All effects support being applied to the elements in a string like format. Depending on the setup of the elements, groups of elements can form a representation of a string. Most effects apply their logic based on those groups acting like a string. This mode is designated by the Target being set to Strings
Location Based Effects
Location based effects create their effects by using the relative location of the elements as defined by their location in the preview. When creating you elements, they should be positioned in relative space to each other the same as they would be when in the display. This allows the effect to apply its logic based on where they lie in 2D space. This is sometime referred to a whole house model, but int he case of Vixen it relates to whatever elements are in the group you place the effect. This can be your entire house or just several props. You have complete flexibility here based on your group definitions.
As of 3.5 release the following effects support rendering based on location or as strings: Balls, Bars, Border, Butterfly, Circles, Colorwash, Coutdown, Curtain, Picture, Pinwheel, Plasma, Text and Video. In the editor set the Target drop down to Locations.
Intelligent Fixture Effects
Intelligent Fixture Effects are different than the other lighting effects in that most of the work is done by the fixture (DMX) hardware. In other words Intelligent Fixture Effects are just exposing the
capabilities of the fixture hardware in easy to use effects. Most fixture will only support a subset of these effects. The effect help pages identify the requirements of the hardware for the effect
to be applicable.
Device Action Effects
Device Action effects are intended to control items external to Vixen at precise times during a sequence. External items might include special hardware devices or other software applications.
1 - Basic Lighting
This section covers all of the basic lighting effects in Vixen and details the features and how to use them.
1.1 - Alternating
Creates an alternating effect.
Overview
The Alternating effect does what it’s name implies. It automates the process of alternating elements between colors. A simple example is a row of mini trees alternating back and forth from red to green.
Configuration
Timing Source This sets the source of how the alternating timing occurs.
Time Interval This sets the timing of the alternates to be based on time.
Change Interval This controls the interval that the alternates change on. The value is in milliseconds.
Static Effect This option allows you to specify if the effect actually changes back and forth between colors over the duration of the effect or just sets up an alternating color pattern that is the same over the duration of the effect. This can be easily used to set alternating color patterns without having to use a pulse on all the individual elements. An example of this is the American flag that has red and white bars alternating, but are the same color for the length of the flag.
Mark Collection Since Version 3.5. This sets the reference for the alteranates to be based on the Marks in a Mark Collection.
Mark Collection This allows you to choose the Mark Collection for the Marks to be used in aligning the alternates. The following is an example of being aligned to the Marks.
Group Level Specifies how many elements are of the same color before switching to the next color in the list. In the case of pixels with color of red and white set, if you set it to 5, there will be 5 lights that are red and then 5 that are green and then 5 more red and back to green and so on. This works for non pixel elements as well. The default is 1.
Change Interval Defines on a non static effect, how often the colors switch back and forth. It is specified in ms. So if you want the colors to switch back and forth every 500 ms, set it to 500.
Color offset Specifies how many colors to jump when the alternating pattern starts over. This can create interesting marquee style effect.
Color
Gradients This allows you to choose the color sets to be used. The alternating supports what we can a Color Gradient Level Pair. In this case the color and the brightness level work together. With this you can specify fading colors or any other combination. This works just like a pulse, only within that color portion of the alternating. Each Color Gradient has a Curve to control it. You can add or remove these pairs of colors. Both the Color Gradient and the Curve support drag and drop. See Inline Curve Editor and Inline Gradient Editor.
Depth
Levels Deep When enabled it controls at what level the Alternating is applied inside a group of elements. So you can have 8 items and then have 4 of them grouped to the left and 4 grouped to the right. All of these are grouped under on group. By placing the Alternating at the top level group, you can Alternating all 8 of the items or the left and the right group as a pair.
Tutorials
1.2 - Candle Flicker
Creates a candle flicker effect.
Overview
The Candle Flicker effect was designed to simulate the effect of a candle flickering. It has many settings to adjust how the flicker behaves.
Configuration
Group Level Controls how many elements in the group have the same flicker applied to them. Defaults to 1 meaning each element gets it’s own unique flicker.
Color
Color Sets the color of flicker.
Brightness
Max Controls the maximum brightness that a flicker can be. This is a 0 - 100 percent range of the overall color brightness.
Min Controls the minimum brightness that a flicker can be. This is a 0 - 100 percent range of the overall color brightness.
Flicker
Change Percent Controls how much change the flicker will have. 0 - 100 percent range of intensity.
Deviation Controls how much the flicker deviates over the span of the effect.
Flicker
Frequency Controls the frequency of the flicker.
1.3 - Chase
Creates a chasing effect.
Overview
The Chase Effect allows you to have a series of Pulse effects spaced out across the duration of the effect. Instead of having to place and distribute individual pulses over time, this effect will do the math to distribute them evenly for you.
Behavior
Since Version 3.6u1
Across Elements/Groups is the default behavior and is equivalent to how the effect acted prior. When the effect is applied on an element that has multiple levels deep, then the Behavior section will appear.
Each Element/Group This is a new behavior that changes how the effect looks at the elements and targets them. Previously you could use the levels and chase across a group of Arches or similar props, but if you wanted to apply the same chase to each Arch in the group, you would need to put a Chase on each Arch specifically. Now you can choose the Each Element/Group behavior and the proper level to get an identical Chase on each arch. This also allows the possibility to Chase up/down a Pixel tree instead of just around it. Many combinations are possible using variations of the Behavior and Level options.
Color
Color Handling This controls how the colors are applied on the effect. The simplest is a single color which will create a simple chase with only that color on it. The other three options allow for a Color Gradient to be applied in different ways on the effect. See Inline Gradient Editor
Single Color This sets the color to be a simple color.
Gradient Thru Effect This will transition the colors on the chase over time to match the colors in the gradient. This allows you to have a chase that goes from say red to blue over the duration.
Gradient Per Pulse Each individual pulse within the chase will have the gradient applied to it. Each pulse will have the same color. So the pulse can go from red to blue.
Gradient Across Items The gradient will be applied proportionately over group of items that the chase covers with each item receiving the color within the gradient that corresponds to it’s percentage of the entire group.
Color Gradient / Color Depending on the Color Handling setting this will allow the simple color, or the Color Gradient to be set. See Inline Gradient Editor.
Brightness
Pulse Intensity This setting controls the shape of the pulse Curve. Much like the same setting in the pulse effect, you can control is each pulse ramps up or down or any shape you can design with the Curve. See Inline Curve Editor.
The default setting represents a ramping on motion where each portion of the chase ramps up to full brightness
The shows a pulse ramping up and then down just by altering the shape of the Curve into a ^ shape.
Direction
Direction This Curve controls the direction the chase moves across items. In it’s simple form it is right to left, or left or right. But you can design custom movements to have it move right and then back left in the same effect. See Inline Curve Editor
Normal Direction
Reversing Direction
Pulse
Extend Pulse To End Extends the pulses to the end of the effect to enable a chase to on type effect. Each pule will foloow the curve and then maintain the last intensity to the end of the effect. Pulse Intensity must be above zero on the curve at the end.
Extend Pulse To Start. This is the opposite of etendign to end. This allows the effect to be all on at the start, and then chase the elements off. Pulse Intensity must be > 0 at the beginning of the curve.
Pulse Overlap Controls how much the pulses of the chase overlap with each other. This can be used to create a more smooth flowing effect by adding more overlap.
Zero overlap
200 ms overlap
Depth
Levels Deep Controls at what level the Chase is applied inside a group of elements. So you can have 8 items and then have 4 of them grouped to the left and 4 grouped to the right. All of these are grouped under on group. By placing the Chase at the top level group, you can Chase all 8 of the items or the left and the right group as a pair.
1.4 - Dissolve
Creates a Dissolving or Filling effect.
Overview
TThe Dissolve effect simulates colors disolving from, or filling into a space. The effect name of Dissolve may seem to suggest that it can only dissolve, but it also supports the opposite with filling color into an element. It has many settings to adjust how the effect behaves.
Configuration
Timing Source Controls if the effect is driven by the time duration, or by Marks in a Mark Collection.
Density A Curve that governs how dense the coverage of the elements and how the dissolve itself acts. See the Inline Curve Editor.
Group Level Controls how many elements in the group have the same Dissolve applied to them. Defaults to 1 meaning each element gets it’s own unique Dissolve.
Random Disolve Controls if the Disolve pattern is random (Checked) as to the order elements Disolve, or if the user can take more control.
Starting Element Starting location where the Dissolve or Fill will commence from.
Dissolve Flip Flips the direction of the sequential Dissolve.
Both Directions Dissolves or Fills in both directions, one after the other.
Color Per Step When enabled, color will change for each step variation. When disabled, each step variation will have all colors.
Random Color Order When enabled the colors will be chosen at random instead of in order.
Group Color When enabled, each element will have all colors generated in parallel.
Depth
Effect Depth Controls the depth level in groups that the effect should be applied to. If there are multiple levels of props in a group, the same Dissolve can be applied to each group instead of using multiple effects by using this setting.
1.5 - LipSync
Creates an effect used to syncronize lyric phomemes to a prop.
Overview
The Lip-sync effect helps to facilitate sequencing singing faces. It is a multi purpose effect that has evolved over the years into a powerful tool for syncronizing lyrics to your face mapped props. This effect relies on the mapping of the face properies in your elements in order to work properly.
Configuration
Phoneme/Marks This setting determine how the LipSync effect behaves.
Mark Collections Since Version 3.5. This set the effect to get its phomeme information from the Marks in a Mark Collection. This is the default and the most common way to use the effect.
Mark Collection This sets the Mark Collectin that contains the Marks with the Phonemes in it. There are typically 3 types of collections. Phrases, Words, and Phonemes. You select the Phonemes one here.
Allow Mark Gaps When enabled, the effect does not fill gaps between the Marks with a REST.
Phoneme This allows the effect to be used in manual mode where you configure the phoneme you want to use specifically.
Mapping Type This allows you to choose the mapping type. This controls how phonemes are mapped to the individual elements in your Prop.
Face Mapping This option is used when you have a Prop that is usually a defiend shape and you have mapped specific elements to the mouth phonemes.
Image Mapping This option is used for matrix type props that use an image for a mouth shape rather than mapping individual lights or elements.
Eye Mode This sets how the eyes should be handled when the effect is active.
Open This sets the eyes to open using the open eyes mapping.
Closed This sets the eyes to be closed using the eyes closed mapping.
Off This sets the effect to ignore turning on the eyes.
Show Outline This sets the effect to turn on the outline using the outline mapping.
Lip-Sync Enhancements
Since Vixen 3.5
1.6 - Pulse
Creates a pulsing type effect.
Overview
The Pulse effect is one step above a Set Level. In fact this effect can do everything the Set Level can plus more. The main differences here are the ability to use a color gradient over a single color and the ability to shape the brightness as a curve value to vary over the length of the effect. See the sections on Curves and Color Gradients for more details on how they work.
With the ability to control the brightness over the duration of the effect, the Pulse enables things like a fade on or fade off by adjusting the curve from a ramp up or ramp down. But the curve can take any shape and thus you can form your pulse to do about anything.
The pulse is also highly useful as a modifying effect when using layers. It can be used to fade other effects on or off, or control their brightness. See the sections on Layers for more details.
The Set Level is the most basic off all effects. It allows you to turn on a element at a level for the specific duration. The level slider determines the brightness of the effect. It supports a single RGB color.
Color
Color This allows you to set the color of the element. Double click the color box to bring up a color picker, or drag and drop colors from the library onto it.
Brightness
Intensity This slider allows you to choose the intensity of the color. It is a 0 - 100 percent slider.
1.8 - Spin
Creates a spinning effect.
The Spin is similar to the Chase effect. It can be thought of as repeating chases back to back which creates a spinning effect.
Behavior
Since Version 3.6u1
Across Elements/Groups is the default behavior and is equivalent to how the effect acted prior. When the effect is applied on an element that has multiple levels deep, then the Behavior section will appear.
Each Element/Group This is a new behavior that changes how the effect looks at the elements and targets them. Previously you could use the levels and spin across a group of Arches or similar props, but if you wanted to apply the same Spin to each Arch in the group, you would need to put a Spin on each Arch specifically. Now you can choose the Each Element/Group behavior and the proper level to get an identical Spin on each arch. This also allows the possibility to Spin up/down a Pixel tree instead of just around it. Many combinations are possible using variations of the Behavior and Level options.
Color
Color Handling This controls how the colors are applied on the effect. The simplest is a single color which will create a simple Spin with only that color on it. The other three options allow for a Color Gradient to be applied in different ways on the effect. See Inline Gradient Editor
Single Color This sets the color to be a simple color.
Gradient Thru Effect This will transition the colors on the Spin over time to match the colors in the gradient. This allows you to have a Spin that goes from say red to blue over the duration.
Gradient Per Pulse Each individual pulse within the Spin will have the gradient applied to it. Each pulse will have the same color. So the pulse can go from red to blue.
Gradient Across Items The gradient will be applied proportionately over group of items that the Spin covers with each item receiving the color within the gradient that corresponds to it’s percentage of the entire group.
Color Gradient / Color Depending on the Color Handling setting this will allow the simple color, or the Color Gradient to be set. See Inline Gradient Editor.
Brightness
Pulse Intensity This setting controls the shape of the pulse Curve. Much like the same setting in the pulse effect, you can control is each pulse ramps up or down or any shape you can design with the Curve. See Inline Curve Editor.
The default setting represents a ramping on motion where each portion of the chase ramps up to full brightness
The shows a pulse ramping up and then down just by altering the shape of the Curve into a ^ shape.
Minimum Brightness This allows you to set a minimum level of the color across areas that are not spinning. So you could have a green spin over a dim green background. The background will have the same color attibutes chosen above.
Minimum Level Enabled when you choose minimum brightness and allows you to set the 0 - 100 percent intensity via a slider.
Direction
Direction the direction the spin rotates can be choosen from this drop down. The possible values are Forward and Reverse.
Speed
Speed Format This controls the way the speed of the spin is controlled.
Revolution Count This sets the speed to be a number of revolutions over the span of the effect.
Count The number of revolutions.
Revolution Frequency This controls the speed as a factor of frequency over the span of the effect.
Revolution The frequency of the revolutions.
Fixed Time This controls the speed of the spin as a function of time.
Revolution Time Time in milliseconds for a revolution to take.
Pulse
Pulse Type This controls the type of the pulse behavior.
Distribute Evenly This distributes the pulses evenly over the timespan of the revolution. This is the default.
Fixed Time This sets the duration of each pulse in milliseconds.
Duration Duration of the pulse in milliseconds.
Percent Revolution This sets the duration of the pulse to be a percent of the revolution time.
Pulse Length A 0 - 100 percent value determining the percent of the revolution.
Depth
Levels Deep Controls at what level the Spin is applied inside a group of elements. So you can have 8 items and then have 4 of them grouped to the left and 4 grouped to the right. All of these are grouped under on group. By placing the Spin at the top level group, you can Spin all 8 of the items or the left and the right group as a pair.
1.9 - Twinkle
Creates a twinkling effect.
Overview
The Twinkle effect was designed to simulate the effect of twinkling lights on a Prop.
Color
Color Handling This controls how the colors are applied on the effect. The simplest is a single color which will create a simple Twinkle with only that color on it. The other three options allow for a Color Gradient to be applied in different ways on the effect. See Inline Gradient Editor.
Single Color This sets the color to be a simple color.
Gradient Thru Effect This will transition the colors on the Twinkle over time to match the colors in the gradient. This allows you to have a Twinkle that goes from say red to blue over the duration.
Gradient Per Pulse Each individual pulse within the Twinkle will have the gradient applied to it. Each pulse will have the same color. So the pulse can go from red to blue.
Gradient Across Items The gradient will be applied proportionately over group of items that the Twinkle covers with each item receiving the color within the gradient that corresponds to it’s percentage of the entire group.
Color Gradient / Color Depending on the Color Handling setting this will allow the simple color, or the Color Gradient to be set. See Inline Gradient Editor.
Brightness
Max Controls the maximum brightness of the twinkles.
Min Controls the minimum brightness of the twinkles.
Variation Controls the percent variation in the brightness of each twinkle.
Configuration
Avg Pulse Time Controls how long the average pulse time of each twinkle is in milliseconds.
Coverage Controls what percentage of the Prop is covered by twinkles.
Variation Controls the percent variation in the time of each twinkle.
Depth
Levels Deep When enabled it controls at what level the Twinkle is applied inside a group of elements. So you can have 8 items and then have 4 of them grouped to the left and 4 grouped to the right. All of these are grouped under on group. By placing the Twinkle at the top level group, you can Twinkle all 8 of the items or the left and the right group as a pair.
1.10 - Wipe
Creates a wiping effect.
Overview
The Wipe was one of the first location aware effects in Vixen. The goal of this effect is somewhat similar to the Chase, however it is aware of the position of the elements as defined in the Preview. It uses this location awareness to simulate a chase across all of its elements in a Wiping fashion.
Type
Movement
Count This sets the number of wipe passes in the timespan of the effect.
Wipe Count The number of wipes.
Wipe On When enabled, the wipe will maintiain the elements in the on state as the wipe moves across.
Wipe Off When enabled, the wipe will start out on and wipe off across the prop.
Pulse Length This controls the wipe by a measure of the pulse length.
Movement This controls the wipe by the movement curve.
The Wipe on/off options are similar to the Chase extend to start/end options. These are most useful for wiping the stage on or off. The pulses have the same rules as the Chase and need to have a > zero end value for wiping on and a > zero start value for wiping off. The default pulse curve has a zero start and end value, so to use this you would need to adjust to a ramp on for the wipe on case or ramp off for wipe off as an example.
Direction
Direction It can move in a number of directions, horizontal, vertical, diagonal up, diagonal down, burst, circle burst and diamond burst.
Reverse Direction When enabled, the direction will be reversed.
Color
Color Handling This controls how the colors are applied on the effect. The simplest is a single color which will create a simple Twinkle with only that color on it. The other three options allow for a Color Gradient to be applied in different ways on the effect. See Inline Gradient Editor.
Gradient Thru Effect This will transition the colors on the Wipe over time to match the colors in the gradient. This allows you to have a Wipe that goes from say red to blue over the duration.
Gradient Across Items The gradient will be applied proportionately over group of items that the Wipe covers with each item receiving the color within the gradient that corresponds to it’s percentage of the entire group.
Intensity This sets the Curve that controls the intensity of the color over the effect. See Inline Curve Editor.
Pulse
Pulse Length The pulse length is also similar to the pulse overlap feature of the Chase and allows for the pulses to be adjusted to smooth out the Wipe or lengthen the amount of visible time any part of the lights are lit.
2 - Pixel Lighting
This section covers all of the Pixel lighting effects in Vixen and details the features and how to use them.
2.1 - Balls
Creates an effect that animates Ball looking shapes.
Overview
Creates an effect that animates Ball looking shapes.
String Setup
Positioning - Determines how the target elements are treated. Either as individual strings or by their actual location in the display preview.
Locations is often referred to as whole house, but it can be any form of multiple props.
Generally you want Strings when applying to one prop and locations if the target is multiple props.
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Configuration
Type - Configures how balls behave when reaching the edge of the display element between Bounce or Wrap.
Fill - Selects the type of fill for the balls between Fade, Empty, Solid, Gradient, and Inverse.
Speed - Configures the speed of the moving balls.
Speed Variation - Randomly adjusts the speed of the moving balls around the Speed level by the amount of variation.
Size - Size of the balls.
Ball Count - Controls the number of balls displayed.
Random Time - Configures the maximum time used to detrmine when the ball direction changes. This setting only applies when Random Movement is selected.
Random Movement - Randomly changes the ball direction at random times.
Random Radius - Creates random size balls up to the Size value.
Collide - Change the ball direction when balls collide.
Collide Color - Change the ball color when balls collide.
Color
Gradients - Controls the colors of the balls.
Brightness
Intensity - This is an overall brightness intensity curve over the duration of the effect.
This is a legacy parameter, consider using intensity overlay layers instead.
Video
2.2 - Bars
Creates an effect that animates bars on the display elements.
Overview
Creates an effect that animates bars on a display element. This effect works the best on a matrix with a large pixel count.
String Setup
Positioning - Determines how the target elements are treated. Either as individual strings or by their actual location in the display preview.
Locations is often referred to as whole house, but it can be any form of multiple props.
Generally you want Strings when applying to one prop and locations if the target is multiple props.
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Configuration
Bar Type - Selects either a Flat or an angled Zig Zag styled bar.
Direction - Sets the direction of bar movement.
Moves Up - The bars move in a upward direction.
Moves Down - The bars move in a downward direction.
Compress - The bars move in a motion that looks like they are compressing in the middle.
Expands - The bars move outward from the center.
Moves Left - The bars move from right to left.
Moves Right - The bars move from left to right.
Horizontal Compress - The bars move in a motion that looks like they are compressing in the middle.
Horizontal Expand - The bars move outward from the display element center.
Alternate Up - The bars move up in an alternating fashion.
Alternate Down - The bars move down in an alternating fashion.
Alternate Left - The bars move left in an alternating fashion.
Alternate Right - The bars move right in an alternating fashion.
Rotation: The rotation of the bars. The bars can rotate in either direction using the following mapping to the curve:
100 - 180 Degrees (Counter Clockwise)
75 - 90 Degrees (Counter Clockwise)
50 - No Rotation
25 - 90 Degrees (Clockwise)
0 - 180 Degrees (Clockwise)
Motion - Determines the how the motion of the bars is controlled by selecting either Iterations or Speed.
Iterations The number of times the pattern repeats over the duration of the effect.
Speed - Determines how fast the bars moves.
Repeat - Determines how times the color bars are repeated on the display element. This indirectly determines the thickness of the bars.
Highlight: Creates a white highlighted leading edge on each bar. This may not be highly visible in some cases using locations.
Highlight %: Controls the percentage of the bar that is highlighted white. Setting only available in Location mode.
3D: Makes each color appear as a gradient fading to black. This is a legacy function, consider using gradients instead.
Color
Gradients: This is where you set the colors of the bars.The number and order of the colors here will be how they are applied in the effect. The list supports gradients of solid, or varying colors.
Brightness
Intensity - This is an overall brightness intensity curve over the duration of the effect.
Zig Zag Configuration
Amplitude: Controls the height of the zig zag’s crest.
Period: Controls the width or wave length of the zig zag.
Thickness: Controls the thickness of the zig zag.
Spacing: Controls the blank area between each zig zag color.
Video Tutorial
2.3 - Border
Creates an effect that outlines a display element with a border.
Overview
Creates an effect that outlines a display element with a border.
String Setup
Positioning - Determines how the target elements are treated. Either as individual strings or by their actual location in the display preview.
Locations is often referred to as whole house, but it can be any form of multiple props.
Generally you want Strings when applying to one prop and locations if the target is multiple props.
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Configuration
Border Mode - Selects between Simple and Advanced borders. Advanced borders have addtional settings to configure their appearance.
Border Type - Selects between Single or Independent border width control. Single border type makes all the sides of the display element a uniform thickness.
Border
Width - Controls the thickness of the border when SimpleBorder Mode is selected.
Thickness - Adjusts the thickness of the border. Applies when SingleBorder Type is selected.
Top Width - Adjusts the top border thickness.
Bottom Width - Adjusts the bottom border thickness.
Left Width - Adjusts the left border thickness.
Right Width - Adjusts the right border thickness.
Width - Configures the width of the border.
Height - Configures the height of the border.
Movement
X Offset - Adjusts the position of the effect along the X axis.
Y Offset - Adjusts the position of the effect along the Y axis.
Color
Gradient Mode - Configures how the Color Gradient is applied to the border
(Over Time, Across Element, Vertically Across Element, Diagonal Bottom-Top Element, Diagonal Top-Bottom Element).
Color Gradient - Controls the colors of the border.
Brightness
Intensity - This is an overall brightness intensity curve over the duration of the effect.
This is a legacy parameter, consider using intensity overlay layers instead.
2.4 - Butterfly
Creates a pulsing effect reminiscent of the flapping wings of a butterfly.
Overview
Creates a pulsing effect reminiscent of the flapping wings of a butterfly.
String Setup
Positioning - Determines how the target elements are treated. Either as individual strings or by their actual location in the display preview.
Locations is often referred to as whole house, but it can be any form of multiple props.
Generally you want Strings when applying to one prop and Locations if the target is multiple props.
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Configuration
Butterfly Type - Allows you to choose between different movement patterns. Different patterns may be suitable for different element group types.
Pulsing Circle
Pulsing Grid of Circles
Alternating Inverted Boxes
Flapping Wings
Direction - Changes the direction in which the pattern moves. This is more evident on the linear Butterfly types than it is on the pulsing or oscillating types.
Forward
Backword
Motion - Controls how the effect progresses across time.
Iterations - Displays the Iterations slider to specify the number of times the pattern repeats over the duration of the effect.
Speed - Displays a Speed Curve for configuring the speed of the pattern over the duration of the effect.
Iterations - The number of times the pattern repeats over the duration of the effect.
Speed - Controls the speed of the repeating pattern over the duration of the effect.
Repeat - The number of times the pattern repeats in each iteration.
Background Skips - The number of time the background is skipped per pattern
Background Chunks - Divides the background into a number of chunks for a “broken up” pattern.
Color
Color Scheme - Controls the color scheme used for the effect.
Gradient - Uses the gradient defined below to set the colors for the effect.
Rainbow - Uses a fixed rainbow color palette for the effect.
Brightness
Intensity - This is an overall brightness intensity curve over the duration of the effect.
This is a legacy parameter, consider using intensity overlay layers instead.
2.5 - Circles
Creates an effect that animates concentric circles.
Overview
Creates an effect that animates concentric circles.
String Setup
Positioning - Determines how the target elements are treated. Either as individual strings or by their actual location in the display preview.
Locations is often referred to as whole house, but it can be any form of multiple props.
Generally you want Strings when applying to one prop and locations if the target is multiple props.
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Configuration
Fill - Selects the type of fill for the circles between Fade, Empty, Gradient Over Time, and Gradient Over Element.
Direction - Configures the movement of the circles between either In or Out.
Speed - Configures the speed of the radially pattern of the circles.
Size - Controls the size of the concentric circles.
Circles - Controls the number of circles displayed.
Movement
Horizontal Offset - Controls the center positioning of the effect in the horizontal plane.
Vertical Offset - Controls the center positioning of the effect in the vertical plane.
Color
Gradients - Controls the color of the effect.
Brightness
Intensity - This is an overall brightness intensity curve over the duration of the effect.
This is a legacy parameter, consider using intensity overlay layers instead.
Video
2.6 - Colorwash
Creates an effect that washes colors over the display element.
Overview
Creates an effect that washes colors over the display element.
String Setup
Positioning - Determines how the target elements are treated. Either as individual strings or by their actual location in the display preview.
Locations is often referred to as whole house, but it can be any form of multiple props.
Generally you want Strings when applying to one prop and Locations if the target is multiple props.
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Configuration
Type - Selects between pattern variations.
Center
Outer
Invert
Motion - Controls how the effect progresses across time between Speed and Iterations.
Iterations - Displays the Iterations slider to specify the number of times the pattern repeats over the duration of the effect.
Speed - Displays a Speed Curve for configuring the speed of the pattern over the duration of the effect.
Iterations - The number of times the pattern repeats over the timespan of the effect.
Speed - Controls the speed of the colors washing over the prop.
Horizontal Fade - Adds a horizontal fade to the color wash pattern.
Vertical Fade - Adds a vertical fade across the color wash pattern.
Shimmer - Adds a flashing/strobing effect as the color fades.
Color
Color Gradient - Controls the color of the wash for the duration of the effect.
Brightness
Intensity - This is an overall brightness intensity curve over the duration of the effect.
This is a legacy parameter, consider using intensity overlay layers instead.
Video
2.7 - Count Down
Creates an effect that displays a count down on a display element.
Overview
Creates an effect that displays a count down on a display element.
String Setup
Positioning - Determines how the target elements are treated. Either as individual strings or by their actual location in the display preview.
Locations is often referred to as whole house, but it can be any form of multiple props.
Generally you want Strings when applying to one prop and Locations if the target is multiple props.
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Configuration
Count Type - Controls how the effect counts (To end of effect, Down from time, Up from time).
Time Format - Controls the units of the count down (Minutes or Seconds).
Fade - Controls how the count down numbers appear (None, In, Out, In/Out)
Size Mode - Controls whether the text shrinks or grows as the numbers are displayed (None, Shrink, Grow).
Start Time - Field is only available when the Count Type is set to Down from time or Up from time. This initializes where the effect will count from.
Font - Specifies the font, style and size to be used. You may use any font installed on the PC. Note that the fonts used must be installed on any PC where you will transfer this sequence.
Film Spinner - Adds a film spinner around the number. This feature works best on a medium to high resolution matrix.
Movement
Direction - Controls the direction of the effect (Left, Right, Up, Down, Rotate, None, Random).
Angle - When enabled, controls the angle of the count down over the duration of the effect. This field is only available when the Direction is set to Rotate.
Horizontal Offset - This is used to offset the center of the count down horizontally on the grid. Since this is a curve it can be used to move the center over the duration of the effect.
Vertical Offset - The vertical offset. This is used to offset the center of the count down vertically on the grid. Since this is a curve it can be used to move the center over the duration of the effect.
Center Stop - When enabled, causes the count down number to stop at the center of the grid. This field is only available when the Direction is set to Left, Right, Up, or Down.
Movement per number - When enabled, the count down number moves as specified by the Direction over the grid for each number. This field is only available when the Direction is set to Left, Right, Up, or Down.
Iterations - When enabled, controls how fast the count down moves.
This field is only available when the Direction is set to Left, Right, Up, or Down. This field is not applicable when Movement per number is selected.
Color
Text Color Gradients - One or more gradients used to color the count down number and when enabled the film spinner.
Gradient Mode - Specifies how gradients will be applied to the text.
There are 8 combinations of direction and how it’s applied.
The gradient can be applied across the letters of the text, or across the whole element group.
If it’s across the letters, the gradient will stay with the text.
If it is across the element, it will appear that the text travels through the colors of the gradient.
Film Spinner Gradients - One or more gradients used to color the film spinner background swipe.
Film Spinner Gradient Mode - Specifies how gradients will be applied to the film spinner background swipe (Across Text, Vertical Across Text, Vertical Across Element, Diagonal Across Text, Diagonal Across Element, Reverse Diagonal Across Element, Reverse Diagonal Across Text)
Brightness
Intensity - This is an overall brightness intensity curve for the count down over the duration of the effect.
This is a legacy parameter, consider using intensity overlay layers instead.
Video Tutorial
2.8 - Curtain
Creates an effect that imitates a curtain opening or closing across your display element.
Overview
Creates an effect that imitates a curtain opening or closing across your display element.
String Setup
Positioning - Determines how the target elements are treated. Either as individual strings or by their actual location in the display preview.
Locations is often referred to as whole house, but it can be any form of multiple props.
Generally you want Strings when applying to one prop and Locations if the target is multiple props.
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Configuration
Direction - Selects the direction of the movement (Open, Close, Open-Close, Close-Open).
Motion - Controls how the effect progresses across time between Position or _Iterations.
Iterations - The number of times the pattern repeats over the duration of the effect.
Edge - Selects the position where the curtain opens from (Left, Center, Right, Bottom, Middle, Top).
Swag - Controls the amount of swag on the moving curtain edge. (simulating the inertial curving movement of drapery in motion).
Color
Color Gradient - The color of the curtain.
Brightness
Intensity - This is an overall brightness intensity curve for over the duration of the effect.
This is a legacy parameter, consider using intensity overlay layers instead.
Intensity Per Iteration - Adjust the intensity over each iteration.
Video
2.9 - Fire
Creates an effect that simulates burning fire.
Overview
Creates an effect that simulates burning fire.
String Setup
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Configuration
Location - Selects the side of the grid for the base of the fire (Bottom, Top, Left, Right).
Height - Adjusts the flame height. This parameter is a curve that allows you to vary the height over the duration of the effect.
Color
Hue Shift - Adjusts the color of the flame as a hue shift from normal fire colors.
Brightness
Intensity - This is an overall brightness intensity curve for over the duration of the effect.�
This is a legacy parameter, consider using intensity overlay layers instead.
Video
2.10 - Fireworks
Creates an effect that simulates fireworks bursting in the sky.
Overview
Creates an effect that simulates fireworks bursting in the sky. You can select to use random Fireworks, Fireworks to the Audio track or Fireworks to Marks in a Mark collection.
Configuration
Fireworks Source - Selects what source is used to determine explosions (Standard Random Explosions, Mark Collections, Audio)
Explosions - The number of bursts over the duration of the effect.
Random Velocity - Allows you to specify either a fixed velocity (speed) of the bursts when not checked, or when checked, a random velocity for each burst within a range from min to max.
Min Velocity - Lower bound on the random burst velocity.
Max Velocity - Upper bound on the random burst velocity.
Velocity - Controls the velocity of the particls when Random Velocity is not selected.
Random Particles - Controls the number of particles in each burst. If checked, allows you specify a maximum and minimum to define a range for particle count for each burst. If not checked, allows you to specify a fixed number of particles for all bursts.
Min Particles - Lower bound on the number of random particles.
Max Particles - Upper bound on the number of random particles.
Particles - Controls how many particles will be created for each explosion when not using Random Particles.
Color
Color Type - Selects the type of color explosions between (Standard Bursts, RainBow Particles, Range Particles, Palette Particles, Random Bursts).
Colors - Allows you to define one or more colors or gradients for the bursts. By defining multiple colors, you can allow for independent bursts of different colors.
If you use gradients rather than solid colors, you can have individual bursts that change from one color to another.
Brightness
Intensity - This is an overall brightness intensity curve over the duration of the effect.
This is a legacy parameter, consider using intensity overlay layers instead.
Video Tutorial
2.11 - Garlands
Creates an effect that simulates filling the grid by wrapping it with garland. This effect is best suited on megatree type props.
Overview
Creates an effect that simulates filling the grid by wrapping it with garland. This effect is best suited on megatree type props.
String Setup
Positioning - Determines how the target elements are treated. Either as individual strings or by their actual location in the display preview.
Locations is often referred to as whole house, but it can be any form of multiple props.
Generally you want Strings when applying to one prop and Locations if the target is multiple props.
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Configuration
Motion - Controls how the effect progresses across time between Iterations or Speed.
Movement Type - Selects whether the movement is based on iterations or speed.
Direction - Sets the direction of the movement (Up, Down, Left, Right).
Iterations - The number of times the pattern repeats over the duration of the effect.� This is only available when movement type is set to Iterations.
Speed - The amount of time for one iteration of the effect.� If the speed is set to a point where one iteration is less than the duration of the effect, it will repeat with one or more additional iterations.� This parameter is only available when movement type is set to Speed.
Garland Type - Selects between different styles of garland.
Spacing - Adjusts the distance between the strings of garland.
Color
Gradients - Specify one or more colors/gradients to be applied across the prop.�
The colors are applied starting with the last color in the list filling
the side where the direction is set and follows through to the first color in the list on the other side of the prop
Brightness
Intensity - This is an overall brightness intensity curve over the duration of the effect.�
This is a legacy parameter, consider using intensity overlay layers instead.
Video
2.12 - Glediator
Creates an effect that is used to import effects created with the Glediator application.
Overview
Creates an effect that is used to import effects created with the Glediator application.
More information on glediator can be found at:
Glediator Website and Download
Notes: You will need to change the Glediator Matrix size to match the Vixen matrix size you are using the effect on.
String Setup
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Movement
Movement Type - Select between Iterations or Speed. When set to iterations, the Iterations slider will adjust the number of times the pattern will repeat over the duration of the effect.
When Movement Type is set to Speed, the Speed slider will control the speed of each iteration.
Iterations - Controls how many times the pattern repeats over the timespan.
Speed - Controls the speed of the pattern.
Configuration
File Name - Selects the Glediator file you wish to use.
Brightness
Intensity - This is an overall brightness intensity curve over the duration of the effect.
This is a legacy parameter, consider using intensity overlay layers instead.
2.13 - Life
Life effect is a random particle growth type effect. It is designed to imitate colonies of microbes as they replicate and grow.
Overview
The Life effect is a random particle growth type effect.
It is designed to imitate colonies of microbes as they replicate and grow. When set to a high cell start count, it resembles old fashioned TV snow.
When set to a low Cell Start count, it can be made to somewhat resemble confetti.
String Setup
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Configuration
Speed - The speed at which the particles progress.
Cells to Start - The number of pixels or “colonies” at the beginning of the effect.
Type - This applies different variations to the growth pattern.
Color
Gradients - One or more colors/gradients used randomly for each particle.
Brightness
Intensity - This is an overall brightness intensity curve over the duration of the effect.
This is a legacy parameter, consider using intensity overlay layers instead.
Video
2.14 - Liquid
Creates an effect that leverages the Google Liquid Fun library to simulate fluid movement.
Overview
Creates an effect that leverages the Google Liquid Fun library to simulate fluid movement.
This effect can produce unique liquid patterns if the settings are finely tuned.
This effect works the best on a matrix with a large pixel count.
String Setup
Positioning - Determines how the target elements are treated. Either as individual strings or by their actual location in the display preview.
Locations is often referred to as whole house, but it can be any form of multiple props.
Generally you want Strings when applying to one prop and locations if the target is multiple props.
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Configuration
Render Scale Factor - Determines the factor used to scale the Liquid matrix to the sparse matrix formed by the selected elements. The scale factor can improve how the effect renders in a sparse location based matrix since the liquid particles are larger.
Top Barrier - Creates a barrier at the top of the display area. This barrier prevents the liquid particles from leaving the top of the display area.
Bottom Barrier - Creates a barrier at the bottom of the display area. This barrier prevents the liquid particles from falling out of the element.
Left Barrier - Creates a barrier at the left side of the display area. This barrier prevents the liquid particles from leaving the left side of the display area.
Right Barrier - Creates a barrier on the right side of the display area. This barrier prevents the liquid particles from leaving the right side of the element.
Mix Colors - When selected liquid particles of different colors will combine colors when the particles collide or come into contact with each other.
Particle Size - Defines the radius of all particles in the effect.
Warm Up Frames - Runs the Liquid engine for the specified number of frames before rendering the effect.
This setting is useful if you want a large number of particles in the display area at the beginning of the effect.
Despeckle Threshold - This setting helps fill in empty (speck) pixels in the effect by filling them in with the average color of the surrounding pixels if the number of surrounding empty (black) pixels is less than the threshold.
Emitters
Emitters - This list defines the emitters in the effect. Emitters can be added or removed via buttons at the bottom of the list.
Particle Type - Determines the type of particle created by the emitter. The differences between the types is very subtle. Powder is the one type that produces a different behavior that is visually discernible.
Use Color List - When selected this option controls the color of the particles created by the emitter. The particles will cycle through the colors in the list for configurable number of frames.
Frames Per Color - Determines how many frames of particles are created for each color in the list.
Particle Color - Determines the color of the emitter’s liquid particles
Particle Intensity - Determines the brightness of the emitter’s liquid particles.
Particle Lifetime - Determines how long the emitter’s particles exist.
Particle Velocity - Determines the speed of the particles emitting from the emitter.
Animate - This option animates the position of the emitter within the element.
Random Start - Controls whether the animated emitter’s start position is random.
When selected the initial start position of the emitter is randomized to a position on the display element.
X Start Position - Controls the X starting position of the emitter.
Zero is the far left of the display element.
100 is the far right of the display element.
Y Start Position - Controls the Y starting position of the emitter.
Zero is the bottom of the display element.
100 is the top of the display element.
Edge Handling - This option controls how the emitters behave when they reach the edge of the display area.
Bounce setting causes the emitter to bounce off the edge of the display area.
Wrap setting causes the emitter to wrap around from the other side of the display area.
Velocity X - Controls the speed of the emitter in the X axis when animated.
Velocity Y - Controls the speed of the emitter in the Y axis when animated.
X Position - Controls the position of the emitter on the display area in the X axis.
Y Position - Controls the position of the emitter on the display area in the Y axis.
Nozzle Size - Controls the size of the area the particles are released from the emitter.
The smaller the nozzle the more the particles go in different directions.
The larger the nozzle the more the particles go in a straight line.
Nozzle Movement - Controls how the position of the emitter’s nozzle is determined.
Fixed Angle - Angle determine by a curve
Oscillate - Oscillates back and forth between two angular stops.
Spin Clockwise - Spins clockwise for the duration of the effect
Spin Counter Clockwise - Spins clockwise for the duration of the effect
Nozzle Angle - Controls the angle of the emitter’s nozzle.
0 - Points Right (0 Degrees)
25 - Points Up (90 Degrees)
50 - Points Left (180 Degrees)
75 - Points Down (270 Degrees)
100 - Points Right (360 Degrees)
Oscillate Start Angle - Defines the starting angle of the oscillation.
Oscillate End Angle - Defines the end angle of the oscillation. This is the point where the nozzle will reverse the direction of rotation.
Nozzle Speed - Determines the emitter’s nozzle rotation speed.
Flow Control - This drop down determines the continuity of the liquid flow.
Continuous - Solid flow of liquid.
Pulsating - Solid flow for a number of seconds followed by a period where the emitter if off for a number of seconds.
Use Marks - Uses a mark collection to determine when the emitter is On. The emitter will be Off when not covered by a mark.
Musical - Uses the volume of the music associated with the sequence to determine the flow rate. As the volume in the music gets louder the flow of the emitter increases.
Flow - Controls the rate of particles emitted by the emitter.
Mark Collection - Selects the Mark Collection to use to determine when the emitter is emitting (On).
On Time (ms) - Controls the number of milliseconds the emitter is emitting in 50 ms increments.
Off Time (ms) - Controls the number of milliseconds the emitter is off in 50ms increments.
2.15 - Meteors
Creates an effect that simulates falling meteors. Can also be used to create an explosion, or a swarm of flies.
Overview
Creates an effect that simulates falling meteors. Can also be used to create an explosion, or a swarm of flies.
String Setup
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Configuration
Motion - Controls the type of meteor between (Falling, Random, and Explode).
Direction - The direction of movement of the meteors.
Speed - The speed at which all meteors move (available when Random motion is not selected)
Speed Variation - Allows you to add a bit of dynamic variation to the meteors. This value combines with the Speed setting to allow each meteor to use a random speed. The random speed will only deviate from the base speed by the amount of variation set here.
Count - The number of meteors.
Tail Length - The length of the meteor tail.
Tail Taper - Controls the brightness taper of the meteor tails.
Start Position - Determines where the meteors will start from (Random, Random the Zero Position, Zero Position)
Meteor Effects - Applies special motion effects to the movement of the Meteors
Movement - Adjusts the type of movement (None, Bounce, Wrap, Speed, Wobble, Wobble Both Directions).
Ground Level - Adds a ground level for the meteors to hit.
GroundLevel - A curve that establishes the ground level over the duration of the effect.
Flip Direction - Flips the directions the meteors will move.
Count Per String - Generates meteors for each string.
Color
Color Type - Selects how colors are applied to the effect.
Rainbow - Uses random colors on all meteors and their tails
Range - Uses one solid color for each meteor. The colors are chosen from a range between the colors/gradients in the gradient list.
Palette - Uses one solid color for each meteor. The colors are chosen from the specific colors/gradients in the gradient list. If the colors in the list are gradients, only the starting color is used.
Gradient - Uses one gradient for each meteor. The gradients are chosen from the specific colors/gradients in the gradient list.
Gradients: The colors/gradient list used by the effect. See the color type above for how the colors/gradients are applied.
Ground Color - Determines the color of the ground. Only visible if the Ground Level curve is non-zero.
Brightness
Intensity - his is an overall brightness intensity curve over the duration of the effect.
This is a legacy parameter, consider using intensity overlay layers instead.
Video
2.16 - Morph
Create an effect morphs shapes (polygons/ellipses/lines) on the display element(s).
2.16.1 - Basics
Overview
Create an effect morphs shapes (polygons/ellipses/lines) on the display element(s).
This effect works the best on a matrix or mega-tree with a large pixel count.
This effect can be used as a standalone effect but also can be used as a layering mask along with other effects.
String Setup
Positioning - Determines how the target elements are treated. Either as individual strings or by their actual location in the display preview.
Locations is often referred to as whole house, but it can be any form of multiple props.
Generally you want Strings when applying to one prop and locations if the target is multiple props.
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Polygon Configuration
Polygon Type - Determines the mode of the morph effect.
Pattern - This mode was inspired by other sequencers. This mode is restricted to using four point polygons, ellipses or lines. This mode includes settings that allow the user to repeat a shape (polygon/ellipse/line) several times across the display element. Repeating the shape establishes a repeating pattern.
_
Free Form - This mode allows the user to draw an unlimited number of shapes (polygons/ellipses/lines) on the display element. There is no limit to the number of polygon points used.
_
Time Based - This mode allows the user to draw a shape (polyon/ellipse/line) and then morph it over the duration of the effect. The only restriction on the number of polygon points is that all polygon frames must have the same number of points. In this mode the user creates frames and positions them within the time scale of the effect. The user is in control of how the shape moves or changes shape by creating the frame snapshots.
Both the Free Form and Time Based modes are candidates to be used with layering and other effects to create unique composite effects.
Each mode of the morph effect has a dedicated help page:
Fill Type - Determines how the shape (polygon/ellipse/line) is filled (Wipe, Solid, Outline).
Margin - By default the polygon editor associated with the Morph effect only allows the user to draw on the display element.
The Margin defaults to zero (percent).
By increasing the Margin a larger virtual display element is created for the purposes of drawing shapes.
When a margin is in use the actual display element is outlined in red. When the effect is rendered only the portion of shapes that overlap the red outline will be displayed.
The margin setting is especially useful for Time Based Mode. It can be used to animate a shape that enter and exits the display element smoothly.
The margin is a percentage of the display element width and height (0 - 100%).
Video Tutorial
2.16.2 - Free Form Mode
Overview
The free form mode of the morph effect allows the user to draw an unlimited number of shapes (polygons/ellipses/lines) in the polygon editor. Each shape can be configured separately from the Morph effect settings. Polygons in this mode can have an unlimited number of points, however the wipe fill type is limited to four points. Solid polygons are useful in layering operations when combined with other effects.
Fill Type - Determines how the shape (polygon/ellipse/line) is filled (Wipe, Solid, or Outline).
Wipe - This fill type performs a wipe effect across the shape for the duration of the effect. The wipe is colored with head and tail color gradient.
Solid - This fill type fills the shape using the Polygon Color gradient. This fill type is useful for when using the shape as a layering mask.
Outline - This fill type outlines the shape using the Polygon Color gradient.
Solid or Outlined Shapes
Polygon Color - Determines the color of the shape (polygon/ellipse/line) for the duration of the effect.
Polygon Intensity - Controls the brightness of the shape for the duration of the effect.
Label – This is a user editable text field that helps to identify which shape are which in the Morph effect collection of polygons. These labels are visible in both the Morph effect settings and in the Polygon Editor.
Wipe Shapes
Head Length – Determines the length of the head wipe in pixels.
Head Duration – Determines the percentage of the effect duration it takes the wipe head to travel across the shape (polygon/ellipse.line).
Acceleration – Determines the acceleration of the shape’s (polygon/ellipse/line) wipe. The acceleration can be either increasing or decreasing (deceleration).
Head Color – Determines the wipe head color over the duration of the effect.
Head Intensity – Controls the brightness of the head wipe over the duration of the effect.
Tail Color – Determines the wipe tail color over the duration of the effect.
Tail Intensity – Controls the brightness of the tail wipe over the duration of the effect.
Start Offset – Determines when the wipe starts. This offset is the percentage of the effect’s total duration to wait before starting the wipe.
Label – This is a user editable text field that helps to identify which shape are which in the Morph effect collection of polygons. These labels are visible in both the Morph effect settings and in the Polygon Editor.
2.16.3 - Pattern Mode
Overview
The pattern mode of the morph effect assists the user in drawing repeated shapes on a display element.
In this mode the user draws one shape using the Polygon Editor.
Then in the Morph Effect settings configures how the shape should be repeated.
The user is able to determine in what direction to repeat the shape and how many times to repeat it.
This mode can also be used to seed the Free Form mode.
The user can create a repeating pattern of shapes and switch the effect to Free Form mode and the shapes will be retained.
Once in Free Form mode the user can configure settings on each of the shapes individually.
Polygon Configuration
Fill Type - Determines how the shape (polygon/ellipse/line) is filled (Wipe, Solid, or Outline).
Wipe - This fill type performs a wipe effect across the shape for the duration of the effect. The wipe is colored with head and tail color gradient.
Solid - This fill type fills the shape using the Polygon Color gradient. This fill type is useful for when using the shape as a layering mask.
Outline - This fill type outlines the shape using the Polygon Color gradient.
Edit Polygons - Select this button to display the polygon editor to draw polygons, ellipses and lines on the display element.
Pattern Configuration
Repeat Count – Determines how many times to repeat the shape (polygon/ellipse/line).
Repeat Direction – Determines the direction of the repeating pattern of shapes (polygons/ellipses/lines).
Repeat Skip – Determines the spacing in-between the repeating shapes (polygons/ellipses/lines).
Stagger – Determines if the start time of the wipe is staggered for the repeating polygons/ellipses/lines.
Wipe Configuration
Head Length – Determines the length of the head wipe in pixels.
Head Duration – Determines the percentage of the effect duration it takes the wipe head to travel across the shape (polygon/ellipse.line).
Head Color – Determines the wipe head color over the duration of the effect.
Head Intensity – Controls the brightness of the head wipe over the duration of the effect.
Tail Color – Determines the wipe tail color over the duration of the effect.
Tail Intensity – Controls the brightness of the tail wipe over the duration of the effect.
Acceleration – Determines the acceleration of the shape’s (polygon/ellipse/line) wipe. The acceleration can be either increasing or decreasing (deceleration).
2.16.4 - Time Based Mode
Overview
The time based mode of the morph effect allows the user to draw a shape and then morph that shape during the effect. The user is required to draw at least two snapshots of the shape. These two shapes become the start shape and the end shape. The effect will linearly move the points on the shape between the snap shots. This mode of the effect can be used to animate a shape across the display element. This mode can also be used to change the shape’s appearance. Make the shape bigger, smaller or changes it appearance. This mode of the effect can also be useful for layering operations.
Mode Restrictions:
The same shape type (polygon, ellipse, line) must be used for the entire effect.
When morphing polygons the number of points that make up the polygon must be the same across all snap shots.
Polygon Configuration
Polygon Color – Determines the color of the shape (polygon/ellipse/line) for the duration of the effect.
Polygon Intensity – Controls the brightness of the shape for the duration of the effect.
Fill Polygon – Determines if the Fill Type of the polygon (Solid or Outline).
2.17 - Picture
Creates an effect that imports a picture file to be displayed on a grid type prop.
Overview
Creates an effect that imports a picture file to be displayed on a grid type prop. May also be used to apply a texture to an element of any configuration.
A great place to download seamless tiles is: http://www.patterncooler.com/. They have a great system setup that allows you to customize the background to get almost anything you could want.
String Setup
Positioning - Determines how the target elements are treated. Either as individual strings or by their actual location in the display preview.
Locations is often referred to as whole house, but it can be any form of multiple props.
Generally you want Strings when applying to one prop and Locations if the target is multiple props.
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Movement
Type - Controls tye type of movement (None, Tiles, Left, Right, Up, Down, Up & Left, Down & Left, Up & Right, Down & Right, Peekaboo 0, Peekaboo 90, Peekaboo 180,
Peekaboo 270, _Wiggle).
Center Stop - When selected, causes the image to stop at the center of the grid and then disappear. This setting is only applicable to Movement types Up, Down, Left and Right.
Iterations - The number of times the pattern repeats over the duration of the effect.
X Offset - Shifts the image horizontally. This setting and the Y Offset can be used to animate the image with a user defined motion path.
Y Offset - Shifts the image vertically. This setting and the X Offset can be used to animate the image with a user defined motion path.
Configuration
Picture Source - Selects between an embedded built-in image or selecting a file.
Embedded Pictures - Select from a collection of included pattern images.
*note, you may choose a eithe rcustom file, or embedded image, but not both.
Stretch to Grid - Adjusts image diminesions to fit the grid size.
Scale to Grid - Enable to scale the image to fit your grid.
Effect Color
Color Effect - Selects the type of color/gradient applied to the picture (None, Custom Color, Gray Scale).
Color Gradient - Selects the color of the effect. Applicable when the Color Effect selection is Custom Color.
Brightness
Intensity - This is an overall brightness intensity curve over the duration of the effect.
This is a legacy parameter, consider using intensity overlay layers instead.
Increase Brightness - Increases the brightness of the image.
Video
2.18 - Pinwheel
Creates an effect that makes a spiral that resembles a Pinwheel.
Overview
Creates an effect that makes a spiral that resembles a Pinwheel.
You can control the number of arms that it has and the colors they will be.
There are numerous options that control how the arms behave.
This effect can be layered with other effects to produce complex effect combinations.
String Setup
Positioning - Determines how the target elements are treated. Either as individual strings or by their actual location in the display preview.
Locations is often referred to as whole house, but it can be any form of multiple props.
Generally you want Strings when applying to one prop and Locations if the target is multiple props.
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Configuration
Motion - Controls how the effect progresses across time between Speed and Iterations.
Movement - Controls variance of the motion over time.
Arms - Controls how many arms the wheel has.
Thickness - Determines how thick the arms are.
Size - Determines how big around the wheel is.
Twist - Determines how much the arms curve.
X Offset - Shifts the center of the wheel along the X-axis.
Y Offset - Shifts the center of the wheel along the Y-axis.
Center Hub - Determines how big the hub or hole in the center of the wheel is.
Rotation - Determines which direction the wheel spins (Forward, Backward).
Blade Type - Determines how the blade looks (Flat, 3D, Inverted 3D, Fan).
There are 4 choices from a flat look to 3D looks and a fan blade look.
Color
Color Type - Determines how the colors are applied to a blade. The gradient can traverse over time, over the length of the blade. There are options for random colors or a rainbow of colors.
Colors - Can be simple colors or gradients. Each color or gradient has a level to adjust it’s brightness over the duration of the effect. You can have one to many colors.
The blades will rotate across the selected colors.
Brightness
Intensity - This is an overall brightness intensity curve over the duration of the effect.
This is a legacy parameter, consider using intensity overlay layers instead.
Video
2.19 - Plasma
Creates an effect that resembles plasma.
Overview
Creates an effect that resembles plasma. The style and motion of the plasma can be configured by the effect settings.
String Setup
Positioning - Determines how the target elements are treated. Either as individual strings or by their actual location in the display preview.
Locations is often referred to as whole house, but it can be any form of multiple props.
Generally you want Strings when applying to one prop and Locations if the target is multiple props.
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Configuration
Speed - Controls the speed of the motion.
Line Density - Controls the density of the pattern. The higher the setting, the smaller and tighter the plasma patterns appear.
Plasma Style - Selects between different variations of the plasma pattern.
Color
Color Type - Selects between different methods to apply colors to the effect.
Custom - Uses one or more gradients to set the colors.
Red & Green
Green & Blue
Rainbow
Black & White
Brightness
Intensity - This is an overall brightness intensity curve over the duration of the effect.
This is a legacy parameter, consider using intensity overlay layers instead.
Gradients - Configure one or more colors or gradients to use when the color type is set to Custom.
Video
2.20 - Shapes
Creates an effect that animates shapes on the display element.
Overview
Creates an effect that animates shapes on the display element.
String Setup
Positioning - Determines how the target elements are treated. Either as individual strings or by their actual location in the display preview.
Locations is often referred to as whole house, but it can be any form of multiple props.
Generally you want Strings when applying to one prop and locations if the target is multiple props.
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Configuration
Shape Source - Selects option for determining how shapes are added or removed. Options include None, Create Shapes from Mark Collection, Remove shapes from Mark Collection.
Mark Collection - Selects the mark collection for determining when to add or remove shapes as determined by the Shape Source setting.
Type - Selects the type of shape to display. There are built-in shapes organized by the following categories Geometric, Christmas, Halloween. There is also a File option to
import a shape from an svg file.
File - Display a file selection dialog to select an svg file to use for the shape. This setting is only available when FileType is selected.
Geometric Shapes - Selects one of the built-in geometric shapes to animate.
Christmas Shapes - Selects one of the built-in Christmas themed shapes to animate.
Halloween Shapes - Selects one of the built-in Halloween themed shapes to animate.
Movement - Configures how shapes behave when reaching the edge of the display element between None, Bounce or Wrap.
Fade Type - Selects the type of shape fade type from None, In, Out or Random.
Size Mode - Selects how the shape changes size between Shrink, Grow, and Random.
Size - Determines the size of the shapes.
Size Variation - Randomly adjusts the shape size around the Size level by the amount of variation.
Count - Controls the number of shapes to be displayed.
Size Change - Enable increase/decrease of shape size based on size variation.
Scale To Grid - Sizes the shape to fill the display element. Shape motion is disabled with this option.
Random Angle - Randomly configures the rotation of the shape.
Random Size - Randomly adjusts the shape size.
Fill Color - Fills the shape with the Fill Color.
Shape Settings
Outline Dash Length - Controls the outline dash length of the shape, used with the Outline Space Length to draw the shape.
Outline Space Length - Controls the outline space length of the shape, used with the Outline Dash Length setting to draw the shape.
Outline Thickness - Controls the thickness of the shape outline.
Rounded Corners - Add rounded corners to the Geometric shapes.
Speed Settings
Speed - Controls the speed of the shape moving on the display element.
Speed Variation - Randomly adjusts the speed around the Speed level by the amount of the variation.
Size Speed - Controls how fast the shape grows or shrinks.
Size Speed Variation - Randomly adjusts the size speed around the Size Speed level by the amount of the variation.
Angle Speed - Controls the rotation speed of the shape.
Angle Speed Variation - Randomly adjusts the rotation speed around the Angle Speed level by the amount of the variation.
Color
Fill Colors 1 - Controls the fill color of the shapes.
Outline Colors - Controls the outline color of the shapes.
Brightness
Intensity - This is an overall brightness intensity curve over the duration of the effect.
This is a legacy parameter, consider using intensity overlay layers instead.
Video Tutorial
2.21 - Shockwave
Creates an effect that simulates the shockwave from an explosion, or the ripples of an object thrown into water.
Overview
Creates an effect that simulates the shockwave from an explosion, or the ripples of an object thrown into water.
String Setup
Positioning - Determines how the target elements are treated. Either as individual strings or by their actual location in the display preview.
Locations is often referred to as whole house, but it can be any form of multiple props.
Generally you want Strings when applying to one prop and Locations if the target is multiple props.
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Configuration
Center X: - Sets the horizontal position where the pattern is centered from. This control has a range of 0-100 where 50 is the horizontal center.
Center Y - Sets the vertical position where the pattern is centered from. This control has a range of 0-100 where 50 is the vertical center.
Radius - Controls the radius of the shockwave over the duration of the effect.
Scaled Radius - Scales the shockwave to the size of the element.
Width - Controls the width of the shockwave over the duration of the effect.
Acceleration - The increase in movement speed over the duration of the effect.
Color
Color Gradient - The color or gradient used to color the effect. If a gradient is used, it is applied to the whole effect over the duration of the effect.
Blend Edges - When checked, adds smoothing to the leading and trailing edge of the ripple. When unchecked the ripple will have a hard edge.
Video
2.22 - Snowflakes
Creates an effect that simulates falling snowflakes.
Overview
Creates an effect that simulates falling snowflakes.
String Setup
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Configuration
Snowflake Type - The number of tips on the snowflakes, or a random, mixed collection.
Include 45pt - When Random is selected, this option determines whether the large and complex 45pt flakes are included.
Motion - Controls the motion of the snowflakes between Falling, Random, Explode, Grid, and Grid Offset.
Fade - Controls the type of fade applied to each snowflake (None, In, Out, In/Out).
Snow Build-up - Allows the snowflakes to build up at the bottom of the display element.
Build-up Speed - Adjusts how fast the build up of snow is over the duration of the effect.
Initial Build-up - Sets the height level of the initial snow build-up at the bottom of the display element.
Min Angle - Minimum angle the snowflake moves. Applicable when the Motion is set to Random.
Max Angle - Maximum angle the snowflake moves. Applicable when the Motion is set to Random.
Speed - Controls the base speed of the snowflake motion.
Speed Variation - The amount of variation from the base speed for the snowflakes over the duration of the effect.
This allows you to add some dynamic variation to the falling speed of the snowflakes.
The speed will only deviate from the base speed by the rate set here.
Horizontal Flake Count - Controls the number of horizontal snowflakes.
Verical Flake Count - Controls the number of vertical snowflakes.
Flake Count - The number of snowflakes in the pattern over the duration of the effect.
Movement - Adjusts the type of movement.
Random Intensity - Uses a random Brightness/Intensity for each snowflake.
Movement
This category is visible when the Movement is set to Speed, Wobble, or Wobble Both Directions.
Horizontal Center Speed - Horizontal center speed.
Horizontal Speed Variation - Randomly adjust the speed around the Horizontal Center Speed by the amount of variation.
Vertical Center Speed - Vertical center speed.
Vertical Speed Variation - Randomly adjust the speed around the Vertical Center Speed by the amount of variation.
Wobble - Controls the wobble of the snowflakes. This setting is only applicable when the Movement is set to Wobble or Wobble Both Directions.
Wobble Variation - Randomly adjust the wobble around the Wobble level by the variance over the duration of the effect.
Color
Color Type - Controls the Type of color.
Range - Requires multiple colors/gradients. Flakes will appear in a range of colors bounded by the colors defined in the color/gradient lists.
Palett - Snowflakes will appear in the specific color(s) defined in the color/gradient lists.
Rainbow - Applies a cycling rainbow of color to each snowflake
Alternate
Center Color - The color of the center point of each snowflake. When a gradient is used, each snowflake uses a fixed color centerpoint, but the centerpoint of each snowflake will be the color of the point in the gradient in time when that snowflake appears.
Outer Color - The color for the arms and tips of the snowflake. When a gradient is used, each snowflake uses a fixed color for the arms and tips, but the color of each snowflake will be the color of the point in the gradient in time when that snowflake appears.
Brightness
Intensity - This is an overall brightness intensity curve over the duration of the effect.
This is a legacy parameter, consider using intensity overlay layers instead.
Video
2.23 - Snowstorm
Creates an effect that mimics an intense snowstorm with snow falling sideways.
Overview
Creates an effect that mimics an intense snowstorm with snow falling sideways.
String Setup
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Configuration
Speed - How fast the snowflakes move.
Count - How many snowflakes are in the effect at any given time.
Length - The length of the tail on each snowflake.
Reverse Direction - When checked, snowflakes move from left to right. When unchecked, snowflakes move from right to left.
Color
Color Type - Controls the type of color for the snowstorm.
Rainbow - Cycles through a rainbow of colors.
Range - Each snowflake will be a single color selected from a range between the defined colors.
Palette - Each snowflake will be one of the specific colors/gradients defined in the color list.
Gradient - Uses gradients in the color list for each individual snowflake.
Color - Selects the color gradients used by Color TypesRange, Pallette, and Gradient.
Brightness
Intensity - This is an overall brightness intensity curve over the duration of the effect.
This is a legacy parameter, consider using intensity overlay layers instead.
Video
2.24 - Spiral
Creates a spiraled effect when applied to a mega-tree.
Overview
This effect is best used on a megatree. When used on a megatree, it appears as a spiraled effect around the tree.
When used on a flat matrix, it appears similar to the bars effect but with diagonal bars and space between the bars.
String Setup
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Configuration
Direction - The direction of movement of the bands in the spiral pattern. Forward, Reverse or None.
Motion - Controls how the effect progresses across time between Speed and Iterations.
Iterations - The number of times the pattern repeats over the duration of the effect.
Speed - Determines how fast the swirls move.
Repeat - The number of times the color pattern repeats per iteration.
Thickness - The thickness of each band. This value is a percentage range of 0-100%
Rotation - The angle of rotation of the bands. 0 is in the center and is vertical. The outer limits are -50 and 50 and represent a tilt of 50 degrees to the left or right.
3D - Applies a horizontal fade to each band.
Grow - Causes each band to start at the thickness specified above and grow to the maximum width.
Shrink causes each band to start at the maximum thickness and shrink to the thickness defined above.
Grow and shrink can be combined and used together. When used this way, it will first start at the specified thickness and
grow to the maximum followed by shrinking from the maximum to the specified thickness.
Color
Gradients - One or more gradients used to color the spiral bands.
Vertical Blend - When selected, gradients are applied vertically to the bands. When not selected, gradients are applied horizontally.
Brightness
Intensity - This is an overall brightness intensity curve over the duration of the effect.
This is a legacy parameter, consider using intensity overlay layers instead.
Video
2.25 - Spirograph
Creates an effect simulating the geometric patterns created by a children’’s spirograph geometric drawing toy.
Overview
Creates an effect simulating the geometric patterns created by a children’’s spirograph geometric drawing toy.
This effect creates moving flower type effects. When setting the controls for this effect, it is helpful to understand the actual toy it is based upon:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirograph
String Setup
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Configuration
Speed - The speed at which the pattern is drawn.
Outer Circle Radius - The radius of the inner circle.
InnerCircle Radius - The radius of the outer circle.
Spirographs - The number of circles (roulette curves) that make up the spirograph.
Distance - A fixed distance between the circles
Color Range - When color type is set to Standard, this defines what part of the range of colors is used.
Animate Distance - Uses a variable distance instead of a fixed distance. Creates a sense of growth in the pattern.
Color
Color Type - Controls how color is applied to the effect.
Standard - Uses the defined colors/gradients in order from center outward.
Rainbow - Draws in completely random colors.
Random - Uses only the defined colors randomly.
Gradients - One or more colors used to shade the effect.
Brightness
Intensity - This is an overall brightness intensity curve over the duration of the effect.
This is a legacy parameter, consider using intensity overlay layers instead.
Video
2.26 - Text
Creates an effect that displays text on the display element.
Overview
Creates an effect that displays text on the display element.
The text can appear in any font. It can be static or moving.
String Setup
Positioning - Determines how the target elements are treated. Either as individual strings or by their actual location in the display preview.
Locations is often referred to as whole house, but it can be any form of multiple props.
Generally you want Strings when applying to one prop and locations if the target is multiple props.
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Configuration
Text Trigger - Controls how the text is triggered to be displayed.
None - Uses standard text with no trigger.
Mark Collection - Uses marks to trigger when words are shown.
Mark Collection - Labels - Uses marks to trigger when words are shown but addtionally uses the label on the mark as the text.
Direction - The direction of the movement.
Iterations - The number of times the pattern repeats over the duration of the effect.
Mark Collection - Selects the Mark Collection to use to determine when words are displayed.
Switching the Text Text Trigger to Mark Collections or Mark Collection - Labels allows each word in the text string be displayed on each Mark.
Text Duration - Adjust the way the duration is used between Auto Fit, Mark duration, and User defined.
Text Fade - Fades the text choosing between _None, _In, _Out, In/Out.
Time Visible Length (ms) - Shows each word for the selected period of time up until the next word. Applies to Text Duration set to User defined.
Repeat Text - When enabled will repeat the individual words if there are move Marks in the collection than the number of total words.
Direction Per Word - When enabled will move the text based on Direction over the duration of each displayed word.
Movement
Vertical Offset - The vertical offset to help center text vertically on the grid.
Center Stop - When enabled, causes the text to stop at the center of the grid and then disappear.
Color
Text Color Gradients - One or more colors or gradients to be applied to the text. One color will be applied to each line of text.
Cycle Color per Character - Cycles through the color gradients for each character of the text.
Gradient Mode - Specifies how gradients will be applied to the text. There are 8 combinations of direction and how it’’s applied.
The gradient can be applied across the letters of the text, or across the whole element group.
If it is across the letters, the gradient will stay with the text.
If it is across the element, it will appear that the text travels through the colors of the gradient.
Use Base Color - If selected, allows you to select a background color to appear behind the text.
Base Color - The color to use for the background.
Text
Text Line(s) - One or more lines of text to display.
Font - Specifies the font, style and size to be used. You may use any font installed on the PC. Note that the fonts used must be installed on any PC where you will transfer this sequence.
Center Text - Centers the text.
Text Layout - The orientation of the letters. When Normal, the text appears normally. When set to Stacked, the letters are stacked vertically.
Brightness
Intensity - The overall brightness envelope for the text itself over the duration of the effect.
Base Color Intensity - The overall brightness envelope for the background color over the duration of the effect.
Video Tutorial
2.27 - Tree
Creates an effect that simulates wrapping garland around a tree.
Overview
Creates an effect that simulates wrapping garland around a tree.
This effect is best used on megatrees.
String Setup
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Configuration
Speed: - How fast the garlands are drawn around the tree.
Overall Intensity - The overall intensity envelope of the entire effect over the duration of the effect.
Tree
Color - One or more colors or gradients to be applied to the text. One color will be applied to each line of text.
Intensity - The intensity of the tree background over the duration of the effect.
Branches
Branch Direction - The direction in which the branches are drawn (Up, Down, Left, Right, Up/Right, Up/Left, Down/Right, Down/Left, Alternate, None).
Branches - The number of branches to divide the tree into. Determines the number of garland rings to apply to the tree.
Color Type - How colors are applied to the garlands.
Static - One color/gradient per garland level.
Twinkle - Each pixel in the garland twinkles thru the defined colors.
Alternate Segment - Each swagged segment of garland is colored alternately through the list of defined colors.
Alternate Pixel - Each pixel is colored by rotating through the list of defined colors.
Color - One or more colors/gradients used to color the garlands around the tree.
Blending
Blend - Adjusts the amount of blending or tapering of each branch level.
Blend Direction - Determines the direction of the blend.
Video
2.28 - Vertical Meter
Creates an effect that simulates Simulates a vertical audio meter.
Overview
Creates an effect that simulates Simulates a vertical audio meter. This is designed as a single string effect, but if it is applied to a grid, all strings will behave the same.
The origin of the meter is the starting point where it is drawn on the preview. So the preview should be drawn from the bottom up for it to appear as a normal vertical meter.
Hint: To get the meter to properly fit the element group, you should Start with the Zoom at max and then adjust the Gain starting at the low end working upward so that the loudest parts of the music have minimial visible effect.
Then adjust the Zoom downward so that the softer parts of the music make the element light up most of the time.
Audio Sensitivity Range
Gain - This adjusts the sensitivity of the effect to the audio volume.
High Pass Filter - Applies a high pass filter to the audio before processing.
A high pass filter allows frequencies above the defined threshold to pass while blocking everything below it.
This represents the low end cutoff of the audio.
High Pass Frequency - The frequency (in Hz) to use for the High Pass Filter. This value should be lower than that of the Low Pass Filter if it is being used.
Low Pass Filter - Applies a low pass filter to the audio before processing.
A Low Pass filter allows frequencies below the defined threshold to pass while blocking everything above it.
This represents the high end cutoff of the audio.
Low Pass Frequency - The frequency (in Hz) to use for the Low Pass Filter. This value should be greater than that of the High Pass Filter if it is being used.
Normalize - Applies an audio normalizing filter to the audio before it is analyzed for use in the effect. This should be enabled for most uses.
Zoom - Scales the visual response to the audio.
Response Speed
Attack Time - How fast the effect responds to the audio. This adjusts the slope of the leading edge of the wave.
Decay Time - How long the effect lingers on the audio before dropping back down. This is the slope of the trailing edge of the wave.
Color
Color Handling - Controls how the color is handled.
Linear - Applies a standard Green-Yellow-Red gradient to the string. When this option is selected, The Green and Red position sliders will be available to adjust the threshold where the color transitions.
Discrete - Applies a standard Green-Yellow-Red gradient to the string using discrete colors. When this option is selected, the Green and Red position sliders will be available to adjust the threshold where the color transitions.
Custom - Uses a custom gradient to define the color range. Set up the custom gradient in the Color box below.
Custom Gradient - Controls the color of the effect.
Green Gradient Position - Controls the stop point for the green color in the gradient.
Red Gradient Position - Controls the stop point for the red color in the gradient.
Flip - Reverses the direction of the meter.
Brightness
Intensity - This is an overall brightness intensity curve over the duration of the effect.
This is a legacy parameter, consider using intensity overlay layers instead.
Depth
Levels Deep - Determines at which element grouping level to apply the effect.
2.29 - Video
Creates an effect that allows you to embed a video file to be played on your grid.
Overview
Creates an effect that allows you to embed a video file to be played on your grid.
String Setup
Positioning - Determines how the target elements are treated. Either as individual strings or by their actual location in the display preview.
Locations is often referred to as whole house, but it can be any form of multiple props.
Generally you want Strings when applying to one prop and locations if the target is multiple props.
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Movement
Movement Type - Choose between several options to move the video around the grid while it is playing.
Iterations - Controls the number of times the pattern repeats over the timespan.
Playback Speed - Allows you to speed up or slow down the playback of the video file.
X Offset - Moves the video horizontally.
Y Offset - Moves the video vertically.
Video Configuration
File Name - Select the file to use.
Color Type - Selects between Color or Grayscale.
Stretch to Grid - Adjuts the image dimensions to fit the grid size.
Scale to Grid - When enabled, resizes the video to fit the grid.
Intensity - The overall brightness envelope over the duration of the effect.
Advanced Configuration
Start Time - The number of seconds into the video file to start from. This helps to save time editing and trimming video files specifically for use with this effect.
Maintain aspect - Keeps the aspect ratio of the video when scaling it to fit. This will keep the proper shape of the video, but may result in blank bars.
Rotate Video - The angle of rotation to apply to the video.
Increase Brightness - Helps to brighten up dark video files.
2.30 - VU Meter
Create an effect that simulates a VU meter indicator light.
Overview
Create an effect that simulates a VU meter indicator light.
This is designed as a single element effect. The whole element group will be the same color at any point in time.
This effect, along with Vertical Meter and Waveform are all audio based effects.
They use the actual audio associated with the sequence as the input for the effect.
Because these effects must preprocess the audio before creating the effect, it may take a few extra moments to render the effect on the timeline whenever it moves or changes.
Hint: To get the meter to properly fit the element group, you should Start with the Zoom at max and then adjust the Gain starting at the low end working upward so that the loudest parts of the music have minimial visible effect.
Then adjust the Zoom downward so that the softer parts of the music make the element light up most of the time.
Audio Sensitivity Range
Gain - This adjusts the sensitivity of the effect to the audio volume.
High Pass Filter - Applies a high pass filter to the audio before processing.
A high pass filter allows frequencies above the defined threshold to pass while blocking everything below it.
This represents the low end cutoff of the audio.
High Pass Frequency - The frequency (in Hz) to use for the High Pass Filter. This value should be lower than that of the Low Pass Filter if it is being used.
Low Pass Filter - Applies a low pass filter to the audio before processing.
A Low Pass filter allows frequencies below the defined threshold to pass while blocking everything above it.
This represents the high end cutoff of the audio.
Low Pass Frequency - The frequency (in Hz) to use for the Low Pass Filter. This value should be greater than that of the High Pass Filter if it is being used.
Normalize - Applies an audio normalizing filter to the audio before it is analyzed for use in the effect. This should be enabled for most uses.
Zoom - Scales the visual response to the audio
Response Speed
Attack Time - How fast the effect responds to the audio. This adjusts the slope of the leading edge of the wave.
Decay Time - How long the effect lingers on the audio before dropping back down. This is the slope of the trailing edge of the wave.
Color
Color Handling - Controls how the color is handled.
Linear - Applies a standard Green-Yellow-Red gradient to the string. When this option is selected, The Green and Red position sliders will be available to adjust the threshold where the color transitions.
Discrete - Applies a standard Green-Yellow-Red gradient to the string using discrete colors. When this option is selected, the Green and Red position sliders will be available to adjust the threshold where the color transitions.
Custom - Uses a custom gradient to define the color range. Set up the custom gradient in the Color box below.
Custom Gradient - Controls the color of the effect.
Green Gradient Position - Controls the stop point for the green color in the gradient.
Red Gradient Position - Controls the stop point for the red color in the gradient.
Brightness
Intensity - This is an overall brightness intensity curve over the duration of the effect.
This is a legacy parameter, consider using intensity overlay layers instead.
2.31 - Wave
Creates an effect that produces waves on the display element.
Overview
Creates an effect that produces waves on the display element. This effect works the best on a matrix with a large pixel count.
String Setup
Positioning - Determines how the target elements are treated. Either as individual strings or by their actual location in the display preview.
Locations is often referred to as whole house, but it can be any form of multiple props.
Generally you want Strings when applying to one prop and locations if the target is multiple props.
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Configuration
Waves - This list defines the waves in the effect.
Waves can be added or removed via the Add and Remove buttons at the bottom of the list.
The waves are ordered by number and layered on top of each other.
The last wave will draw on top of all the other waves.
Wave Type - Determines the type of of waveform.
Sine - Sinusoidal waveform.
Triangle - Non-sinusoidal waveform named for its triangular shape.
Square - Non-sinusoidal periodic waveform in which the amplitude alternates at a steady frequency between fixed minimum and maximum values, with the same duration at minimum and maximum.
Decaying Sine - Sinusoidal waveform where the amplitude is decreasing over time.
Fractal Ivey - Random growing ivey vine like growing pattern.
Sawtooth - Non-sinusoidal waveform. It is named based on its resemblance to the teeth of a plain-toothed saw with a zero rake angle.
Use Marks - Enables the Mark Collection Name drop down to select a mark collection to determine when the Decaying Sine will bounce back to the normal amplitude.
Mark Collection Name - This optional setting determines when the Decaying Sine wave type rebounds back to the normal amplitude. If this setting is left empty the Decaying Sine will bounce back to the normal amplitude once the amplitude reaches zero.
Movement Type - Determines the movement of the waveform.
Continuous - Continuous waveform that grows.
Snake - Only portion of the waveform is shown which for sine wave type appears snake like. Once the waveform reaches the edge of the display element it wraps around to the other side.
Grow and Shrink - The waveform grows to the edge of the display and then shrinks back to the opposite edge of the display.
Snake Length - Determines the length of the snake. This setting is only applicable when the Movement Type is Snake.
Prime Wave - By default the wave grows across the display element. This setting primes the waveform such that it fills the entire display element at the start of the effect.
Direction - Determines the direction of the waveform. This setting allows for multiple waveforms to move in opposing directions.
Left To Right
Right To Left
Top To Bottom
Bottom To Top
Mirror - Mirrors the waveform across an imaginary y-axis.
Frequency - Determines how many times the waveform repeats on the display element.
Phase Shift - Determines how far the waveform is shifted horizontally from the usual position. The phase shift is adjustable from zero to 180 degrees. This setting is useful to control the relative position of waveforms relative to each other.
Thickness - Determines the vertical thickness of the waveform.
Amplitude - Determines the height of the waveform.
Y Offset - Moves the waveform up or down in the display element.
Speed - Determines how fast the waveform moves. The speed determines how many columns of the waveform are rendered each frame. This setting is in columns (or pixels) where each 10 units in the curve editor equals 1 column.
Color - Determines the color of the wave over the duration of the effect.
Color Handling - Controls how the color gradient is applied to the wave. Selecting Along Wave colors each column of the wave by sampling the gradient for the duration of the effect. Selecting Across Wave uses the gradient to color each pixel that makes up the thickness of the wave.
2.32 - Waveform
Creates an effect that fills a display element with color based on the audio.
Overview
Creates an effect that fills a display element with color based on the audio.
Audio Sensitivity Range
Gain - This adjusts the sensitivity of the effect to the audio volume.
High Pass Filter - Applies a high pass filter to the audio before processing.
A high pass filter allows frequencies above the defined threshold to pass while blocking everything below it.
This represents the low end cutoff of the audio.
High Pass Frequency - The frequency (in Hz) to use for the High Pass Filter. This value should be lower than that of the Low Pass Filter if it is being used.
Low Pass Filter - Applies a low pass filter to the audio before processing.
A Low Pass filter allows frequencies below the defined threshold to pass while blocking everything above it.
This represents the high end cutoff of the audio.
Low Pass Frequency - The frequency (in Hz) to use for the Low Pass Filter. This value should be greater than that of the High Pass Filter if it is being used.
Normalize - Applies an audio normalizing filter to the audio before it is analyzed for use in the effect. This should be enabled for most uses.
Zoom - Scales the visual response to the audio.
Response Speed
Scroll Speed - How fast the color scrolls across the display element.
Attack Time - How fast the effect responds to the audio. This adjusts the slope of the leading edge of the wave.
Decay Time - How long the effect lingers on the audio before dropping back down. This is the slope of the trailing edge of the wave.
Color
Color Handling - Controls how the color is handled.
Linear - Applies a standard Green-Yellow-Red gradient to the string. When this option is selected, The Green and Red position sliders will be available to adjust the threshold where the color transitions.
Discrete - Applies a standard Green-Yellow-Red gradient to the string using discrete colors. When this option is selected, the Green and Red position sliders will be available to adjust the threshold where the color transitions.
Custom - Uses a custom gradient to define the color range. Set up the custom gradient in the Color box below.
Custom Gradient - Controls the color of the effect.
Green Gradient Position - Controls the stop point for the green color in the gradient.
Red Gradient Position - Controls the stop point for the red color in the gradient.
Reverse - Reverses the direction of the meter.
Brightness
Intensity - This is an overall brightness intensity curve over the duration of the effect.
This is a legacy parameter, consider using intensity overlay layers instead.
Depth
Levels Deep - Determines at which element grouping level to apply the effect.
2.33 - Weave
Creates an effect that draw a basket weave pattern and animates it.
Overview
Creates an effect that draws a weave pattern and animates it. This effect works the best on a matrix with a large pixel count.
String Setup
Positioning - Determines how the target elements are treated. Either as individual strings or by their actual location in the display preview.
Orientation - Controls the orientation of the display area (matrix).
Configuration
Direction - Configures the direction of bar movement.
Moves Up - The bars move in a upward direction.
Moves Down - The bars move in a downward direction.
Vertical Expand - The bars move outward from the center.
Vertical Compress - The bars move in a motion that looks like they are compressing in the middle.
Moves Left - The bars move from right to left.
Moves Right - The bars move from left to right.
Horizontal Expand - The bars move outward from the center.
Horizontal Compress - The bars move in a motion that looks like they are compressing in the middle.
Center Compress - The bars move in a motion that looks like they are compressing in the middle.
Center Expand - The bars move outward from the center.
Rotation - The rotation of the weave bars. The weave bars can rotate in either direction using the following mapping to the curve:
100 - 180 Degrees (Counter Clockwise)
75 - 90 Degrees (Counter Clockwise)
50 - No Rotation
25 - 90 Degrees (Clockwise)
0 - 180 Degrees (Clockwise)
Speed - Determines how fast the weave moves.
Highlight - Creates a white highlighted leading edge on each bar. This may not be highly visible in some cases when using location positioning.
3D - Makes each color appear as a gradient fading to black.
Thickness - Controls the thickness of the weave bar. This value is a percentage of the display element.
Spacing - Controls the blank area between each weave bar. This value is percentage of the display element.
Advanced Sizing - Enables curves for controling the weave bar thickness and spacing. The horizontal and vertical weave bar thickness and spacing can be configured independently
when in advanced sizing mode.
Horizontal Thickness - Controls the thickness of the horizontal weave bars. This value is a percentage of the display element.
Horizontal Spacing - Controls the blank area between each horizontal weave bar. This value is percentage of the display element.
Vertical Thickness - Controls the thickness of the vertical weave bars. This value is a percentage of the display element.
Vertical Spacing - Controls the blank area between each vertical weave bar. This value is percentage of the display element.
Color
Horizontal Gradients - The color gradients for the horizontal bars that make up the weave. The list supports gradients of solid, or varying colors. Gradients are applied over the width of the bar.
Vertical Gradients - The color gradients for the vertical bars that make up the weave. The list supports gradients of solid, or varying colors. Gradients are applied over the width of the bar.
Brightness
Intensity - This is an overall brightness intensity curve over the duration of the effect.
This is a legacy parameter, consider using intensity overlay layers instead.
Video Tutorial
3 - Device Action
This section covers all of the Device Action effects in Vixen and details the features and how to use them.
3.1 - Custom Value
Custom Value effect allows the sequencer to specify custom numerical value, string, or color (RGB) value to a display element at precise time(s) during a sequence.
Overview
Custom Value effect allows the sequencer to specify a custom numerical value, string, or color (RGB) value for an element at precise time(s) during a sequence.
The Custom Value effect is a special purpose effect intended primarily for testing and debugging of the Vixen application itself.
It is used to generate data of specific types to test downstream modules in the application. This effect is not usually used for sequencing purposes.
Previously this effect was used to control special features of DMX moving heads and other intelligent fixtures.
Vixen now contains specialized Intelligent Fixture Effects to support controlling DMX moving heads and other intelligent fixtures.
Configuration
Data Type - Selects the type of data to generate as the custom value.
8 Bit Value
16 Bit Value
32 Bit Value
64 Bit Value
Color Value
String Value - (Consumable by the Launcher & RDS Controllers)
Value - Custom numeric value, string, or color (RGB) as determined by the Data Type property.
3.2 - Launcher
Launcher effect for launching executables and scripts with the Launcher controller.
Overview
This effect is for launching executables and scripts with the Launcher controller.
Configuration
Description - Description associated with the Executable. This description is included in the application log when the Executable is launched.
Executable - Executable to run at the precise time of the effect on the sequence timeline. Select the ‘…’ button to browse to the executable or script.
Arguments - Optional arguments consumed by the Executable.
3.3 - RDS
RDS effect for sending text to the RDS controller at precise time(s) during a sequence.
Overview
This effect sends text to the RDS controller at the precise time(s) during a sequence.
Configuration
RDS Text - Text to send to the RDS controller.
4 - Intelligent Fixture
This section covers all of the Intelligent Fixture effects in Vixen and details the features and how to use them.
Video Tutorial
4.1 - Fixture
Fixture effect is the catch-all effect for intelligent fixtures.
Overview
Fixture effect is the catch-all effect for intelligent fixtures.
This effect provides access to all capabilities of the fixture.
The user picks which fixture functions to include in the effect.
The graphical representation of this effect on the sequence timeline is horizontal bars of color.
Each fixture function is assigned a color.
Configuration
Functions - Selects the fixture function to add to the effect.
Add - Adds the function selected in the Functions drop down.
Remove - Removes the selected function.
4.2 - Fixture Strobe
Fixture Strobe effect enables the strobe hardware support on the fixture and controls the strobe speed.
Overview
Fixture Strobe effect enables the strobe hardware support on the fixture and controls the strobe speed.
The display preview will show a blinking beam when this effect is active but does not attempt to reflect the strobe speed which is hardware dependent.
Configuration
Function - The function on the intelligent fixture that controls the strobe (shutter).
Setting - Index setting that controls how the strobe speed is interpreted.
Strobe Speed - Controls the speed of the shutter’s strobe. The setting determines how this curve is interpreted by the hardware.
Requirements
For an intelligent fixture to support the Strobe effect it must have the following:
Shutter function with the Shutter tag.
One or more Shutter index items with the Use Curve option and Strobe tag.
4.3 - Frost
Frost effect controls a lens or filter that softens the edges of the light beam.
Overview
Frost effect controls a lens or filter that softens the edges of the light beam.
It can help with blending light/gobos/animation-wheels into a scene by hiding sharp edges.
There is no support for the Frost effect in the preview at this time, although the preview legend can be used to verify the function is active.
Configuration
Function - The function on the intelligent fixture that controls the frost filter. If the fixture supports more than one frost lens this is where you pick the function.
Frost Percentage - Configures the amount of softening of the light beam.
Requirements
For an intelligent fixture to support the Frost effect it must have a Range Function with the Frost tag.
4.4 - Gobo
Gobo effect allows for selecting a Gobo to go over the light beam.
Overview
Gobo effect allows for selecting a Gobo to go over the light beam.
Depending on the capabilities of the fixture it also allows for controlling the rotation speed of the gobo wheel.
There is no support for the Gobo effect in the preview at this time, although the preview legend can be used to verify the function is active.
Configuration
Function - The function on the intelligent fixture that controls the gobo wheel. If the fixture supports more than one gobo wheel this is where you pick the desired wheel.
Gobo - Selects a specific gobo on the wheel or an option to rotate the gobo wheel.
Rotation Speed - Selects the rotation speed of the gobo wheel. Direction of the rotation is usually determined by the selected gobo option.
Requirements
For an intelligent fixture to support the Gobo effect it must have a Gobo Wheel Function with the Gobo tag.
4.5 - Prism
Prism effect selects a prism to be placed in the light beam.
Overview
Prism effect selects a prism to be placed in the light beam.
Depending on the capabilities of the fixture it also allows for controlling the rotation speed of the prism.
There is no support for the Prism effect in the preview at this time, although the preview legend can be used to verify the function is active.
Configuration
Function - The function on the intelligent fixture that controls the prism. If the fixture supports more than one prism this is where you pick the desired prism.
Setting - Selects the position (angle) of the prism or an option to rotate the prism.
Rotation Speed - Selects the rotation speed of the prism.
Requirements
For an intelligent fixture to support the Prism effect it must have a Prism Index Function with the Prism tag.
4.6 - Set Position
Set Position effect positions the pan and tilt of the intelligent fixture.
Overview
Set Position effect positions the pan and tilt of the intelligent fixture.
This effect configures the pan and tilt of the fixture.
This effect is fully supported in the OpenGL preview.
Configuration
Pan - Controls the horizontal rotation of the intelligent fixture. The zero position of the curve represents the horizontal starting position of the fixture. The 100 position of the curve indicates the maximum horizontal rotation of the fixture.
Tilt - Controls the vertical rotation of the intelligent fixture. The zero position of the curve represents the vertical starting position of the fixture. The 100 position of the curve indicates the maximum vertical rotation of the fixture.
Requirements
For an intelligent fixture to support Pan the fixture is required to have a Range Function with the Pan tag.
For an intelligent fixture to support Tilt the fixture is required to have a Range Function with the Tilt tag.
4.7 - Set Zoom
Set Zoom effect configures the zoom angle of the intelligent fixture beam.
Overview
Set Zoom effect configures the zoom angle of the intelligent fixture beam.
Fixtures either zoom from wide to narrow or vice versa.
The direction of zoom is configurable in the intelligent fixture property Zoom function details.
The direction of the zoom is also configurable in the display preview.
Configuration
Zoom - Curve configures the zoom angle of the intelligent fixture beam.
Requirements
For an intelligent fixture to support the Set Zoom effect it must have a Range Function with the Zoom tag.
4.8 - Spin Color Wheel
Spin Color Wheel effect spins the intelligent fixture color wheel.
Overview
Spin Color Wheel effect spins the intelligent fixture color wheel.
The effect configures the rotation speed and intensity of the light beam.
The display preview will show a beam changing colors but does not attempt to reflect the rotation speed as that is hardware dependent.
Configuration
Function - The function on the intelligent fixture that controls the color wheel. If the fixture supports more than one color wheel this is where you pick the desired color wheel.
Setting - Index setting on the color wheel to pick the direction and rate of speed.
Rotation Speed - Curve configures the rotation speed over the duration of the effect. How this curve is interpreted by the fixture is determined by the selected Setting.
Intensity - Intensity of the light beam over the duration of the effect.
Requirements
For an intelligent fixture to support the Spin Color Wheel effect it must have the following:
Color Wheel function with ‘Spin Color Wheel’ tag.
One or more Color Wheel index items with the Use Curve option selected.
