MagicQ User Manual
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In addition, there is a Live Preview window, which shows the output of the media server, or the output of each of the layers. This
is transferred is real time from the media server – so that you can see exactly what the media server is playing. This is particularly
useful in situations with many media servers, or media servers that are remote from the control position.
Media Servers are normally connected via network rather than DMX - this enables MagicQ to communicate with the media
server to retrieve thumbnails and to show live previews. MagicQ uses a network protocol such as Art-Net, Pathport or ACN to
control the Media Server - this is set up in Setup, View DMX I/O. In addition MagicQ uses a network protocol such as CITP
MSEX or HMAP to communicate with the Media Server to retrieev thumbnails and live previews.
MagicQ supports many different types of Media Server including MagicHD - a free Media Player inbuilt into the MagicQ
software.
23.1
Patching Media Servers on MagicQ
Media servers generally consist of a number of layers of one or more types. Each type of layer has a different personality. Each
layer is treated as a different head on MagicQ with a different head number. To patch a media server each of the layers must be
patched in turn on asscending DMX addresses.
On MagicQ it is possible to patch the media server in one go by using the Choose DIM/MEDIA soft button. This gives a choice
of the media servers in their most common configurations. Patching using this method patches all the required layers of different
types and configures the media server settings for one media server all in one action.
If your media server is not in the list of media servers then you will need to patch the layers individually as you would for a
moving light. MagicQ includes demo show files for most common media servers – try loading these demo shows to see examples
of the patch required.
Each media server should have unique head numbers. The layers in the media server should have asscending head numbers.
23.2
Connecting via network
Connect the Media Server to MagicQ using a network cable.
Ensure that the Media server and the MagicQ system are using IP addresses in the same network range - for example if using
Art-Net then the media servers and MagicQ should all be on the 2.x.x.x or the 10.x.x.x network range.
To check the IP settings you can try and "ping" from MagicQ to the Media Server. On MagicQ keyboard type three dots followed
by the IP address to ping.
1. . . a . b. c . d
where a.b.c.d is the IP address of the Media Server
The ping should show a “Reply from 2.x.x.x”. If you do not get a reply then check the physical connection, check the configura-
tion of the network port on the media server and check there is no firewall software on the media server.
23.2.1
Setting up control of the Media Server
In Setup, View DMX I/O configure the MagicQ universe where the Media Server is patched. Set up the Output type to be the
appropriate protocol - e.g. Art-Net, Pathport or ACN.
Ensure that the Output Universe is set up to the same as the Media Server - e.g. if the Media Server is using Art-Net 0-4 then set
up the Output Universe on MagicQ to Art-Net and 4.
Enable the universe. The Media Server should now respond to commands from MagicQ.
