Videonics PowerScript PS4000S User manual

Instruction Manual
Postscript Graphics and Character Generator
with Timebase Correction
®
®
Model PS4000S and Model PS4000SC
Part No. MANL-0739-01

Safety and Emissions
WARNING! To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not
expose this appliance to rain or other moisture. If you spill liquid on
the equipment, disconnect the power cord and consult authorized
personnel. Moisture can damage internal parts.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol
within an equilateral triangle is intended to
alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within
the product’s enclosure that might be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an
equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (service)
instructions in the literature accompanying
the appliance.
CAUTION : For continued protection
against fire, replace only with fuses of
correct rating, as listed on rear panel.
WARNING ! This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with
the instruction manual might cause interference to radio
communications. It has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class A computing device pursuant to Subpart B of Part
15 of the FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable
protection against such interference when operated in a
commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user,
at his own expense, will be required to take whatever measures
may be required to correct the interference. The use of properly
shielded cables is required to maintain compliance with the Class A
limits for radiated emissions.
This equipment has been tested with a Class A computing
device and has been found to comply with Part 15 of FCC
Rules. See Instruction Manual. Operation in a residential area
may cause unacceptable interference to radio and TV
reception requiring the operator to take whatever steps are
necessary to correct the interference.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio
noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio
Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications.
Le présent appariel numérique n’émet pas de bruits
radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils
numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radiioélectrique édicté par le ministrère des
communications du Canada.
Trademarks and Copyrights
© The Videonics logo and PowerScript are registered trademarks of
Videonics, Inc.
VIDEONICS PS-4000 PowerScript PostScript Generator Instruction
Manual, © 1996-1998. No part of this manual may be reproduced
in hard copy, electronically, or by any other means without the
expressed, written permission of Videonics, Inc.
PostScript is a trademark of Adobe Systems, Inc. Other product and
brand names might be trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies and are hereby acknowledged.
Portions copyright © 1988-1995 Aladdin Enterprises, Menlo Park,
California. All rights reserved.
Portions copyright © 1993 Soft Horizons.
The Jean Camil font is provided by Jacques Bertrand
e-mail — [e-mail] .
The Holstein and Good Dog fonts are supplied by Ethan Dunham,
Fonthead Design.
Web Site — http://www.fonthead.com/ .
Videonics PowerScript Instruction Manual designed, written, and
illustrated by Jim Rogers, Mouse Powered Productions
e-mail — [email protected]
Disclaimers
Subject to change without notice.
The PowerScript software is based, in part, on the work of the
Independent JPEG Group.
Television screens are simulated.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
AV

C
ONTENTS
1
Introducing PowerScript
PowerScript Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Checking PowerScript Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Identifying PowerScript Jacks and Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Using this Instruction Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Conventions Used in this Instruction Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2 Equipment Setups
Basic Setup Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Checking Power Voltage and Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Providing Power to PowerScript . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Determining Your Equipment Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Using PowerScript as a Stand-Alone/Live Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Using PowerScript as a Primary Input Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Using PowerScript to Feed a Switcher’s DSK (DownStream Key) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Using PowerScript’s Internal Key Downstream from a Switcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Using PowerScript in a Video Production, On-Line Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Using PowerScript in Single-Monitor Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Configuring PowerScript in Single-Monitor Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Configuring PowerScript with a Single Monitor having Two Input Jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Completing the Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
About Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
3 PowerScript Tutorial
Lesson 1 • Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Starting PowerScript . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Accessing the Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Creating a New Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Lesson 2 • Creating the Opening Page, Adding and Modifying Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Naming a Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Adding Objects to a Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Setting Object Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Aligning Objects on a Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Adding the Remaining Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Lesson 3 • Creating a Background, Saving a Page, and Playing a Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Playing the Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Contents
Lesson 4 • Adding the Title Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Creating the Title Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Adding Graphic Objects to the Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Lesson 5 • Adding the Credits Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Creating the Credits Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Playing Back the Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Lesson 6 • Managing Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Renumbering Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Lesson 7 • Rolling the Credits Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Creating a Roll Transition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Lesson 8 • Setting Page Duration and Transitions for the Opening Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Lesson 9 • Setting a Target Duration for the Title Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Lesson 10 • Playing Back the Project Pages with Transitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
4 Working with Menus
Standard and Power Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Using Power Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Working with Menus and Menu Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Sliders and Text Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Moving Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Closing Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Menu Navigation Keyboard Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
5 Working with Objects
Objects and Page Layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Placing Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Geometric Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Text Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Graphic Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Clock Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Default Object Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Selecting Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Bounding Rectangle and Object Handles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Object Selection Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Using the SELECT Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Working with Text Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Selecting and Editing Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Object Outlines while Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Working with Graphic Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Deleting Graphic Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Changing Object Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Nudging Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Cutting, Copying, Pasting, and Clearing Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Aligning Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Contents
Modifying Object Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Setting Object Color (Fill) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Creating Object Drop Shadows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Creating Object Outlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Assigning Attributes to Text Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Using Word Wrap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Using the FONTS Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Determining Attributes Assigned to Text Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Deleting Fonts from a PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
6
Using PowerScript
Starting and Stopping PowerScript . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Doing a System Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Working with Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Saving Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Using Project Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Using the Project/Page Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Creating New Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Copying an Existing Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Renaming an Existing Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Deleting a Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Opening an Existing Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Working with Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Selecting a Page to Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Creating Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Renumbering and Reordering Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Saving Pages (Auto Save Option) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Deleting Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Working with Transitions and Page Duration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Using Roll and Crawl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Dynamically Controlling Roll & Crawl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Working with Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Style Files and Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Applying Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Creating and Changing Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Removing Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Working with Backgrounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Creating a Solid Color Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Using a Video Signal as a Background (Using PowerScript’s Internal Keyer) . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Using a Graphic as a Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Playing Projects and Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Page Imaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Pre-Rendering Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Using Play Mode and Edit Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Using Single Monitor Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Using the Playback Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Contents
7
Advanced PowerScript Functions
Working with Hot Borders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Working with the Safe Title Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Working with GPI, Time Triggers, and Auto-Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Using GPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Using Time Triggers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Using Auto-Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Playing a Project from a Remote Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Displaying a Graphic from a Remote Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
PowerScript Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Time & Date Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
GPI Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Display Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Video Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Studio Model Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Serial (RS-232) Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Internet Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
PC Card Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Working with Files and Directories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Managing Files and Directories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
PC Card Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Directory Information and Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
File Information and Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Working with PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Start Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Creating a Start Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Erasing and Formatting PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Using PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Modifying PC Cards with a Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Using Graphic Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
About File Type Extensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
PowerScript-Provided Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
About Other Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Creating Efficient Graphic Files for Use with PowerScript . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Using Text in EPS Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
The Square Pixel Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Transparency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Creating Transparency Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Remapping the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

Contents
8
PowerScript Computer Connections
About Protocols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Client/Server Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
“Sneaker Net” Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Serial Cable Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Computer Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Ethernet PC Card Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
PowerScript/Macintosh/FreePPP Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Configuring PPP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Configuring the PowerScript Serial Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Establishing a Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Using PowerScript with Macintosh Fetch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Running the Fetch Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Creating a Fetch Shortcut to PowerScript . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Connecting PowerScript with IBM-Compatible Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
LAN Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Direct Connection Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Transferring a File to PowerScript from a Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Closing the Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Common FTP Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
9 PowerScript Reference
PowerScript Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Align Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Background Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Clip Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Create Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Files Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Fill Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Fonts Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Graphics Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Help Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Modify Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Outline Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Project/Page Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Project Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Page Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Select Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Time & Date Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
GPI Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Display Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Video Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Studio Model Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Serial (RS-232) Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Internet Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
PC Card Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Shadow Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Text Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Transitions Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Transition Effects Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

Contents
A PowerScript Fonts
Font Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Managing Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Deleting Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Importing Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Accented Fonts and Special Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
B
Using the PowerScript Mouse and Keyboard
Mouse Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Mouse Pointer (or Cursor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Mouse Buttons and Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Mouse Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
About the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Cleaning the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
C
PowerScript-Provided Graphic Files
Graphic Illustration Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
PowerScript Test Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
D PowerScript Control Keys
E
PowerScript Specifications
PowerScript Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Digital Control Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Video Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Timebase Corrector/Synchronizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Character Generator Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Roll and Crawl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Keying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220

Contents
List of Tables
Table 1 Contacting Videonics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Table 2 Instruction Manual Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Table 3 Menu Access Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Table 4 Menu Navigation Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Table 5 Results of Roll/Crawl Speed Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Table 6 Roll & Crawl Speed Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Table 7 PowerScript Styles by Function Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Table 8 Play Mode and Edit Mode Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Table 9 Hot Border Page Navigation Control Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Table 10 Acceptable File Type Extensions for Graphic Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Table 11 Square Pixel Factors for NTSC and PAL Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Table 12 Keyboard Remapping Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Table 13 Common FTP Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Table 14 Menu Control Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Table 15 Original PowerScript Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Table 16 Accented and Special Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Table 17 PowerScript Graphic Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Table 18 PowerScript Test Pattern Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210

Contents
List of Figures
Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
PowerScript Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
PowerScript Rear Panel • PS4000S and PS4000SC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Connecting Keyboard and Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
PowerScript as a Stand-Alone / Live Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
PowerScript as a Primary Input Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
PowerScript Feeding a Switcher’s DSK (DownStream Key) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Using PowerScript’s Internal Key downstream from a Switcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
PowerScript in a Video Production, On-Line Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
PowerScript in Single-Monitor Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
PowerScript with a Single Monitor having Two Input Jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Cable Types and Jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Standard and Power Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Power Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
PowerScript Menu Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Examples of PowerScript Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Objects, Page Layers, and Stacking Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Placing Objects / CREATE Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Placing Objects / GRAPHICS Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Selecting Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Object Handles and Bounding Rectangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
SELECT Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Selecting Text in a Text Object . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
MODIFY Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
CLIP Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
ALIGN Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
FILL Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
SHADOW Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
OUTLINE Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
TEXT Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Using Word Wrap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
FONTS Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
PROJECT/PAGE Menu — Project-Related Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
PROJECT/PAGE Menu—Page-Related Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Transitions and Page Duration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
TRANSITIONS Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
TRANSITION EFFECTS Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Roll and Crawl Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Numeric Keypad Playback Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
SETUP Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
SETUP: DATE & TIME Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
SETUP: DISPLAY Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
SETUP: VIDEO Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
SETUP: STUDIO Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
SETUP: PC CARD Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

1
Introducing PowerScript
W elcome to PowerScript, and thank you for buying Videonics products. Whether you’re
an experienced video producer, or just getting started, you’ll find PowerScript easy-to-use
and extremely rich in features and technology.
This instruction manual helps you get started. It takes you step-by-step through the
installation of the equipment, contains a brief tutorial that introduces you to the basic
PowerScript features and functions, provides detailed instructions for using PowerScript
for more advanced applications, and contains a reference section explaining the various
menus and their options.
In addition to this instruction manual, PowerScript provides an on-line, context-sensitive
help facility. You can access the help facility while using PowerScript. The help system
provides brief reminders for using PowerScript functions. It does not replace this instruc-
tion manual, but rather complements it with brief ticklers to help you remember what a
particular function does and how to use it.
Videonics produces the highest quality products possible while also making them easy-
to-use. You should be able to find out just about everything you need to know about
PowerScript in this instruction manual. However, if you have any difficulties with your
equipment, our Technical Support staff is available to assist you. The following table con-
tains information for contacting Technical Support and other departments at Videonics.
This symbol appears
when help is available

Chapter 1Introducing PowerScript
2
Videonics offers a wide range of support options including telephone, Internet e-mail, a
World Wide Web site, a standard warranty, factory service, and expanded service plans.
Support options vary in different countries. Please check with your Videonics distributor
for information about local support options.
About List Servers
Videonics offers several list servers for users interested in video editing and post-produc-
tion. List Servers use ordinary e-mail to exchange information among subscribers. A List
Server relays all messages to all subscribers, allowing you to converse with hundreds of
others who share your interests. The Videonics-sponsored List Servers are free and only
Internet e-mail service is needed—Web or other Internet access is not required. For infor-
mation, send a message with subject HELP to [e-mail] ; or visit the
Web site referenced in the table above.
About
Customer-Extra
The Videonics Customer Extra page is available to PowerScript owners. It contains
upgrade information, tips for using PowerScript, and downloadable accessory software
(such as software for converting graphic file formats).
Table 1: Contacting Videonics
Location Address / Phone Number / URL
Corporate Headquarters Videonics, Inc.
1370 Dell Avenue
Campbell, CA 95008 USA
Main Telephone Number [phone]
Fax Number [phone]
World Wide Web http://www.videonics.com
General Information [email protected]
List Servers
(See “About List Servers” below)
http://www.videonics.com/
Videonics-Support.html#listserver
Customer-Extra
(See “About Customer-Extra” below)
http://www.videonics.com/
customer-extra/PowerScript/
FTP Site ftp://services.videonics.com
USA and CANADA ONLY
Technical Support [phone]
Technical Support e-mail [email protected]

Videonics PowerScript PowerScript Features
3
P OWER S CRIPT F EATURES
PowerScript is a video C haracter G enerator ( CG ) that uses the PostScript language to
image characters and artwork on the video screen. PowerScript generates high-quality
video suitable for broadcast and high-end productions. The unit includes an internal
keyer, which allows you to combine graphic and text objects with moving video without
the need of an external mixer or switcher. PowerScript also provides a key-out signal that
you can use with external switchers.
Defined Work
Components
PowerScript uses the concept of Projects, Pages, and Objects to help manage your work. A
project is any defined collection of work—such as title credits for a video production, or
text overlays for a specific video. Every project consists of one or more pages . Pages nor-
mally consist of one or more objects . One project page might contain, for example, a
movie title, another might contain a cast of characters, and yet another might contain
other movie credits. Any given page can contain hundreds of objects, and any given
project can contain numerous pages.
You can create pages that are larger than the screen on which they appear. This gives you
the ability to do rolls and crawls by scanning (or, scrolling) across the page.
Graphics You can create basic graphics (such as lines, rectangles, squares, ovals, and circles) using
the PowerScript menus. Graphics can use a full range of colors, transparency, and shadow
attributes.
If you have a computer platform, you can create EPS, PCX, JPEG, and GIF graphics using
various software applications.
Graphics can be input to PowerScript, combined with other graphics or text, and imaged
on a television screen.
Because PowerScript interprets the PostScript language, you can easily use clip art and
font collections in PowerScript productions. For detailed instructions and additional
information, see “Using Graphic Files” on page 134.
Objects The elements you use on-screen with PowerScript are called objects . Objects can be inde-
pendently positioned, deleted, altered, and managed on the screen. Types of objects
include text, basic graphics (such as rectangles and circles), imported graphic elements,
and clock elements (which show date and time).
Transitions PowerScript offers a wide variety of transitions (such as dissolves and wipes) that you can
use to artfully switch from one project page to another.
Independent or
Integrated
You can operate PowerScript as a stand-alone device, or you can integrate it with a com-
puter platform. In either case, you can generate graphics and characters using Power-
Script’s keyboard and/or mouse pointing device.
You can connect PowerScript to a Macintosh, Windows, UNIX, Amiga, and other com-
puter platforms. The connection can be made through a serial (RS-232) connection or an
Ethernet network.
With PowerScript Communicator you can easily control as many as 10 different
PowerScript units using a PC/Windows-based software application. See the PowerScript
Communicator manual for full details.

Chapter 1 Introducing PowerScript
4
G ETTING S TARTED
The PowerScript package contains the primary components you need to get started. How-
ever, because there are so many different ways in which you can set up your equipment,
it isn’t practical to include all of the various cables and connectors you might need for
your particular installation.
The remainder of this section describes many important PowerScript components. Please
read the material before beginning installation.
Checking PowerScript Package Contents
Take inventory of the PowerScript package to make sure it contains the items shown in
the following illustration.
Your package might contain different materials, depending on the country in which you
purchased PowerScript. If anything is missing, contact the retailer from which you pur-
chased PowerScript for any necessary replacements.
RegisteringYour
Purchase
Please take the time to register your PowerScript purchase. This ensures that we can con-
tact you when product upgrades become available or relay important news to you. You
can register on-line or use the registration card enclosed in your PowerScript package.
Note
Videonics does not sell its customer list, so your registration information remains
completely confidential at all times.
On-Line Registration To register on-line, use your Web Browser to access the Videonics Customer Extra site at
the following location:
http://www.videonics.com/customer-extra/PowerScript/
When you arrive at the Customer Extra Page, locate and click the Register link. This takes
you to the On-Line Registration page where you can fill out the necessary information
and submit the form.
Package Contents
Start Card
Keyboard
Template
Keyboard
2 angle brackets/screws
(for rack mounting)
Quick Reference
Card
Instruction
Manual
Power Cord
Mouse
PowerScript

Videonics PowerScript Identifying PowerScript Jacks and Panels
5
Identifying PowerScript Jacks and Panels
Examine the PowerScript front and rear panels and compare them to the illustrations
that follow to orient yourself to the controls and jacks.
Front Panel
Power Light —Lights when the unit is powered on.
Keyboard Jack —Accepts the Keytronics™ keyboard, which is included in your Power-
Script package. You can use most AT-type keyboards with PowerScript.
Serial Mouse Jack —Accepts a standard computer serial-type mouse, which is included in
your PowerScript package.
PC Card Slot —Accepts a Type I, II, or III PC Card. An identical PC Card slot is included
on the rear panel.
PC cards (sometimes called PCMCIA Cards) store fonts, graphics, projects, and other
items. You can insert two PC cards into PowerScript at the same time—but the com-
bined power supply current for the two cards cannot exceed 1.5 Amps. PC cards can
be obtained from many computer hardware outlets. You might want to purchase sev-
eral PC cards to store different projects and backup copies of your work.
Ethernet connections can be made using a PC Card Ethernet adapter. See Chapter 8,
PowerScript Computer Connections , for further information.
Rear Panel
Power Connector, Switch, and Fuse —The power cord (included in your package) con-
nects to the three-prong plug. Use the toggle switch to turn PowerScript on and off. The
fuses are located behind the fuse door.
PC Card Slot —Identical to the PC Card slot on the front panel.
RS-232 Jack —Use to connect a modem or computer to PowerScript. A cable (not
included) is required to make the connection. RS-232 connection is provided via a
female, 9-pin (DB-9) jack. See “Serial Cable Connection” on page 149 for additional
information.
Component IN / Component OUT — (These connectors are available only on the Pow-
erScript Model PS4000SC.) Includes inputs and outputs in analog component format—
YUV for PAL/625 models and Y, R-Y, B-Y for NTSC/525 models. NTSC/525 models can be
set to use Betacam or MII standard levels. See “Studio Model Settings” on page 124 for
more information.
GPI Jacks (2) —Connect a GPI ( G eneral P urpose I nterface) unit to either or both of these
jacks.
Use of GPI is optional. A contact closure on these inputs triggers a project. If you are
using an external device to trigger PowerScript, connect its GPI trigger output to one
of the GPI inputs. GP1 and GP2 perform identically. See “Using GPI” on page 115 for
more information.
Sync Loop —The IN and OUT jacks are wired together so that you can form a daisy chain.
The termination switch terminates the line with 75-ohms, for use when PowerScript is at
the end of sync loop.
Use of sync loop is optional. A reference, or sync, input is provided for connection to
your studio’s time base reference (house black). A sync output is also included and
the termination can be switched. See page 123 for further instructions.
SC Phase Adjustment —The Coarse SC adjustment varies SC delay over approximately a
360 degree range in steps of 32 degrees for NTSC/525 systems and 26 degrees for PAL/625
systems. The Fine adjustment is continuously variable over a +/- 30 degree range.

Chapter 1 Introducing PowerScript
6
AC INPUT
VOLTAGE
100-240 VAC
50-60 Hz
AV
PC CARD (PCMCIA)
TYPE I, II, III
SERIAL
(RS-232) GPI-1 GPI-2
YR-Y (U) B-Y (V) Y
IN OUT TERM FINE COARSE COMPOSITE Y/C COMPOSITE Y/C OUT OUT
R-Y (U) B-Y (V)
SYNC SC PHASE VIDEO IN VIDEO OUT PREVIEW KEY
COMPONENT IN COMPONENT OUT
RISK OF FIRE
REPLACE FUSE
AS MARKED
FUSE RATING
1A FOR 120 VAC
.5A FOR 220 VAC
Power
Light
Keyboard
Jack
Serial Mouse
Jack
PC Card Slot
Component IN Jacks Component OUT Jacks
PC Card Slot
Video IN Jacks Preview OUT
(Slot B:)
(Slot A:)
Power Connector
Switch
Fuse Box
RS-232 Jack GPI Jacks (2)
SYNC Loop
SC Phase Adjustment
Video OUT Jacks
Key OUT
uu
The Component IN Jacks and Component OUT Jacks are available only on the PowerScript Model PS4000SC
PowerScript Front Panel
PowerScript Rear Panel • PS4000S and PS4000SC

Videonics PowerScript Identifying PowerScript Jacks and Panels
7
VIDEO IN Jacks —Connect a video input device (such as a VTR) to either the composite
or Y/C jack.
If you plan to use PowerScript to key titles atop video (using the internal linear
keyer), connect a video source to one of the VIDEO IN jacks—composite or Y/C.
Switching between these jacks occurs automatically. That is, if you plug a device into
the Y/C jack, PowerScript automatically disables the composite jack.
VIDEO OUT Jacks —Connect a video output device (such as a monitor or VTR) to either
the composite or Y/C jack.
The device connected to the VIDEO OUT jack displays finished pages when you play
them. The device does not normally show pages as you create them, nor does it show
menus or the mouse cursor (see PREVIEW OUT below). The exception to this is that
you can use the same monitor as your preview and Video OUT monitor, in which
case menus, the mouse cursor, and work-in-progress does appear on this device (see
“Using PowerScript in Single-Monitor Mode” on page 24 for more information).
PREVIEW OUT —Connect the device you will use for previewing your work, such as a
video monitor. Use only a composite device.
All titles and graphics you create appear on the preview monitor. This monitor dis-
plays the menus, mouse cursor, and work-in-progress.
KEY OUT —For downstream key use.
Use of the KEY OUT jack is optional. A monochrome key signal, provided in compos-
ite video format, is used for downstream key applications in which keying is per-
formed by a switcher. When using this jack, create a connection between the KEY
OUT jack and the switcher’s keying input. Character fill is carried by the Video OUT
jack. See “DSK” on page 107 for further information.

Chapter 1 Introducing PowerScript
8
U SING THIS I NSTRUCTION M ANUAL
This PowerScript Instruction Manual helps you use PowerScript efficiently and produc-
tively. You can use it as a learning tool when you first begin using PowerScript, then sub-
sequently use it as a reference source when you need to do specific procedures.
Take a moment to understand the manual’s organization. This helps you quickly find
information you want when you need it.
Table 2: Instruction Manual Organization
Chapter Description of Content
Chapter 1, Introducing
PowerScript
Describes PowerScript features, front and rear panel
components, and manual organization
Chapter 2, Equipment Setups Discusses basic procedures you should complete
before setting up your equipment, ways to configure
the equipment, and related information.
Chapter 3
Tutorial
Contains a series of lessons designed to acquaint you
with basic PowerScript operations.
Chapter 4
Working with Menus
Instructions for working with the PowerScript menus
and their controls.
Chapter 5
Working with Objects
Explains how to work with PowerScript objects—the
basic building blocks for your productions.
Chapter 6
Using PowerScript
Step-by-step procedures for using the most common
PowerScript features.
Chapter 7
Advanced PowerScript Functions
Procedural instructions explaining less frequently
used PowerScript functions.
Chapter 8
PowerScript Computer
Connections
Explains how to set up and use PowerScript with a
computer platform, including serial, Internet, and
Ethernet connections and functions.
Chapter 9
PowerScript Reference
Brief descriptions of PowerScript menus and menu
options organized by menu.
Appendix A
PowerScript Fonts
Lists and provides samples of the PostScript fonts
provided with PowerScript
Appendix B
Using the PowerScript Mouse
and Keyboard
Basic instructions for using the PowerScript mouse
pointing device and keyboard.
Appendix C
PowerScript-Provided Graphic
Files
Describes the graphic files included with PowerScript.
These are illustration files and test patterns.
Appendix D
PowerScript Control Keys
Listings of all PowerScript control keys. Same as the
PowerScript Quick Reference Card, but with a bit
more information.
Appendix E
PowerScript Specifications
General specifications and features for the
PowerScript models.

Videonics PowerScript Conventions Used in this Instruction Manual
9
Conventions Used in this Instruction Manual
This manual uses various conventions to help you visually identify certain types of infor-
mation. Some of these conventions might not be clear to you until you begin the tutorial
lessons in a later chapter.
Special formatting identifies tips, notes, cautions, and warnings.
Tip
A tip provides suggestions and other information designed to help you use PowerScript in the
most efficient manner.
Note
A note highlights information deserving special attention.
CAUTION
A caution lets you know to proceed carefully before doing a procedure because
there is a risk of losing data or damaging your equipment.
WARNING!
A warning identifies procedures that could damage your equipment, your
data, or even yourself.
Menus PowerScript uses menus to provide access to its features and functions. PowerScript
menus work much like restaurant menus—you select the items (or, options) you want
from the menu. However, instead of one menu, PowerScript provides you with several
different ones as a way of organizing functions. In this manual, the names of menus
appear in UPPERCASE BOLDFACE type.
PowerScript provides two different types of menus—Standard menus and Power menus.
Standard menus appear on-screen as rather large rectangles. Power menus are smaller ver-
sions of the Standard menus and they normally appear at the outer edges of the screen.
Most Standard menus have a Power menu version. Due to their compact size and loca-
tion, you can leave some or all of the Power menus on-screen as you work, thus provid-
ing quick and easy access to PowerScript functions while consuming a minimum amount
of screen space. Most illustrations in this manual show the Standard versions of the
menus. See “Standard and Power Menus” on page 56 for details.
Restaurant menus contain names of food selections—PowerScript menus, however, con-
tain names of options. In this manual, option names appear in italics. You might, for
example, encounter a phrase such as “Select the Box option in the CREATE menu.”
The phrase means you should open the CREATEmenu, then select
the Box option. To select an option, you normally point to it with the
mouse pointer, then click the left-hand mouse button.
This is the Standardversion of the CREATEmenu—
This is the Powerversion.
The Standard and Power versions of the CREATEmenu contain the same options.
Not every Standard menu has a Power version.

Chapter 1 Introducing PowerScript
10
Control Keys PowerScript control keys provide shortcuts to menus, options, and other features. For
example, to access the Copy option on the CLIP menu, you normally display the menu,
then click the option. Using control keys, you can do the same task by typing a couple of
keys on the keyboard—much more efficient and considerably faster.
You enter control keys by pressing certain keys in combination with other keys. For
example, when you press and hold down the key labeled Ctrl, then type the letter C, it is
the same as displaying the CLIP menu and clicking the Copy option.
This manual identifies control key combinations by separating the keys with the plus (+)
symbol. For example, the Ctrl and C key combination above is expressed as Ctrl+C. Sim-
ilarly, a combination of three keys would be expressed as Ctrl+Shift+F1.
Some control keys do not actually include the Ctrl key—for example, entering Shift+Esc
closes all menus currently on the screen. These are still identified as control keys.
The PowerScript Quick Reference Card lists all available control keys. The keyboard
template (included in the PowerScript package) identifies most of the control keys and
can be placed directly on the keyboard for easy reference.
PowerScript also provides “key mapping” options for keyboards used in different coun-
tries. For example, if you are using a German keyboard, simply select that keyboard lay-
out from the PowerScript key mapping options. You can then use your keyboard in the
standard manner. See “Remapping the Keyboard” on page 144.
Enter Keys The PowerScript keyboard contains two separate Enter keys—one on the keypad and one
on the standard keyboard. Normally, you can use the keys interchangeably. When a dis-
tinction is necessary, this instruction manual refers to the Enter key on the standard key-
board as the Alpha Enter key, and refers to the Enter key on the keypad as the Numeric
Enter key.
CCtrl