20. Plots 377
20.5.5 Managing PixelMap Layer Content
A PixelMap layer is a programmable fixture that supplies media content to PixelMaps. When
a PixelMap layer fixture is added to a show a small collection of stock media content is also
added to the show's PixelMap Content Package. The PixelMap Content Package is shared
by all PixelMap layers in the show and is organized using a folder and file structure similar to
how many standalone media servers store content.
Adding custom content to the PixelMap Content Package is easy. In this section we will
review how to import media into the PixelMap Content Package, how to assign DMX values
to the folders and files in the PixelMap Content Package, which file types are supported for
import, and how to choose and optimize content to ensure smooth playback and effective
visual representation.
Importing Custom Media to the PixelMap Content Package
The PixelMap Content Package supports up to 255 folders which can contain up to 255 media
files each. All custom media added to the PixelMap Content Package is stored in the show
file and is included in show file backups.
To add custom media content to the PixelMap Content Package:
1. Put the custom content you wish to import into the show onto a USB Flash Drive.
2. Insert the USB Flash Drive into one of the console’s USB ports.
3. Open the shows window on the console (Press Se tup key on front panel and select
Shows from the main toolbar).
4. Select the PixelMap Content tab of the shows window. On the left hand side of the
window you will see a normal file browser where you can access files and folders on
both the internal hard drive as well as on external drives such as USB flash drives. On
the right hand side of the window is a browser that allows you to see the contents of the
PixelMap Content Package. (Note: If the PixelMap Content tab doesn't show up in the
shows window then you have not yet scheduled a PixelMap layer in your show and will
need to do so first).
5. Create a new folder in the PixelMap Content Package by clicking on the new folder icon
at the top of the window or by right clicking in the browser and selecting "new folder".
6. Give the folder a DMX address assignment by right clicking on the folder and selecting
"renumber". Enter a numeric value and confirm by pressing Enter.
7. Use the browser on the left hand side of the window to locate media stored on the
external USB flash drive that you inserted into the console in step 2.
8. Drag and drop the media files you wish to import from the USB flash drive into the folder
you created in step 6. Hold pig to select multiple files. You can also drag entire folders
of content from the USB Flash Drive to the PixelMap Content Package as long as the
folder you are importing does not contain sub-folders.
9. All files imported into the PixelMap Content Packages are automatically assigned a
DMX address. To manually change the DMX address assignment of a file in the
PixelMap Content Package right click on the file and select "renumber". Enter a
numeric value and confirm by pressing En ter.
Tip: If you wish to control auto-assigned DMX addresses during file import, simply prefix
the names of the folders and files you are importing with a three digit number that coincides
with the desired DMX address value. For example, if you import a file named “023
BigBird.png” it will automatically be assigned a DMX address value of 23.
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