| |
// TECHNICAL THEORY
The Spyder screen processors are multi input and output devices. In the UK, Joy’s have two models available in their hire stock: one with 5 layers and 3 outputs (353), another model with 4 layers and 4 outputs (344). Each output can be connected to a projector, LED screen or monitor. Each can be user configured to give the desired resolution. Supported Computer signals:- from 640 x 480 (VGA) up to 2048 x 1200. NTSC and PAL video processing is supported including 720 p and 1080p. The Spyder unit will output either analogue signals RGBHV, YUV, composite video or YC as well as digital signals on DVI, SDI and HD-SDI. Each signal can be live on all outputs simultaneously. Outputs on Spyder can be run at either 50hz for PAL processing or at 60hz for NTSC. The outputs do not have to be the same and can be completely different if required.
Spyder can be configured to give a "virtual pixel space" matching whatever output resolution is required. ie. 2560 x 768 pixels, 6144 x 1080 pixels or 3840 x 1024 pixels. It can ensure that outputs are used with an overlap between each screen. The overlap is fully variable from 0 upwards. The blending of the overlapped areas is managed by Spyder with full user adjustment to take into account slight variations in gamma, colour, brightness, etc between each projector. It is therefore possible to obtain an almost perfect seamless blended image.
Spyder utilises live inputs - windows which can be opened within the pixel space. We refer to these as PiPs (Pictures in Pictures) which can be placed anywhere within the defined pixel space. Each PiP, similar to the range of outputs, can be either analogue or digital, computer or video. Each PiP can be resized and repositioned anywhere on screen. The aspect ratio of all PiPs is fully variable, and Spyder is currently the only system that morphs a PiP when mixing between different aspect ratios. PiPs can overlap, and can travel in realtime across the screen even over the overlap area between projectors. All live moves in Spyder utilise acceleration and deceleration along with motion blur to give extremely smooth motion to any PiP. If required all PiPs can move simultaneously and can have borders and shadows attached to them. All borders and shadows are fully variable in colour, size, transparency etc.
Each live layer in Spyder can have a source permanently connected. HD15 for analogue input of either RGBHV or YUV. A DVI connector for digital computer input. A BNC for composite video feed. A Y/C (SVHS) connector. A single BNC connector for SDI or HD-SDI digital video. Therefore with 5 types of connector for each layer, and with a minimum of 4 layers, you can have 20 sources connected without requiring any form of matrix or router.
Spyder inputs (model 344)
 4 computer up to 2048 x1200
4 Component YUV video
4 SDI / HD-SDI
4 DVI up to 2048 x 1200
4 Composite video
4 YC (SVHS)
|
Outputs that are not used as projector outputs can be used as record feeds or as an operators monitor. When a 344 model (4 outputs) is used on a 3 screen show, the fourth output can be used as an operators monitor giving both program and preview on one screen. This is extremely useful for three reasons - (1) the operator does not need to be in line of sight of the actual projection screens (2) monitor feed can be DA'd to the show caller, producer etc. (3) The monitor simultaneously shows both a program and a preview so positions and content of PiPs can be viewed before they are made live.
As all outputs on Spyder can be set independently, it is possible to have 3 outputs at XGA feeding projectors, and the fourth as a YUV feed to a component monitor or alternatively set at a higher resolution such as SXGA computer feed.
Spyders can be ganged together to provide more live layers if required, or alternatively they can be used to provide more outputs. Spyder is incredibly flexible and is more than happy running multiple pixel spaces where required. For instance, it is possible to set up Spyder to run a combination of multiple and widescreens simultaneously, such as the following scenario:
Screen 1- single screen stage right.
Screen 2 x 3 screen edge blended in centre.
Screen 3 - single screen stage left.
|
This would require 5 outputs in total. Once set up, any source can appear on any output, and with the addition of cloning, an input can appear twice on the same screen or different screens at different horizontal positions.
Spyder can be controlled by either a dedicated hardware console called the Montage II, or via a PC interface running under the Windows XP operating system, Spyder Advanced. The Spyder control system has been designed so that all functions and capabilities are available in both platforms simultaneously. As such, the console and the PC are backups to one another in the event of a failure. It is also possible to have multiple PC's connected if more than one operator was required.
The Spyder Advanced software is unique in that it can be run in 'simulator mode' without being connected to the Spyder processing unit. It is therefore possible to define pixel spaces, assign sources and layers and pre-program a show without requiring the physical presence of hardware.
The Spyder system is a highly flexible, useful addition to any presentation. Contact us for more information about Spyder or for a quote.
 Print This Page
|
|
|
|
Error processing SSI file
| For further information about Joys, Spyder, 3DLive and HD projection solutions click here to contact us. |
|
|
