The best way to sync multiple S-Play’s to playback high universe count shows is to use a single ‘master’ controller to control all other S-Plays on the network.
This Master controller could be either a building controller, an S-Play or any other device that can send Triggers compatible with the S-Play. The S-Play can receive Art-Net, sACN, DMX, UDP, RS232, OSC, and Digital Input triggers to start and stop playlists.
Creating Cues
Creating a Static Cue:
To create a Static Cue:
- Use the Cue Library UI to create a cue on each S-Play in the correct universe range.
- Create a playlist for each Cue on each S-Play, making sure each is of an identical length.
Creating a Dynamic Cue:
To create a dynamic recording with a high universe count into multiple accounts, it’s recommended that a trigger is used to start and stop the recording.
- Define a Trigger on each S-Play.
- Navigate to Cue Library to record a Dynamic Cue with Recording on Trigger.
- Use the trigger to start and stop the recording from all S-Plays (using the same broadcast trigger over a network is an excellent way to factor in system latency without making adjustments later).
Playback
If the S-Play is to be used as the master controller, a Broadcast network Event would be created on this S-Play on a separate timeline, which all S-Plays awaiting the Start Trigger would receive. (Often, setting this to broadcast is most straightforward). Playback can be started on the Master controller using either schedules, Triggers from a remote system, or an Interface.
Alternatively, if connected to the internet but unable to physically connect the S-Plays on the same network, you can use the NTP clock to ensure all S-Plays have the same system time; Schedules can then be used to play all constituent parts of your show at the same time.
Adjustments
Depending on your network infrastructure, you may have to adjust playback time on the S-Plays to counteract network timing differences.
Tips:
- Ensure all S-Plays are running the same firmware version.
- Connect all S-Plays to the same network switch to minimise the delay that could be introduced by travelling through multiple network junctions.
- Ensure you are not blocking network Port 123 with your router to ensure the S-Play can access the NTP server.
Other Recommendations:
If creating tightly knitted media facades, it’s good practice to dedicate an S-Play per section of your installation vs randomly allocating universes. - This saves time trying to factor in any minute synchronisation differences in the playlist; any disparity is less noticeable.