Wall Distributor is not running before modifying the Distributor.ini file.

Depending on your configurations, the port numbers may need to be changed. One such case is if using Option 2 in the Optional Setup Solutions. The Video Wall Control application will run on the control machine to configure the Video Wall Distributor Server that will run on viz3. Since the default TCP Port Number is 6100, viz3 is also a Viz Engine machine for external control applications. Viz Engine and the Distributor cannot open the same port on the same machine, so the port that Viz Engine opens must be changed.



6 Taking the Video Wall On-AirTo take the Video Wall On-Air1. Start Viz in On-Air mode on all the machines. 2. Start Video Wall Distributor Server on vwall. 3. Start your control application.4. In the control application select vwall to be the On-Air machine.

Tip: For monitoring, use the Video Wall Control application.



7 Scene DesignScenes to be displayed on the Video Wall are designed in Viz Artist as graphcis for any other Viz application.

The aspect ratio for the scene should match the ratio on the complete wall, meaning the number of pixels in width divided by number of pixels in height. Set the aspect ratio within the Viz Artist scene (and not in Viz Config) to make sure it is displayed correctly on the wall.

Note: Some plug-ins may not work well on the video wall. These are plug-ins that are either related to screen size, or have a random number that might not be the same on all viz engines. The following plug-ins are currently not supported in a Video Wall environment: Ticker3D, realFX, Dynamic Images, Winmask, WindowMask, FrameMask, SoftMask, ImageMask.

Since the Video Wall (typically but not always) uses DVI out and not SDI, there is no ring buffer support. Therefore all scenes need to be built with this in mind and thoroughly tested. You do not want to be right on the performance edge with Video Wall graphics, because if only one renderer drops a frame, the Video Wall will look less than optimal. If the scenes are properly constructed, and the renderers initialized before on-air use, there should be no problem.

To test perfromance while the Video Wall is active, use the show performance button in the status bar in the Video Wall Control application.



8 InteractivityThis section contains information on the following topics:

Prerequisites for Video Wall InteractivityDesigning Interactive Scenes for Video WallEnabling InteractivitySimulating Touch Events

8.1 Prerequisites for Video Wall InteractivityGraphics in the Video Wall may also be interactive. In order to have an interactive Video Wall, two things are necessary:

Screens that support touch events (or add-on to screens to allow touch events)Interactivity written into the scenes in Viz Artist that will define the behavior of the scene upon touch events.

8.2 Designing Interactive Scenes for Video WallWhen designing interactive scenes in Viz Artist for Video Wall, you must ensure that you only use 6DOF-based events. Use scripting to define the behavior of your graphics upon user interaction.

OnButtonDown6DOF(..)OnButtonUp6DOF(..)OnMove6DOF(..)OnMoveRelative6DOF(..)

To configure Viz Engines for interactivity1. Open Viz Config.2. In the left pane, click Global Input.



3. In the right pane, for Role, select Slave.4. Repeat for each Viz Engine.

8.3 Enabling Interactivity

To add interactivity to a Video Wall1. Make sure the Video Wall Distributor down.2. In Windows Explorer, browse to C:\Program Files\vizrt\VizVideoWall,

and open the distributor.ini file in the text editor of your choice.3. Edit the Mouse Device Advanced section, changing the UseMouseDevice

value to 1.4. Edit the MouseDeviceName value to the DLL name that will be used.

# ################ Mouse Device (Advanced)###################### # Enable a mouse device to send 6DOF events:UseMouseDevice 1# Viz Multicast Group to sent to:VizMulticastGroup 1# Mouse device dll name:MouseDeviceName UdpMouse.dll# Data to send to mouse device:MouseDevicedata

8.4 Simulating Touch EventsBefore actually testing out interactivity on a Video Wall, you can simulate the interaction using the SendUdpMouse application, which is bundled with the Video Wall software.

To simulate touch events1. Perform the procedure for Taking the Video Wall On-Air.2. Perform the procedure for Designing Interactive Scenes for Video Wall to your

Video Wall by browsing to C:\Program Files\Vizrt\VizVideoWall and



editing the distributor.ini file to allow interactivity and define the .dll file to be used.

3. Launch an interactive scene.4. From the vwall machine, browse to C:\Program

Files\Vizrt\VizVideoWall and double-click the SendUdpMouse.exe file.A white screen opens that represents the Video Wall.Mouse clicks in the appropriate locations in the white screen trigger the same events that would be triggered with the actual touch-screen hardware.



9 Command Line Arguments and Keyboard ShortcutsThe Video Wall Control application has various command line arguments and keyboard shortcuts.

9.1 Command Line ArgumentsThe following command line arguments can added to the Video Wall Control application:

-c: Start without console.-R [file]: Start with a different configuration file (default distributor.ini).-P [port]: Use different port for external control (default 6100).

9.2 Keyboard ShortcutsThe following keyboard shortcuts + <Enter> can be used in the Video Wall Distributor console:

e: Exit c: Connect to all Viz Engine hosts l: Locks console on topu: Unlocks console p: Sends continue command r: Sends reset command s: Sends stop commandg: Sends start command

9.3 Debugging CommandsThe following keyboard shortcuts +<Enter> can be used in the Video Wall Distributor for debugging:

1: Stop debug printings.2: Debug internal communication with Viz Engines.3: Debug printings of Feedback messages from all Viz Engines. Includes timestamps, realTime, etc. This is a good way to know if all Viz Engines are connected and running in real-time.4: Debug communication with external control application (port 6100).

Additionally, in Video Wall Control application, at the bottom left of the window, click the Show Commands button to show the console window for all Viz Engines, and the console for the Viz Distributor Server, debug the communications between the processes.



2 TroubleshootingThis section contains some common problems you may encounter when running a Video Wall.

Problems Connecting Video Wall Control to the DistributorViz Engine Connection ProblemsFailure To Send Real Time CommandAnimation Speed on One of the Viz Engines is Too FastInteractivity ProblemsGraphic Synchronization ProblemsNot All Commands ExecutedBlack Screen in One of the Viz EnginesGraphics Do Not Split Correctly on ScreensScenes Do Not Appear on Video Wall as on Viz Engine



1 Problems Connecting Video Wall Control to the Distributor

ProblemConnection Status is Disconnected in the Video Wall Control application.

Possible Cause 1Incorrect machine definition in the Video Wall Distributor Server.

Check that the machine name of the Video Wall Distributor Server in the ini file is correct.Check that the Video Wall Distributor Server is running on that machine.

Possible Cause 2Network Issues.

Check if the Connection Status is still Disconnected. If so:

Use the IP address instead of the machine name in the ini file. Make sure that both machines are on the same network.

Tip: Right-click the connection indicator when the error is likely to have been fixed. This will make the system try to reconnect.



2 Viz Engine Connection ProblemsProblemThe Machine Status in the Video Wall Control application is Disconnected.

Possible Cause 1The Viz Engine is not running on the defined machine.

Check that the machine name is correct.

Note: The IP address can be used instead of the machine Name, but this is not recommended, as it is more difficult to keep track of the machines this way, and IP addresses may change if DHCP is used.

Ensure that the Viz Engine is running on the defined machine. Ensure that the Viz Engine on the defined machine is in On-Air mode.

Possible Cause 2Port number mismatch between the Video Wall Distributor and the Viz Engine.

Check that the same TCP port number is defined in the machine parameters (Setting Machine Parameters) and in the respective Viz Engine config (Configuring the Viz Engine).

Possible Cause 3The Viz Engine does not send appropriate feedback to the Video Wall Distributor. This may be because:

Viz Engine is iconized (does not render).Viz Engine on the defined machine is not in On-Air mode.

Possible Cause 4There are network problems between the Viz Engine and the Video Wall Distributor.

If the problem has been fixed (for example by starting Viz Engine), click the Connect button in the Machine Parameters panel. This will reconnect the selected machine.



3 Failure To Send Real Time CommandSymptomError Message: Fail to send real time command.

Debugging1. In the Video Wall Distributor console, press 3 + <Enter> to start debugging.

Press 1 + < Enter> to stop.2. Check which machine is not in realtime in the debug line.

Host Vwall-isr1 RealTime=1 LastFrameTime=16 time=310479Host isr_studio2 RealTime=1 LastFrameTime=100 time=310482Host Vwall-isr1 RealTime=1 LastFrameTime=17 time=310496

Possible Cause 1UDP not working.

Check if the Video Wall Distributor machine has more then one network card. If yes:• Disable wireless on one of them; or• In the Windows Control Panel, under Network Settings, rearrange them in

the correct order according to the network configuration (check which is the correct IP address).

Possible Cause 2Scene consumes too many machine resources.

1. Optimize the scene in Viz Artist (see Scene Design).2. In the console of the problematic Viz Engine machine, press CTRL and right-

click on the X in the Viz Engine window to turn Performance to On.



3. You can also test perfromance while the Video Wall is active using the show performance button in the status bar in the Video Wall Control application.

4. Lower the requested frame rate when Connecting the Viz Engines to the Video Wall (only possible when using DVI-out).

Possible Cause 3A Viz Engine is not On-Air or scene is not loaded. Feedback commands are not sent, resulting in a machine not being present when you press 3 to debug in the Video Wall Distributor.

1. Check that a scene is loaded into the Viz Engine.2. Check that the Viz Engine is in On-Air mode.

CTRL + right-click



4 Animation Speed on One of the Viz Engines is Too Fast

Possible Cause 1NVIDIA card not set to Vertical Sync.

Configure NVIDIA as described in Configuring the Graphics Card.

Possible Cause 2GSync cards are not configured correctly.

1. Go to Configuring the Viz Engine Machine’s GSync Card and check the settings.

2. Check that one machine is set as Master, and the rest as Slaves3. Check that the network cable connected between all GSync cards

Possible Cause 3Viz Engine Render Options setting is not correct.

See Configuring the Viz Engine, and check the Render Options tab.If using DVI output, go to Configuring the Viz Engine Machine’s GSync Card and verify that Use NVidia Frame Counter is set to Active.



5 Interactivity ProblemsProblemInteractivity is not working fully.

Possible Cause 16DOF is not turned on.

In Viz Config, ensure that Global Input is set to Slave.

Possible Cause 2Scripts are not written well or scene not designed well.

Check one 6DOF script with a simple scene.Review and optimize scene and/or scripts

Possible Cause 3Multicast protocol not working.

Check the network.

Possible Cause 4Interactivity hardware not functioning as planned.

To isolate the problem, test the interactivity with SendUdpMouse as described in Simulating Touch Events.



6 Graphic Synchronization ProblemsProblemGraphics are not synchronized on all screens.

Possible Cause 1NVIDIA GSync not configured properly.

See Configuring the Graphics Card

Possible Cause 2One of the Viz Engines is not in realtime mode.

1. In the Video Wall Distributor console, press 3 + <Enter> to start debugging. Press 1 + <Enter> to stop.

Host vwall-isr2 RealTime=1 LastFrameTime=17 time=18764Host localhost RealTime=1 LastFrameTime=17 time=18765Host localhost RealTime=1 LastFrameTime=16 time=18782Host vwall-isr2 RealTime=1 LastFrameTime=17 time=18782

2. See which machine does not appear, or have RealTime=0.3. In the Video Wall Control application, at the bottom of the screen, click the

Show Commands button.

The Viz Engine console will appear on each of the Viz Engine machines in your configuration.

4. Check the console of the problematic machine.

If your selected protocol is TCP:

Working properly, when a command is sent, at first you should see a line that looks like this:

Rec(External) <A142862371 RENDERER SET_OBJECT>

Shortly followed by:

Rec(Delayed) <-1 RENDERER SET_OBJECT>

5. Try to restart the Viz Engine on the problematic machine.6. If this does not resolve the problem, follow the procedure in Failure To Send

Real Time Command.



7 Not All Commands ExecutedProblemSome commands seem to be executed, and others are not. This may happen if attempting to use UDP protocol, without defining it properly, since some commands are always sent via TCP. In the problematic case, only the TCP commands are sent successfully, and the UDP commands are not.

Possible CauseUDP is not turned on in the Viz Engine machine or is using the wrong port number.

In Viz Config, ensure that Communication -> Additional Communication is set to UDP & Multicast. Port number should match the one defined in when Setting Machine Parameters.



8 Black Screen in One of the Viz EnginesPossible Cause 1No rendering on the Viz Engine.

1. Verify that Viz is running on that Engine.2. Verify that Viz is in On-Air mode.3. Verify that a scene is loaded into Viz by pressing <Esc>, and checking the

loaded scene and entering send REND GET_OBJECT in the Viz Engine console.

Possible Cause 2Screen-saver is turned on.

1. Try to move the keyboard/mouse on that Viz Engine machine.2. Turn off any screen-saver option.



9 Graphics Do Not Split Correctly on ScreensProblemGraphics are not laid out or do not split as expected on all screens in the Video Wall.

Possible Cause 1Layout was not set correctly.

Verify the layout settings configured in Setting Layout Parameters (computer names, overlap, positions, etc.)

Possible Cause 2Numbers not sent or wrong calculations about sizes were done in the Video Wall Distributor or Viz Engine.

1. In the Video Wall Control application, at the bottom of the screen, click the Show Commands button.

The Viz Engine console will appear on each of the Viz Engine machines in your configuration.

2. Check the console of the problematic machine.3. Check if the following lines figure when changing the scene on the Control PC

(control).

Working properly, the console of a Viz Engine that is receiving all layout parameters correctly should look like this:

Rec(External) <-1 MAIN*CONFIGURATION*SCREEN_LAYOUT*1 SET 720 576 720 0 0 0 1440576 0.000000 0.000000 vid1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.000000 0.000000 0.0 0.0 0.0>answer (not sent) <-1 >Rec(External) <-1 REND*LAYOUT*TYPE SET USE_LAYOUT>answer (not sent) <-1 >Rec(External) <-1 REND*LAYOUT*NUMBER SET 1>answer (not sent) <-1 >

4. Check if the console shows the lines above when modifying the layout in the Video Wall Control application, by Setting Layout Parameters.

5. Check the numbers that are displayed. If they do not provide an obvious solution, contact Vizrt CA.



10 Scenes Do Not Appear on Video Wall as on Viz Engine

Possible Cause 1Some Viz Artist plug-ins do not work in the Video Wall environment.

RealFXTicker3DDynamic ImagesWinMask

Possible Cause 2Aspect ratio not set correctly in scene.

See Scene Design for best practices.

Possible Cause 3Layout not configured correctly in Video Wall Control application.

See Graphics Do Not Split Correctly on Screens.


Viz Video Wall ER Setup and Configuration Manual · the Video Wall Control application can be used...

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Transcript of Viz Video Wall ER Setup and Configuration Manual · the Video Wall Control application can be used...