Windows 7 - 64bit/32bit

Although 32 bit programs will run on 64 bit machines they must be installed properly, our original installer generation program was OK for Windows 98 but not 64 bit versions of Windows. I am currently testing a new installer and the first programs updated are CBServer and UR422Config

A side effect of the new installer is that it is no longer necessary to switch Windows7 32bit to XP Compatible mode to run the programs.

Please contact me if you need a CB Install program updated.

PD-1 and Protools

We are still having some problems with more that 48 tracks on Protools, it looks like it is a problem with a lack of buffering on Protools. I have modified the command interval to provide three options
[Shift}[MU]>Serial Out> Menu 25-Command Interval
1) Short
2) 1/2 Frame (Previously Long)
3) 1 frame

To try this software please visit the PD-1 Page on our website and download, currently you will need Windows to upload the software to the PD-1.

I am awaiting conformation that option 3) 1 Frame solves the problem and will update this post once I have it or if I have to further modify the software.

48 Track Limit
Earlier this year Protools were talking about increasing the number of record tracks that it could accept, the current limit is 48.  If someone who is using the latest software can try setting menu 22-Maximun Tracks per Cmd to 2=96 and let me know it will help!

CBHelp in Action - SRW-5800

This week I used CBHelp with Deutsche Telekom AG in Darmstadt, Germany, Dominic had reported problems with synchronising the Sony SRW-5800 with the RM-6. In order to look at the problem from my office I asked him to run CBServer and to connect with me via the Internet using CBHelp.

CBHelp is an implementation of ultravnc single click, their url is http://www.uvnc.com/addons/singleclick.html if you wish to make your own. CBHelp can be accessed from the help menu on CBServer, you will need to contact me before using it! The main advantage of CBHelp is that there is no security consideration for the customer, the call is initiated by the customer, it does not allow CB to access the customers system uninvited.

There were a few problems with installing and connecting CBServer with the RM-6 (Deutsche Telekom did not have our USB-422) and I had recently changed computer and needed to reconfigure the router. Once solved we connected, Using CBHelp I could control and view CBServer on their computer. I slaved the SRW-5800 to the Generator can could see the problem. A few clicks of the mouse later I had reconfigured the servo control of the SRW-5800 to use Programmable Play instead of Variable Play and it was possible to slave the SRW-5800.

Whist online I demonstrated to Dominic how to set in and out points and run a simple loop. It was very satisfying to be able to configure and demonstrate the system to the customer without spending a day and a large amount of money traveling to and from his location.

CBHelp used with CBServer or the SA-1 software is a good tool and often it is all that is required. This is not always the case, last year after spending several hours on CBHelp I flew to Kiev to visit the customer site and solve a problem, CBHelp allows me to make these trips when it is necessary and I am always willing to spend the time required.

I am currently experimenting with a cross platform support system for our new programs that run on Windows, Mac and Linux

Video Streamer 24fps

The Video Streamer has been in production for 24 years, it is the father or grandfather of most of the rack mount products that CB make. In the last month I have received several enquiries about using it with 24 frame video.

The 24 frame video is down converted to NTSC (29.97) video with 24fps timecode, this causes a problem with the Video streamer as it assumes that the video and timecode rates are the same and the wipes are about 1/2 second out.

Work arround
The current software has a correction factor that can be used to solve this problem. In the Unit config (Set then <- and -> together) you will find a parameter that is normally set to UiPE 00. On the system we checked this was adjusted to UiPE -14. The exact value will depend on the length of the wipe.

I will look into this problem and upgrade the software to allow for mixed frame and video standards. Once done I will anounce it on this blog.

VSLINK-2 and VSLINK-3
I have just spent three days checking and improving VSLink2, VSLink3 and the SR software to work with Xmc protocol for use with the  SR-424ADR and other systems. By connecting the VS-1 to a port on the SR424ADR VSLink can be used to download lists to the controller and streamer simultaneously. When using the system adjusting the record in point will adjust the associated wipe. A wipe can be added ant any point using scratch pad memory 9.

Linux, Mac and Windows beta version of CBServer2 now available

I have just put beta versions for Mac and Windows on the web site, you can access via Downloads and Manuals or directly using http://www.colinbroad.com/cbsoft/cbserver2/cbserver2.html. The Linux version has now been been added.

Unless licensed the program will only run for 30 minutes each time it is started, if you want to beta test the unit contact me for a license.

This will be the version that I will update, I welcome any comments and requests

CBServer2 - Windows Update

Today I updated the Windows version of CBServer2 on the colinbroad.com web site. I will update the Mac and Linux versions once we have made more tests. Currently only available by the following direct link - CBServer2

PD-1 - Protools Long Track Names

I recently visited Luiz Provin in Studio 4 at Shepperton Studios to update the Software in his PD-1. Luiz specialises in re-recording foreign language versions, he uses both the record and monitor sections of the PD-1 and often uses more than 8 stems with original guide track, M&E and multiple print masters.

Lois has used the PD-1 as the monitor controller for the last 4 years, this was his first software update, Lois has two main requests-

1) Increase the number of controlled tracks from 48 to 64
Version 2 of the software allows up to 64 tracks to be controlled on ProTools by sending two commands (ProTools has a 48 track command limit). Luiz uses ProTools 7.2 cs2 which I discovered that this requires a delay between the commands. Look for a software update in the future for this. Luiz now wants even more tracks, I am looking at the software to see if 96 tracks are possible!

2) Allow longer track names on ProTools
Lois had discovered that he could not use track names with more than 12 characters, the problem was that ProTools shortens long track names by removing spaces and punctuation. Using a space as the separator between Stem and Track names did not work ! The solution was simple, use '_' as the stem/track separator, for example 'DMU_Left ......' .