green hippo HIPPOTIZER STAGE User manual

HIPPOTIZER STAGE Manual v1.0 Software version 2.1.4
©Green Hippo Ltd
Unit 365, Lee Valley Technopark
London
N17 9LN, UK
www.hippotizer.com

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents _______________1
Introduction___________________ 4
Important Notes_________________4
Media ___________________________4
Uploading Own Media _____________4
Software _________________________4
Warranty_________________________5
Firmware, BIOS and Drivers:________5
If there is a problem _____________5
Contents Checklist ______________6
Installation and Connections ___ 7
Location________________________7
Precautions_____________________7
Connections and Controls: ______8
Quick Connections:_______________10
Switching on the Unit:_____________10
Shutting Down the Unit: ___________10
Display Devices________________11
Display Modes _______________ 12
Single Output Mode ____________14
Dual Output Mode______________18
Pan Output Mode_______________22
Additional Display Features ___ 24
Configuring the Composite / S-
Video output___________________24
Using “Clone” mode____________25
Using the “No Output” option ___28
‘Hands on with the Hippotizer’_29
The Desktop ___________________29
Understanding Media Flow within
the Server _____________________31
Processing Flowchart. ____________32
Control Parameters and the
Control Centre _________________32
The Overview Screen_____________32
The Layer View __________________35
The Master-Canvas View _________ 41
Functions in More detail_______ 45
Mix Modes ____________________ 45
Add____________________________ 46
Sub____________________________ 46
Darken _________________________ 46
Lighten _________________________ 46
Softlight ________________________ 46
Softlight Inverted_________________ 47
Hardlight________________________ 47
Overlay_________________________ 47
Difference ______________________ 47
Gobo___________________________ 47
Screen _________________________ 48
Opaque ________________________ 48
Sprite __________________________ 48
Luma (Luminance Key) ___________ 48
Matte __________________________ 49
Alpha __________________________ 50
The Digital Effect Engines_____ 51
General FXs ___________________ 51
No-Effect _______________________ 51
Radial Blur______________________ 52
Mask___________________________ 53
SatHue_________________________ 54
iLuma __________________________ 54
Multi ___________________________ 55
XYZ____________________________ 56
Aspect _________________________ 57
Colour Effects _________________ 58
Pall ____________________________ 58
Neon___________________________ 58
C-Lab __________________________ 59
CTB-O _________________________ 60
Breakup Effects _______________ 60
Pixidust_________________________ 60
Shift ___________________________ 61
Conc___________________________ 62
Style ___________________________ 62
Bump __________________________ 63
LED____________________________ 63
Pixel ___________________________ 64
Movie __________________________ 65
Distortion Effects ______________ 65
Plasma_________________________ 65
Flow 1 & 2 ______________________ 66
Kaleidoscope____________________ 67
Glass __________________________ 67
Aqua___________________________ 68

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Tunnel__________________________69
Planes__________________________70
Softedge Effects _______________71
Beat Detection Engine ________ 73
Using the Matrix ______________ 74
Timecode ____________________ 75
Controlling The Hippotizer ____ 76
Interfaces______________________76
Control Centre _________________76
DMX___________________________77
DMX setup ______________________77
DMX (full mode)__________________77
DMX (preset mode)_______________78
ARTNET _______________________79
MIDI___________________________79
Keyboard______________________79
Show and Media Management _80
Organizing your media _________80
Adding and removing media ____81
The Show Manager_____________81
Viewing your media_______________82
Creating a New Show_____________82
Saving a Show __________________ 83
Loading a show__________________ 84
Preparing Media _______________ 84
Movie Files _____________________ 84
Still Images _____________________ 86
Utilities ______________________ 87
The Settings Utility_____________ 87
General Settings_________________ 87
DMX full ________________________ 88
DMX Preset_____________________ 90
MIDI ___________________________ 90
RS232 _________________________ 91
Keyboard _______________________ 92
Info ____________________________ 92
Engine Configurator ___________ 93
Video Input Setting_______________ 93
Additional information ________ 96
Maintenance___________________ 96
Specifications _________________ 98
FAQ __________________________ 98
FAX back registration form____ 99

Introduction
This handbook contains important information about your Hippotizer Stage Media Server. It will
help you get up and running with your unit quickly and ensure you get the most from the system.
Please take a few minutes to read the following pages, as it will help you understand the unit’s
functionality and assist in achieving the best possible results during operation.
Due to our programme of continuous updates for the Hippotizer range, you may find that your
server contains functions and features which are either not shown or differ slightly from that
described in this manual. Please check the support website for the latest version of this manual
and system software.
Occasionally you will see this symbol:
These are Hippo-Tips. Hippo-tips are not definitive approaches or operating procedures but are
useful hints on how to get the most from your system.
Important Notes
Media
All video libraries are supplied By us at Green Hippo. Any queries regarding the use of these
should be directed to us.
Uploading Own Media
It is your responsibility to handle all copyright issues relating to the media you create and upload.
Green Hippo Ltd will not accept responsibility for any breach of copyright incurred in these
processes.
Software
All Hippotizer software remains the sole property of Green Hippo Ltd and its suppliers. Any
attempt to alter or replicate the contents of The Hippotizer is prohibited. Any attempt to copy or
alter the software will render any warranties void. Green Hippo Ltd will initiate legal proceedings
against anyone attempting to copy or replicate the software in any fashion.
NOTE: Installing additional software on your system other than that supplied by Green Hippo Ltd
is strongly discouraged. Your Hippotizer has a specific task, which is to play back video reliably.
Any third party software may compromise this. If you wish to install 3rd party software we
recommend you contact us first. We will also endeavour to post information regarding known
issues on our website. Any repairs relating to 3rd party software are not covered under warranty.
Additional hardware installation other than USB or external devices will invalidate warranties.
Similarly, any removal of external casings should not be undertaken without consultation.
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Under no circumstances install a second network device, either internal or external, as this may
stop the Hippotizer program from running. For advice on this issue email support@green-
hippo.com
Warranty
Green Hippo Ltd will warranty the Hippotizer for one year from date of purchase. This is a full
return to base warranty. NB: Any attempt to open the casing will invalidate your warranty. Any
attempt to load any software onto the unit in any way other than that described in the manual will
invalidate the warranty.
Firmware, BIOS and Drivers:
The system is built and tested using a fixed set of firmware, BIOS and drivers. Although there
may be newer versions of these items readily available, do not download and install them unless
otherwise instructed to do so. We will endeavour to keep you informed of any updates which will
increase performance or stability. For a reference to all files please see our support website.
If there is a problem
If there is a problem and you need support Please follow these steps:
1. Consult this manual and the FAQ section
2. Contact your local dealer who sold this unit to you.
3. Contact us at [e-mail] with the following details:
•Who are you?
•What system version do you have? (e.g. Express, Stage etc)
•When did you buy it and from whom?
•Describe what you are trying to achieve and what the problem is. The More
information you give us, the more comprehensive our response will be.
In your Hippotizer Settings you will find a tab labelled “Info”. In here you will find
important information relating to your server including details of your software version, licensee,
and so on. Access Hippo Settings using the shortcut on the desktop.
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Contents Checklist
Hippotizer
IEC Mains Lead
Hippotizer Manual (this one) disc
Video Adapter S-Video to Composite Video
DVI to VGA converter
USB Mouse and Keyboard
LCD monitor (optional)
Assorted system discs

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Installation and Connections
In this section we will show you how to install your Hippotizer, how to connect your displays and
how to configure them.
Location
The Hippotizer Stage comes in an industry standard 19” rackmount case. The ‘ears’ on either
side allow you to install it into a standard flight case or any environment employing the 19”
standard. Alternatively you can position it on any flat surface.
Precautions
The unit is cooled by the flow of fresh air via fans in the unit. Therefore the unit must have a clear
air-gap with no obstructions to the front and rear. The unit can run to high temperatures safely if
well ventilated but damage to components will most likely occur if any of the vents are obstructed.
Air flows through the front doors and out of the back of the unit. If installed in a rack ensure that
there is a free flow of fresh air front and back. Never run the unit in an enclosure with a sealed
back such as a rackmount case with the rear door still in place.
Do not place drinks, or heavy objects on top of the unit. Any failure caused by fluid, shocks or
misuse is not covered under warranty.
NB: Take care not to push the unit too far back against a wall to prevent damage to the
connectors positioned at the rear or restrict airflow through the unit.
Periodically (once a month) clean the filters situated in the doors.

Connections and Controls:
Fig 1.1 Front Connections and Controls
A – Power Button
B – Reset Button
C – DVD Rom Drive
D – USB connections x 2
E – DMX Interface
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Fig. 1.2 Rear connections.
A - IEC Mains input for power (100V to 250V power range)
B – PS2 Mouse connector
C – PS2 Keyboard connector
D – USB connections
E – LAN connector (sometimes referred to as an Ethernet or network connector)
F – Sound connections
Blue – line in
Green – Speakers
G – VGA monitor Connection
H – S-Video Connector (converter supplied for Composite)
I – DVI connector (converter supplied for use as VGA port)
J - Video inputs for external camera/video use
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Fig 1.3
A – DVI to VGA Converter
B – S-Video to Composite Video Converter
Quick Connections:
Connection options will be explained in depth later but to get started quickly, connect a power
cable to A (fig 1.2) a keyboard and mouse (either B and C or if devices are USB use D) then your
supplied VGA monitor to G.
Switching on the Unit:
Once you have connected the unit as described above, press the power button A (Fig 1 .1), on
the front of the unit. You will see the green power light on the front panel illuminate. The unit has
an automatic power up sequence that takes around 90 seconds.
NB: if you have a secondary monitor or video device connected, it is possible that the supplied
VGA monitor will go into standby or display the message ‘signal out of range’ or similar. This is
not a fault. Wait for 60 seconds after which you should see the windows start-up screen.
Shutting Down the Unit:
To shut down the unit press the power switch once and allow the system to complete its
shutdown sequence. You do not have to exit the Hippotizer programme to do this. It can be
done at anytime. When complete the Power indicator lamp will extinguish. DO NOT shut down
the unit by skipping the above procedure and terminating the power supply. It may damage the
unit. Should the unit be accidentally shut down in such a fashion, allow a longer start up period
while the self-test function works in the background. The start up process will be around 1 minute
longer under these conditions
NB: You may use the standard Windows XP shutdown technique on the task-bar if you so wish.

Display Devices
NB: The following description applies to units shipped after February 2005 and each system
should have 2 graphics cards running a maximum of 3 display devices. If your system was
manufactured before this date you may only have one graphics card. Please contact Green
Hippo to discuss an upgrade for your unit.
The Hippotizer can run in several different modes with different output configurations. You can
connect up to 3 independent display devices and these can be various combinations of VGA,
DVI, S-Video or composite video devices. These options allow you to choose which display
combination is best for your chosen application. This section will explain the types of displays
you can connect and how to change the display settings correctly.
NB: In most cases, display setup will be a 2-stage procedure. You may need to activate the
desired mode in ‘Stage Settings’ then adjust Windows Display Properties to suit. See
subsequent sections for instructions on these adjustments.
The system uses 2 ATI Graphics cards. These are dual head cards and allow you to connect a
VGA monitor to the first head, and chose between either a DVI or video output on the second
head. It is not possible to output DVI (VGA with converter) and Video at the same time.
However, only one of the devices is capable of running the Hippotizer’s display, with the second
for the control centre if running in dual or pan mode. Be sure to follow the configuration settings
carefully. You must use the following sections to configure which output format you use.
FIG 1.4
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Display Modes
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KEY:
In this section this image represents the Control Centre on a
VGA monitor:
This Icon represents output on a second VGA device:
This Icon represents output or control centre on a Video device.
There are 3 different display modes for your Hippotizer. This allows you to configure the
available outputs to achieve a suitable setup for your application. Display Mode Options shown in
this section are accessed by double clicking ‘ Stage Settings’ (fig 1.5) on the desktop.

FIG 1.5
NB: with all modes, bear in mind that by default, the second screen is black when not displaying
an output from the Hippotizer. You can test to see if your monitor is active by either moving your
mouse to the right or by accessing the display properties (right click on desktop -> properties ->
settings tab) and clicking the ‘identify’ button. This will display a large number 2 on your second
screen if it is active.
Controls are as follows:
1 – click the arrow to select your display mode. Choose from single, dual or pan.
2 – Control Centre allows you to decide whether you wish to have the Control Centre active. If
you are controlling the Hippotizer remotely (such as a lighting desk or midi device) you can
disable the control centre here.
3 - Connections – Summarises the settings you have made above.
4 – The ‘Change Display Settings’ button opens the ATI graphics card settings. You will have to
make corresponding changes here when you change your display modes. More details in
subsequent sections.
The Hippotizer ships setup for a single screen. Just connect a monitor to the blue VGA on the
left-hand graphics card and you can get used to the Hippotizer on the local monitor.
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Single Output Mode
With the Hippotizer turned off, add a second VGA monitor (or other VGA device) to the DVI
connector on graphics card one (left hand card looking at the back). If your monitor or projector
has a dvi input then you can connect it directly, otherwise you will need to use the supplied DVI –
VGA adapter.
Switch on the Hippotizer and then double click ‘Stage Settings’ on the desktop.
Un-tick the ‘no output’ box if it is ticked. (fig 1.6)
FIG 1.6
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You must now set up your graphics card to support Single Output Mode:
Click ‘change display settings’ button which will open the ATI Catalyst control Centre.First check
you are in standard view – (Click the VIEW button at top left) then click the DISPLAYS
MANAGER button and you should see a screen similar to this one:
FIG. 1.7
Next we will configure the settings by using the WIZARD. Press the ‘Wizard’ button in the top
right hand corner of the display manager. (fig 1.7)
You will be shown a screen (fig 1.8) Select both monitors and then press ‘Next’.
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FIG 1.8

Next, you must select ‘Extended Desktop Mode’ and then press ‘Next’. (fig 1.9)
FIG 1.9
On the next screen you must select ‘Apply’ and then ‘Finish’. Please note that sometimes
pressing ‘Apply’ will seem to do nothing – this is fine, just go on to the next step and press
‘Finish’. (fig 2.0)
If after selecting ‘Apply’ you get a ‘Displays Manager Notification’ telling you you have
reconfigured your settings, select ‘Yes’ and then ‘Finish’
FIG 2.0
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Your Display Manager should now look like Fig 2.1 and is now set up for Single Output Mode.
FIG 2.1
(Ensure that display 1 has a ‘screen Resolution’ of 1024 x 768 pixels)
You should now be back in the main Display Manager screen, press ‘Apply’ and then ‘Done’. This
will close the Display Manager and leave you with the Hippotizer Settings screen. Press ‘Save
Changes’.
At this point, we advise you to re-start your machine – this isn’t essential but reconmended. Once
your Hippotizer has restarted, run the ‘Stage’ button on the desktop and you will have the control
centre on one screen and output on the second monitor.
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Dual Output Mode
To run in Dual Output Mode (control centre on screen 3 with 4 layers on output 1 and 4 layers on
output 2) connect a 3rd monitor to output 1 on the SECOND graphics card (right hand card) run
‘Stage Settings’ and select ‘Dual’ from the dropdown window and un-tick the ‘no output’ box, if it
is ticked already.
FIG 2.2
Click ‘change display settings’ button which will open the ATI Catalyst control Centre.
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First check you are in standard view – (Click the VIEW button at top left) then click the DISPLAYS
MANAGER button and you should see a screen similar to this one:
Next we will configure the settings by using the WIZARD. Press the ‘Wizard’ button in the top
right hand corner of the display manager. (fig 1.7)
You will be shown a screen (fig 1.8) Select both monitors and then press ‘Next’.
Next, you must select ‘Extended Desktop Mode’ and then press ‘Next’. (fig 1.9)
On the next screen you must select ‘Apply’ and then ‘Finish’. Please note that sometimes
pressing ‘Apply’ will seem to do nothing – this is fine, just go on to the next step and press
‘Finish’. (fig 2.0)
If after selecting ‘Apply’ you get a ‘Displays Manager Notification’ telling you you have
reconfigured your settings, select ‘Yes’ and then ‘Finish’
Your Display Manager should now look like Fig 2.3 and is now set up for Dual Output Mode.
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FIG 2.3

Press ‘Done’ this will close the Display Manager and leave you with the Hippotizer Settings
screen. Press ‘Save Changes’.
At this point, we advise you to re-start your machine – this isn’t essential but reconmended. Once
your Hippotizer has restarted, run the ‘Stage’ button on the desktop and you will have the Control
Centre on one screen and output on the other two monitors.
If your Display Manager doesn’t look like (Fig 2.3), but seems to show the screens in the wrong
order (Fig 2.4), just click and drag the screens into the right order.
FIG 2.4
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