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EThe information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent acommitment on the part of ArKaos PRO S.A. No part of this publication may be copied,
reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose, without prior written
permission by ArKaos PRO S.A.
All product and company names are ™ or © trademarks of their respective owners.
© ArKaos PRO S.A. 2018. All rights reserved.

Table of Contents
ArKaos Software License Agreement .................................................1
Installation .............................................................................................5
Installing ArKaos GrandVJ – PC ............................................................. 5
Installing ArKaos GrandVJ – MAC .......................................................... 5

Registration ...........................................................................................6
The Activation Code ................................................................................. 6
Activating GrandVJ on your computer ................................................... 6
Activation Code (Online Method) .................................................................... 7
If you are a new ArKaos user .........................................................................................7
If you are adding a new license in your account ............................................................8
If you are activating a computer in an existing license...................................................8

Serial Key (offline method) ............................................................................. 8
Try GrandVJ / Try GrandVJ XT (demo mode) .............................................. 10

Deactivating GrandVJ on your computer ............................................. 10
Periodical validation .............................................................................. 11
Activation Token update ............................................................................... 11
Online validation ...........................................................................................................11
Offline validation ...........................................................................................................11
Ignoring the validation ..................................................................................................11

Activation Token expired .............................................................................. 12

Registration support .............................................................................. 12

Software updates ................................................................................13
Minor software updates ......................................................................... 13
Upgrades................................................................................................. 13
Upgrading from our online shop ................................................................... 13
Upgrading with an Upgrade Key ................................................................... 13

Introduction to the software ............................................................... 14
Basics ..................................................................................................... 14
Overview ................................................................................................. 14
Application modes ........................................................................................ 14
Synth Mode ...................................................................................................................14
Mixer Mode ...................................................................................................................14

Output modes .............................................................................................. 14
Instant Mode .................................................................................................................15
VideoMapper Mode (GrandVJ XT only) .......................................................................15

Terminology............................................................................................ 15

Interface walk-through ........................................................................16
Browser Panel ........................................................................................ 16
Browser preview..................................................................................... 17
Master Preview ....................................................................................... 17
Master Preview Toolbar ............................................................................... 18
Beat Synchronization and Autoplay .............................................................. 18
Beat Synchronization ....................................................................................................18
Autoplay ........................................................................................................................19

Beat and Autoplay Settings .......................................................................................... 19

Banks ...................................................................................................... 19
Parameter Panels ................................................................................... 20
Mixer Parameter panel (mixer mode only) ............................................ 21
Layer Element (mixer mode only) ......................................................... 21
Mixer element (mixer mode only) .......................................................... 22
Toolbar .................................................................................................... 22
Help Box.................................................................................................. 23

Using the application .......................................................................... 24
Application Modes ................................................................................. 24
Synth Mode .................................................................................................. 24
Mixer Mode................................................................................................... 24

Managing cells........................................................................................ 26
Basics........................................................................................................... 26
Triggering and Mapping Cells ....................................................................... 26
Latch and Hold (Synth mode) ....................................................................... 27
Cell parameters ............................................................................................ 27
Visual Tab ..................................................................................................................... 28
Effect Tab ..................................................................................................................... 29
Mixing Tab .................................................................................................................... 29
Position / Size Tab ....................................................................................................... 30

Transition Tab .............................................................................................. 31
Cell Parameter Mapping ............................................................................... 31
Cell Copy / Paste .......................................................................................... 31

Banks ...................................................................................................... 31
Bank Control................................................................................................. 32
Bank Operations ........................................................................................... 32

Layers (Mixer Mode) ............................................................................... 33
Layer Previews ............................................................................................. 33
Layer Parameters ......................................................................................... 33
Parameter Copy Modes ............................................................................................... 34

Layer control................................................................................................. 34
Locking Layer Parameters ........................................................................................... 34
Mapping Layer Parameters .......................................................................................... 34
Mapping Layer Selection .............................................................................................. 35

A/B Cross-fader (Mixer mode) ...................................................................... 36
Independent preview .................................................................................... 37
Mixer state saving......................................................................................... 37
Mixer pause mode preference ...................................................................... 37

Using a controller with GrandVJ ....................................................... 38
Mapping templates ................................................................................. 38
Using custom templates ............................................................................... 38

Controller Mapping ................................................................................ 38
The Mapping List .................................................................................... 39
Keyboard Mapping Mode ....................................................................... 39
MIDI Mapping Mode ................................................................................ 40
The MIDI Mapping Dialog ............................................................................. 40

OSC Mapping Mode ............................................................................... 41
Setting up OSC nodes.................................................................................. 41
OSC Mapping dialog .................................................................................... 42
Open Sound Control feedback ..................................................................... 42

Bi-directional controllers & MIDI feedback ........................................... 42
Dedicated mapping templates for specific controllers........................ 43
Akai controllers ............................................................................................ 43
Elation MIDIcon ............................................................................................ 43
Korg Nano.................................................................................................... 43
Livid Instruments Ohm64 and OhmRGB ...................................................... 43
AlphaSphere ................................................................................................ 44

Numark NuVJ Video Controller ............................................................. 44
Dedicated mapping templates for DJ-style controllers ....................... 44
American Audio VMS2 ................................................................................. 44
American Audio VMS4.1 .............................................................................. 44
Hercules DJ controllers ................................................................................ 45

MIDI reference for template mapping ................................................... 45
Introduction .................................................................................................. 45
GrandVJ Full Mixer Mode ............................................................................. 45
GrandVJ Selected Mixer Mode ..................................................................... 52

The preferences dialog .......................................................................60
General .................................................................................................... 60
Startup ......................................................................................................... 60
Engine ......................................................................................................... 60
Engine Accuracy ...........................................................................................................60
Timing Reference .........................................................................................................61

Synchronization ........................................................................................... 61

Display .................................................................................................... 62
Instant mode ................................................................................................ 62
Multi-Monitor support (in Windows) .............................................................. 63
VideoMapper mode (GrandVJ XT only) ........................................................ 64
Kling-Net (GrandVJ XT only) ........................................................................ 64
LEDMapper (GrandVJ XT only) .................................................................... 64

Keystoning.............................................................................................. 65
Audio ....................................................................................................... 65
ArKaos Connect ..................................................................................... 66
MIDI ......................................................................................................... 66
Open Sound Control Mapping (OSC) .................................................... 67
Performance ........................................................................................... 67
Advanced ................................................................................................ 68
Activation ................................................................................................ 69

Media Types .........................................................................................71
Video ....................................................................................................... 71
Alpha from source ........................................................................................ 71

Images ..................................................................................................... 71
Audio ....................................................................................................... 71

Generators .............................................................................................. 72
Effects ..................................................................................................... 72
Quartz Compositions (Mac Only) .......................................................... 72
Cameras / External Sources .................................................................. 72
Syphon (Mac only) ................................................................................. 72

ArKaos connect .................................................................................. 73
Timecode ............................................................................................. 74
TrackDJ ................................................................................................ 75
Ableton Link™ ...................................................................................... 77
Performance and setup considerations ............................................ 78
How to achieve best performances with the new engine .................... 78
Monitor Rate vs Movie Rate.......................................................................... 78
Hardware dependencies ............................................................................... 79
OS dependencies ......................................................................................... 79
Windows ....................................................................................................................... 79
Mac OSX ...................................................................................................................... 79

Frame blending and software GenLock ................................................ 79
Movie Compression ............................................................................... 79
Widescreen & Multiscreen Presentation .............................................. 80
Definitions............................................................................................... 80
Wide Screen ................................................................................................................. 80
Multi-screen .................................................................................................................. 81

Case Studies ................................................................................................ 81
Case 1: Dual Head Graphic Card ................................................................................ 81
Case 2: Dual Head Graphic Card + Single Head Graphic Card .................................. 81
Case 3: Dual Head Graphic Card + Additional Hardware ........................................... 81
Other Possible Combinations ....................................................................................... 81

Monitor Setup for Wide Screen or Multi-Screen Projection............................ 82
Monitor Setup under Windows 7, 8 and 10 .................................................................. 82
Monitor Setup under Mac OS X ................................................................................... 83

Soft-Edge ................................................................................................ 84
Introduction................................................................................................... 84
Soft-Edge in Instant Mode ............................................................................ 85
Soft-Edge in VideoMapper Mode .................................................................. 85

VideoMapper ....................................................................................... 87
Concept ................................................................................................... 87
Hardware setup ...................................................................................... 87
Mapping workflow overview .................................................................. 87
VideoMapper application ....................................................................... 88
Interface overview ........................................................................................ 88
Toolbar ......................................................................................................................... 88
Mapping setup and sources ......................................................................................... 89
Sources ........................................................................................................................ 89
Surface Editor ............................................................................................................... 89
Inspectors ..................................................................................................................... 89

Toolbar options............................................................................................. 89
Setting up displays ....................................................................................... 90

Grouping .......................................................................................................................90
Draft Displays ...............................................................................................................90
Going full screen ...........................................................................................................90
Editing Display Properties ............................................................................................91
Background Image .......................................................................................................91
Custom Canvas Size ....................................................................................................91
Pattern ..........................................................................................................................91

Display corrections ....................................................................................... 92
Geometric Correction ...................................................................................................92
Soft-Edge ......................................................................................................................93
Per Display Corrections ................................................................................................93

Setting up surfaces ...................................................................................... 94
Creating a surface ........................................................................................................94
Editing Surface Properties ............................................................................................94
Image Masks ................................................................................................................95
Mapping of Surfaces .....................................................................................................95

Visual Sources ....................................................................................... 96
Export and Import of Mapping Files ..................................................... 97
Key Bindings ................................................................................................ 97
Surface editor shortcut keys .........................................................................................97
Grid surface shortcut keys ............................................................................................97
Application shortcut Keys .............................................................................................97

Output Management ............................................................................... 98
DMX (MediaMaster Pro Fixture mode only feature) ....................................................98

Kling-Net Mapper ................................................................................99
Concepts ................................................................................................. 99
Hardware setup .................................................................................... 100
Mapping workflow overview ................................................................ 100
Kling-Net Mapper application .............................................................. 101
Overview .................................................................................................... 101
Connected Nodes ...................................................................................... 102
Connected Devices .................................................................................... 102
Mapped Objects ......................................................................................... 102
The canvas ................................................................................................ 102
Dividing and Splitting .................................................................................. 103
Dividing .......................................................................................................................103
Splitting .......................................................................................................................104

Output Selection ........................................................................................ 104
Test Pattern ................................................................................................................104
Screen Grabber ..........................................................................................................104
Application ..................................................................................................................104

Templates .................................................................................................. 105
Draft Devices ............................................................................................. 106
Preferences................................................................................................ 106
Pixel Perfect Mappings............................................................................... 106

How to Display LED mappings from the Application ........................ 106
While the Kling-Net Mapper is running. ......................................................................106
While Kling-Net Mapper is not running. ......................................................................107

LEDMapper ........................................................................................108
LEDMapper 3 Introduction................................................................... 109

Overview of the New Features .................................................................... 109
Concepts .................................................................................................... 109
The Integration of the LED Mapper with GrandVJ ....................................... 109
The integration of the LEDMapper with MediaMaster.................................. 110
Hardware and Network Setup with Art-Net Protocol.................................... 110
Fixture Node Discovery with ArtPoll and ArtReply ....................................... 110

LEDMapper 3 Interface......................................................................... 111
The Main LEDMapper Interface .................................................................. 111
The Fixture Library ..................................................................................... 112
Creating or modifying a LED Fixture ........................................................... 113
The DMX Merger ........................................................................................ 115
Parameters ................................................................................................................. 116

The Mapped Fixtures List ........................................................................... 117
Creating the LED mapping ......................................................................... 117
Selecting the Network Interface and the Sender Application ....................... 118
Editing the Device and DMX properties ...................................................... 119
Unicast versus Broadcast ........................................................................... 119
Auto-Unicast ............................................................................................... 120
Editing the Mapping Properties ................................................................... 121
Deleting a Device from the Mapping ........................................................... 121
Mapped Devices Contextual Menu ............................................................. 121
Mapping Resolution and Pixel Perfect Sampling ......................................... 122
Mapping Files ............................................................................................. 122
Mapping files .............................................................................................. 123
Import Fixtures ........................................................................................... 123

Syphon & Spout ................................................................................ 124
Inputs .................................................................................................... 124
Syphon Input .............................................................................................. 124
Spout Input ................................................................................................. 124

Outputs ................................................................................................. 124
Syphon Output ........................................................................................... 124
Spout Output .............................................................................................. 125
Legal Notices.............................................................................................. 125

ArKaos Mobile Apps ......................................................................... 126
Troubleshooting................................................................................ 128
Issues running GrandVJ ...................................................................... 128
Resetting Preferences ................................................................................ 128
Sending a Crash Report ............................................................................. 128

User Interface does not show properly .............................................. 128
Some dialogs, controls or texts appear wrongly cut - DPI Scaling ............... 128

Issues with LEDMapper ....................................................................... 129
Only one Art-Net application can run with full Art-Net compatibility ............. 129

Support, information and contact ................................................... 130
Solutions ............................................................................................... 130
Users discussion forum .............................................................................. 130
Knowledgebase articles .............................................................................. 130
Trouble ticket system .................................................................................. 130

Distributors and resellers ............................................................................ 130

Index ...................................................................................................131

ArKaos Software License Agreement
DO NOT INSTALL THIS SOFTWARE UNTIL YOU HAVE READ AND ACCEPTED ALL THE
TERMS OF THIS LICENSE. YOUR INSTALLATION OF THIS SOFTWARE WILL BE DEEMEDTO BE YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND YOUR WISH TO BECOME
THE LICENSEE OF THIS GRANDVJ SOFTWARE, WHICH ACCEPTANCE SHALL BIND
YOU AND ALL OF YOUR EMPLOYEES, AGENTS OR OTHER PARTIES WHO WILL USE
THIS SOFTWARE TO THE TERMS OF THE SAID LICENSE.
The ArKaos Corporation (S.A. ARKAOS, Drève Richelle 161 Building N, B-1410 WATERLOO- Belgium) is authorized to license the software of this installation (the GrandVJ Software) andby installing the licensee accepts a non-exclusive, non-transferable License to "Use" (ashereinafter defined) the GrandVJ Software on a single computer system ("The System"),subject to the terms and conditions contained herein.
This License entitles the Licensee to:
a.
b.
c.

use the one copy of the Software contained in this package on the System;
use the Software strictly in accordance with the provisions of Clause 2 of this License;
receive the benefit of the warranty specified herein;

1. Acceptance of this License
The terms and conditions of this License are deemed to be accepted by the parties as follows:a.
b.

by the Licensor upon dispatch/delivery by the Licensor of this package to the
Licensee, andby the Licensee by installing the software.

2. Use of the Software
For the purposes of this License "Use" shall mean and include:
a.

b.
c.

d.
e.
f.

g.

Utilizing the whole or any part of the Software on up to TWO Systems at a time.
Utilizing means loading, transferring, copying or transmitting the Software into orwithin the computer system for the processing of the system instructions orstatements contained in the Software.
Merging the whole or any part of the GrandVJ Software in machine-readable form
into another software program.
Copying the whole of the Software, which is in machine-readable form, into amachine readable copy for Use by the Licensee solely on the System and for the
purpose only of understanding the contents of such readable material and for backup, PROVIDED THAT no more than two (2) copies will be in existence under any
License at any one time without prior written consent from the Licensor.
Storing the whole or any part of the GrandVJ Software on the System or otherstorage unit or disk.
Utilizing (but not copying) the instructional and/or operational manuals relating to theGrandVJ Software.
ACTIVATION: With its purchase of the Software the Licensee will receive a unique
Activation Code. This Activation Code shall be used by the Licensee to register thesoftware license on www.arkaos.net. That online registration will allow the Licensee
to generate a SERIAL KEY that will unlock the protection in the Software on his
System.
SECOND ACTIVATION: For each Activation Code registered on the Licensee's
online account on www.arkaos.net, one extra SERIAL KEY will be available. This
extra SERIAL KEY is for the Licensee facility to activate the Software on an additional
System (i.e. backup computer, laptop, etc..) that belongs to the Licensee.
1h.

DEACTIVATION: The Licensee can revoke a Software activation from within the
Software on a System. This deactivation mechanism works through online verificationand is for the Licensee facility to use in case the Software must be activated onanother System due to: changing vital hardware parts of the System so that the Software protection
cannot identify it anymore replacing the System by a another one

3. Licensee's Undertakings
The Licensee undertakes:
a.

b.
c.

d.

e.

f.

Not to copy (other than for normal System operation and as specified in Clause 2
above), reproduce, translate (including electronic transfer), adapt, vary or modify the
Software nor to communicate the same to any third party without the Licensor's priorwritten consent.
To supervise and control Use of the GrandVJ Software in accordance with the termsof this License.
To ensure that its employees, agents and other parties who will use the GrandVJ
Software are notified of this License and the terms contained therein, and this prior to
the said employee, agent or party using the said Software.
To reproduce and include the copyright notice of the Licensor on all and any copies,
whether in whole or in part, in any form, including partial copies of modifications of theGrandVJ Software made herein.
Not to provide or otherwise make available the Software in whole or in part (including
where applicable, but not limited to, serial key, activation code, program listings,
object code and source code), in any form to any person other than the Licensee's
employees or as specified in (c) above without prior written consent from the
Licensor.
To refrain from amending the method of working of the GrandVJ Software by way ofreverse engineering, (necessary information to achieve the interoperability of theGrandVJ Software being available for the Licensee from the Licensor).

4. Warrantya.
b.

The Licensee acknowledges that software in general is not error-free and agrees thatthe existence of such errors shall not constitute a breach of this License.
In the event that the Licensee discovers a material error which substantially affects
the Licensee's use of the same and notifies the Licensor of the error within 90 days
from the date of dispatch of this License and the accompanying Software to the
Licensee (the "warranty period"), the Licensor shall at its sole discretion either refund
the License fee or use all reasonable endeavors to correct by patch or new release,also at its sole discretion, that part of the GrandVJ Software which does not socomply, PROVIDED THAT such non-compliance has not been caused by any
modification, variation or addition to the original GrandVJ Software not performed by
the Licensor or caused by its incorrect use, abuse or corruption or by use of theGrandVJ Software with other software or on equipment with which it is incompatible.

5. Interoperability
The Licensor undertakes to answer in the shortest possible reasonable time, requests for
information made by the Licensee, linked to the interoperability of the GrandVJ Software.
6. Source - Escrow
The Licensor has established certain source code deposit arrangements ("accord deséquestre") covering the source code and documentation for the "ArKaos software" with theAGENCY FOR THE PROTECTION OF PROGRAMS (The A.P.P), W.T.C 10, route del'Aéroport CH 125 Geneva. While this Agreement continues to exist, the Licensee will beentitled to receive the protection of such escrow arrangements in accordance with the rules
and provisions of the "Procedure for the Applications of the Article 6 of the APP - IDDN General Regulation ".
7. The Licensor's Liabilitya.

b.

The Licensor shall not be liable to the Licensee for any loss or damage whatsoever orhowsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with this License, theGrandVJ Software, its use (whether or not as defined in this License) or otherwise,
except to the extent that such liability may not be lawfully excluded.
Notwithstanding the generality of (a) above, the Licensor expressly excludes liability
for indirect, special, incidental or consequential loss or damage which may arise inrespect of the GrandVJ Software, its Use, (whether or not as defined in this License),
the System or in respect of other equipment or property, or for loss of profit, business,revenue, goodwill or anticipated savings.

8. Patents, Trademarks, Copyright and Intellectual Property Rights
a.

b.
c.

The Licensee acknowledges that any and all of the trademarks, trade names,
copyrights, patents and other intellectual property rights used or embodied in or inconnection with the GrandVJ Software shall be and remain the sole property of theLicensor. The Licensee shall not during or at any time after the expiry or terminationof this License in any way question or dispute the ownership by the Licensor of any
such rights.
The GrandVJ Software, all copies of the software and derivative works based upon
the GrandVJ Software or any part thereof remain the property of the Licensor.
The Licensee shall indemnify the Licensor fully against all liabilities, costs andexpenses which the Licensor may incur as a result of work done in accordance with
the Licensee's specifications involving infringement of any copyright patent or otherproprietary right.

9. Confidential Information
All information, data, drawings, specifications, documentation, software listings, source orobject code which the Licensor may have imparted and may from time to time impart to the
Licensee, relating to the GrandVJ Software, is proprietary and confidential. The Licensee
hereby agrees that it shall use the same solely in accordance with the provisions of this License
and that it shall not at any time during or after expiry or termination of this License, disclose
the same, whether directly or indirectly, to any third party without the Licensor's prior writtenconsent.
The Licensee further agrees that it shall not itself or through any subsidiary, agent or third party
modify, vary, enhance, copy, sell, lease, license, sub-license or otherwise deal in the GrandVJ
Software or any part or parts, variations, modifications, copies, releases, versions or
enhancements thereof or have any software or other program written or developed for itself
based on any confidential information supplied by the Licensor.
10. Force Majeure
The Licensor shall be under no liability to the Licensee in respect of anything which, apart fromthis provision, may constitute breach of this License arising by reason of force majeure,namely, circumstances beyond the control of the Licensor.

311. Assignment
The Licensee shall not assign or otherwise transfer all or any part of the GrandVJ Software or
this License without the prior written consent of the Licensor.
12. Waiver
Failure or neglect by either party to enforce at any time the provisions hereof shall not be
construed nor shall be deemed to be a waiver of that party's rights hereunder nor any way
affect the validity of the whole or any part of this License nor prejudice that party's rights to takesubsequent action.
13. Severability
In the event that any of these terms, conditions or provisions should turn out to be invalid,
unlawful or unenforceable to any extent, such term, condition or provision shall be withdrawn
from the remaining terms, conditions and provisions, which shall continue to be valid to thefullest extent permitted by law.
14. Law
The parties hereby agree that this License concluded between them and constituted on theseterms and conditions shall be interpreted in accordance with Belgian Law.
15. Video content provided with the Software
The video clips/loops that are provided with the Software are intended for demonstration
purpose and are subject to copyright by ArKaos or by respective copyright owners.
No resale, duplication for other than personal use, or transfer of ownership of the video
clips/loops is allowed.
Disclaimer:
THE VIDEO CLIPS / VIDEO LOOPS ARE PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND
CONTRIBUTORS "AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING,
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE
COPYRIGHT OWNER OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT,INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING,
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSSOF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND
ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT(INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE
OF THESE VIDEO CLIPS / VIDEO LOOPS, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGE.

Installation
Welcome to ArKaos GrandVJ.
GrandVJ is ArKaos’ state-of-the-art video mixing and VJ software, allowing unprecedented
control over visual performances.
You can use GrandVJ to perform with visuals just like you would be playing an instrument,
either using the computer keyboard, a MIDI controller or a MIDI sequencer. Alternatively, you
can also use GrandVJ as a sixteen channel video mixer, allowing full and precise control overeach individual channel.
Your audience won’t believe their eyes.

Installing ArKaos GrandVJ – PC
1.

To install the ArKaos GrandVJ software, insert the installation CD into yourcomputer’s CD-ROM drive.

2.

Double-click on the installation file, located in the root directory of the CD. This
will launch the InstallShield Wizard.

3.

Follow the on-screen instructions. Please note that the installation program willscan for available video components on your computer prior to installing thesoftware. If there are any components that are not up to date, please install them byclicking on their corresponding buttons before proceeding with the installation.

4.

Once the installation is complete, click “Finish”. The ArKaos GrandVJ software
is now ready to be used.

5.

Start GrandVJ by going to Start  ArKaos GrandVJ  ArKaos GrandVJ.

6.

Follow the registration procedure described further in this document.

Installing ArKaos GrandVJ – MAC
1.

To install the ArKaos GrandVJ software, insert the installation CD into yourcomputer’s CD-ROM drive.

2.

Double click on the ArKaos GrandVJ installer located on the CD.

3.

Follow the on-screen instructions.

4.

Once installation is complete, you will see a shortcut on the desktop. The application
will also appear in your Applications  ArKaos GrandVJ folder.

5.

Start GrandVJ.

6.

Follow the registration procedure described further in this document.

5

Registration
The Activation CodeYour software comes with an Activation Code. It is very important that you keep this code in asafe place since it is the proof that you own a license and it might be needed later to re-install
the software or obtain future upgrades.
If you have a software box, the Activation Code is printed on a sticker that is attached to theinstallation CD sleeve. If you have purchased a license online at www.arkaos.net, theActivation Code appears on the web site’s “My Licenses” page, it was also sent to your e-mailaddress.
Activation Codes for GrandVJ licenses start with GVJ, GrandVJ XT licenses start with GVX
and Upgrade Keys (Activation Codes for upgrades) start with GVU.
Here's an example of an Activation Code for GrandVJ: GVJ-ACBD-EFGH-HGFE-DBCA
Important:
The Activation Code is not the final code that will unlock the software on your computer. To
do so, you will need to obtain a Serial Key. The Serial Key is a .gvs file that unlocks
GrandVJ to run on a specific computer.

Activating GrandVJ on your computer
The registration process is fairly easy. You have the choice to either unlock GrandVJ directlyfrom within the application itself (if you are working on a computer that is connected to theInternet) or to use a Serial Key that was obtained from our web site.
In any case, your current Serial Keys are stored in your customer account online atwww.arkaos.net, so you can retrieve them i.e. if you need to re-install your computer.
When you start the application unregistered, the registration wizard appears.

From this dialog you can choose the registration method you would like to use or to continue
and try GrandVJ or GrandVJ XT in Demo mode.
For your information, your computer’s Machine ID is displayed at the bottom of the dialog; youwill only be able to unlock GrandVJ with a Serial Key that was generated for that Machine ID.
The Registration Wizard offers the following options:

Activation Code (Online Method)
Choose the first option, “Activation Code”, and press next if you would like to unlock thesoftware directly from the application, automatically through your Internet connection. This is
the easiest option but it requires that GrandVJ can communicate with our servers and is notblocked by a firewall or network policy restrictions.

Type your Activation Code first, each group of letters in its own text field.
In the next text fields you have to specify a valid e-mail address for your online customer
account. Once you have verified all the information (make sure the e-mail address is valid!),press next.
The application will try to communicate with our servers, register your details and obtain the
Serial Key for your computer, here is how it works:
If you are a new ArKaos user
If you don’t have a customer account yet, we will create a new one for you; your e-mail address
will be your login and you will receive a password by e-mail. Your software license will be boundto that new customer account.

7

If you are adding a new license in your accountIf you already have an ArKaos customer account and you want to add a new software license,
just use your registered e-mail address, the new GrandVJ license will be added to yourcustomer account with any other existing software license.
If you are activating a computer in an existing license
If you already have an ArKaos customer account with a GrandVJ license registered and you
want to activate a second computer with that license, just use your registered e-mail addressand your existing GrandVJ Activation Code.

Note:
If the registration is successful, it will display a confirmation message and your software
will be activated automatically.

Important:
If you have purchased your software box from the ArKaos web site, you already have acustomer account with us; you can use the same e-mail address to add your license to youraccount (Case 2 above). If you have purchased a software license from our web site, youalready have a customer account with us and your Activation Code is already registered inyour customer account; you can use the same e-mail address and Activation Code toactivate GrandVJ on your computer with a new Serial Key from that license (Case 3 above).

Serial Key (offline method)
Choose this option to activate the software manually by locating a previously downloaded
Serial Key file. This is useful if for any reason you couldn’t go through the activation processfrom within the software, you can register your Activation Code manually on the ArKaos web
site and download a Serial Key from your customer account to use it to activate GrandVJ.

This option is also useful if the computer where you want to unlock GrandVJ is not connectedto the Internet. In that case, you will need to surf to our web site with another computer andgenerate a valid Serial Key for the computer where you want to use GrandVJ. Remember,
every computer has a different Machine ID and a Serial Key will only unlock GrandVJ on thecomputer with the corresponding Machine ID.
Important:
Before surfing to our web site to obtain a Serial Key, make sure to take note of thecomputer's Machine ID (displayed at the bottom of the registration window) and have your
Activation Code ready.
With a web browser, go to http://www.arkaos.net/register/ and follow the instructions there tocreate a new customer account (if you don’t have one already) and obtain a Serial Key for yourMachine ID code.
After completing the registration process online you can download your Serial Key from yourcustomer account’s “My Licenses” page on our web site, it’s a file named “Serial.gvs”. Transfer
it to the computer where you wish to activate GrandVJ i.e. by using a USB key then, fromGrandVJ’ Serial Key screen (below), browse to the “Serial.gvs” file.

When you press next, GrandVJ will be activated. The “Serial.gvs” file has been copied into thesoftware, so you can remove the USB key or delete the “Serial.gvs” file from your computer.
Once you have registered your software license on our web site and activated your firstcomputer, you can use your Activation Code again to obtain another Serial Key and activate asecond computer by proceeding as previously explained.
Your online customer account at www.arkaos.net is also the place where you can change yourpassword, update your customer profile and of course retrieve your current Serial Keys,
generate a new Serial Key or upgrade your license whenever we release a new version.

9

Important:
One software license allows you to activate GrandVJ on up to two of your own computers(i.e. your main computer and a backup, or your workstation and your laptop, or yourproduction computer and your show computer, etc. Please refer to the ArKaos Software
License Agreement at the beginning of this document for more information).

Try GrandVJ / Try GrandVJ XT (demo mode)
Choose this option to start the software in Demo mode, you will not be able to save your workand a “DEMO” banner will randomly appear in the output and in the master preview.
Important:
Apart from the restrictions above, the Demo mode is fully functional. All the effects andparameters are available and there is no time limitation. If you need to decide if a computeris capable of running GrandVJ fluently, you can take advantage of the demo mode, it’s notnecessary to activate the software on the system unless you decide to use it for good.

Deactivating GrandVJ on your computer
Since your software license is personal and only allows using two computers at the same time,
you should always keep strict control of your activations. To do so, there are some cases where
you might want to deactivate GrandVJ on a computer. For example, if you want to move
GrandVJ to a new computer, if you want to use GrandVJ temporarily on a rented machine oron a computer pre-installed in a venue, if you intend to sell your computer etc.
You cannot deactivate a computer from your customer account on the ArKaos web site. The
only way to deactivate GrandVJ on a computer is from the “Activation” tab in the “Preferences”
window, or from the “File…” menu in GrandVJ, on the computer you want to deactivate. The
computer must be connected to the Internet.

Once you press the “Deactivate..” button, GrandVJ will connect to our servers and remove its
Serial Key in your customer account. The software will then confirm successful deactivationand quit. If you restart GrandVJ on that computer you will get the software registration dialog
box and the option to register GrandVJ or use it in Demo mode.

Periodical validation
For the activation / deactivation system to work, the software needs to check periodically with
our servers that the computer is still authorized to run the software. Each time this happens,
our servers update your GrandVJ Serial Key with a new Activation Token.
Important:
If your computer is frequently connected to the Internet while you run GrandVJ, thisverification will happen silently and you will not notice anything.

Activation Token update
If during a few weeks you never connect your computer to the Internet while you use GrandVJ,
it will start asking you to update your Activation Token.

The Activation Token message window offers the following options:
Online validation
If you click “Connect”: GrandVJ will try to contact our servers and update your Activation
Token automatically. Make sure you connect your computer to the Internet before choosing
this option.
Offline validation
If you click “Browse…”: you will be invited to browse your computer for a new Serial Key (i.e.
a key that you have obtained from the ArKaos web site on another computer).
Each time you go to your customer account and re-download an existing Serial Key (.gvs file),
it actually resets the Activation Token in that key.
Using that newly downloaded Serial Key in GrandVJ will have the same effect as above; it will
update your Activation Token and give you a few more weeks of GrandVJ “offline” use.
Ignoring the validation
If you click “Ignore”: GrandVJ will start normally, however you will get this message each time
you start the software. To avoid this, simply use one of the options above. Once you startseeing this message you have approximately one month to update your Activation Token
before GrandVJ switches to Demo mode.
11

Activation Token expired
GrandVJ only performs the periodical validation while it is running; if you have not used
GrandVJ at all during several months, your Activation Token might have totally expired before
the software had a chance to warn you.
If this happens, you will receive the above warning message when you launch GrandVJ but
the software will immediately switch to Demo mode if you press the “Ignore” button.

You will have to connect your computer to the Internet or re-download the Serial Key to unlock
GrandVJ on the computer.

Registration support
It’s important to us that legit users can use the software they have purchased; therefore we
provide priority support for problems related to software registration.
In order to get back to you with a solution to software registration problems in a timely manner,
we have made it easy for you to send us all the necessary information related to your software
license: from the “Activation” tab in the “Preferences” window you can click the button “Copysupport info to clipboard”, you can then paste the copied information in your message when
you contact our support team (also see chapter “Support, information and contact” for yoursupport options).

Software updates
Minor software updates
We frequently release free software updates to fix software bugs, add new MIDI controller
templates or even some new features, these are called “minor updates”. To benefit from these
updates, no license upgrade is required; you just have to download the new software installerfrom our web site and install it on your computer, it will use your previous registration
information.
If you are connected to the Internet, the application will inform you at startup if a new version
is available. You can also subscribe to our periodical newsletter and get notified when there isa software update: https://www.arkaos.net/newsletter/subscribe

UpgradesWhen we release a “major update” with important changes such as a new software interface,
new advanced features or extensions we generally charge for an upgrade fee to funddevelopment and require that you get new license codes from your customer account to unlock
the new version.
It also works the same way if you want to upgrade to a superior license version such as fromGrandVJ to GrandVJ XT.

Upgrading from our online shop
When an upgrade is available for one of the software licenses you own, you will be notified inyour customer account on the ArKaos web site at https://www.arkaos.net/user. From there,
select which upgrade you would like to purchase and proceed to checkout on our online store.

Upgrading with an Upgrade Key
If you have bought an Upgrade Pack from a reseller, you have received an installer CD and an
Upgrade Key. You can install the new software version from the CD - or download the latest
one from our web site - then you can use the Upgrade Key in the software registration wizard
or in the from the “Activation” tab in the “Preferences” window of GrandVJ.
You can also use your Upgrade Key on the ArKaos web site at http://www.arkaos.net/register/.
You will be asked to log in and then the web site will check if your customer account contains
a license which can be upgraded with your key (i.e. the previous software version).
In both cases, when you successfully end the process, your new software license will beavailable in your customer account on the “My Licenses” page so you can obtain a Serial Key
from it and unlock the new software version on your computer.
Your previous software license (the one you just upgraded) will still be visible in your customer
account but you won’t be able to obtain any Serial Key from it anymore.

13

Introduction to the software
BasicsGrandVJ is an application that allows you to seamlessly integrate real-time audiovisual mixing
with any type of performance situation. Serving up to 16 layers of video and boasting a very
wide array of effects and control parameters, it is fully controllable via MIDI, computer
keyboards or external sequencers.
GrandVJ is designed to work with a multi video-output computer setup. The main video output
being used to display the user-interface and the previews, while the next video outputs will
send the full resolution images to external hardware displays such as projectors, plasma
screens, LED walls, video mixers, etc.

Overview
The software interface consists in one main window displaying all of the information needed
during a performance. It can show the 16 individual layer previews as well as the master
preview (the image which is sent to the fullscreen video-outputs) and a parameter panel withsettings for each layer.
Parameters can either be modified through the user-interface, from the computer keyboard, a
MIDI controller or an OSC controller.
When you first start the software, the fullscreen output is disabled by default. If you want tosend the fullscreen output to the computer’s secondary video-outputs, activate fullscreen either
by selecting View Toggle Fullscreen or by pressing Ctrl+F on Windows / Cmd+F on Mac.
If you don’t have a proper dual output setup, the full screen will be activated on the main screen,replacing the software interface. To exit full screen mode, press Ctrl+F / Cmd+F again.

Application modes
Depending on how you want to mix your visuals in GrandVJ, you can chose between two
different modes. For more information about Application modes, see page 14 “Application
Modes”.
Synth Mode
This is where you play visuals like you would play an instrument. You define cells and theirproperties and you “stack” cells on top each other by pressing simultaneous keys on thecomputer keyboard/MIDI controller.
Mixer Mode
This is where you can access the sixteen individual layers and control them individually. In thismode, GrandVJ becomes a full-featured sixteen layers software video mixer.

Output modes
Output modes define how / where GrandVJ is configured to output its visuals. Output modes
are independent from the application modes, they work in both Synth mode and Mixer mode.
You will find more information about Output modes at page 62 “Display”.

Instant Mode
In Instant mode, GrandVJ directly outputs the mix to a set of displays with the same resolution.
The software considers this set as a single output.
VideoMapper Mode (GrandVJ XT only)
When configured to run in VideoMapper mode, GrandVJ XT will send the output from eachlayer to virtual “surfaces” as previously defined in the VideoMapper extension. One output candisplay a full screen visual or a composition of several mapped visuals.

Terminology
Visuals: Visual is a generic term encompassing everything that produces frames: this can beimages, videos, camera streaming, generators or flash animations.
Effects: Effects are real-time processors that allow you to alter visuals. The complete collectionof available effects can be found in the Effects tab of the browser panel.
Generators: Generators are sound controlled graphical elements. They react to the soundinput from your sound card and are great to provided sound automated textures
Cells: Cells are placeholders to store a given combination of visuals / effect / transparency /copy mode / position combination. When you 'trigger' a cell, you send the content of the cell to
the graphic engine. In synth mode, triggering cells stacks them on top of each other. In mixer
mode, triggering a cell will send it to the currently selected layer.
Banks: Banks are combination of cells forming a mini library. There are two sets of 16 banks.
The first bank set is laid out according to a matrix and referred to as the 'matrix bank set'. The
second is shaped as a MIDI keyboard layout and is referred to as the 'keyboard bank set'. The
matrix bank size can be changed to match any controller layout you would be using.
Layers: Layers represent stacks in the visual pipeline. Each layer has a set of properties
matching the cell properties: one visual, one effect, transparency, copy modes, chroma/luma
keying, position etc... GrandVJ is capable of displaying up to 16 layers. In synth mode, layers
are assigned automatically depending on the way you trigger cells and theirforeground/background property. In mixer mode, you have access to all the layer properties
individually.
Mapping: Mappings represent a way to “connect” an element from the software to a control
device (MIDI controllers, MIDI sequencers or the computer keyboard). You can map the matrix
bank cell triggers, control the layer/cell properties, as well as some of the general controls of
the software.
Project: A project is a collection of banks and cell definitions which are stored in a project filefor later use.
Previews: Allow you to preview the content of a layer or the main output. The main preview
window is always displayed and shows what is sent to the main output. In mixer mode,
individual layer previews are also available.
Transition: Transitions are special effects that provide a smooth change between triggered
cells or decks. The complete collection of available transitions can be found in the transition
tab of the browser panel.
Display: Displays are the devices that are connected to the computer graphical card(s) using
DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort or VGA connectors.
Output: An output represents the destination of a video mix. While VideoMapper mode allows
the use of multiple different outputs, Instant mode only allows a single one.
15

Interface walk-throughThis section describes the different application panels and their functionality. Depending on
the application mode you are using (synth or mixer), not all panels may be available.
Specifically, in synth mode, the Mixer panel is not available.

Note:
Most panels are resizable to accommodate various screen resolutions and the software
will remember different configurations for the synth and mixer mode. If you have enoughresolution, you can unwrap the tabs of the parameter panel and the browser for example.

Browser Panel
The left side of the application is dedicated to thebrowser section. The browser section contains six tabs
with the following items:
 The file browser allows you to browse the filesystem of your computer and drag and drop files
to a cell, to the visual library or to the layer
previews (in mixer mode).
 The effect browser allows you to browse theavailable effects. Effects are sorted according tocategories. The browser allows you to drag anddrop effects to a cell or directly to a layer preview(in mixer mode).
 The transition list allows you to browse theavailable transitions. Transitions are sorted
according to categories. The browser allows you to drag and drop Transitions to a cell(in synth mode) or in the Transition parameter panel (in mixer mode).

 The source browser allows you to browse visual elements; these include generators,
flash texts, and cameras available on the system. The source browser allows you toselect a source and drag and drop it to a cell or a layer preview (mixer mode only).
 The visual library contains the list of all the visuals that have been loaded in the session,no matter if it they're currently assigned to a cell or not. You can drag and drop a libraryelement to a cell or to a layer preview (mixer mode only). The content of the visuallibrary is saved with the project and restored when the project is loaded.
 If you load a lot of videos, they will keep accumulating in the visual library. To get rid ofvideos that are neither running nor associated to a cell, select the 'purge visual' entry
from the edit menu
 The mapping list provides a summary of activated MIDI and keyboard mappings. It also
provides additional options not available through direct mapping, such as setting andtype of controller (for example, normal/incremental).

Browser preview
The browser preview panel allows to preview files,
effects, transitions, sources and visuals from thebrowser section.
It will help you to decide which visual, effect,transition, etc. you will use before applying it to a cellin GrandVJ.
By default “Auto Preview” is enabled, thus when an
item is selected in the browser section it willautomatically try to preview this item.
The following controls are available for the preview: Start/pause button
 Stop button Audio mute button
 Seek bar
The purpose of the browser preview is to give quick preview of the different items listed in yourbrowser panel. Therefore the preview will automatically stop when the browser section or thepreview panel itself is out of focus. This allows saving computer processing for the full-screen
outputs of GrandVJ.

Master Preview
The master preview shows what is sent to thecurrently selected output of the software.
In mixer mode, when assigning layers to either Aor B, you can use the master preview to display
the mixer’s output or to preview only the deck A or
B.
For example, let’s say you are outputting thecontent of deck A (by setting the cross-fader all
the way to the left).
If you toggle the preview to deck B, you can now set it up without interrupting the main output.
When you are satisfied by what is on deck B, flip back the preview to the main output (pressing
B again) and use the cross-fader to go smoothly from A to B.
17

In Synth mode, the master preview displays the end result of the layer stack. What you see iswhat is sent to the full screen output(s).
In VideoMapper mode, since there can be multiple outputs, the master preview of the Mixer
mode displays the final mix corresponding to the selected layer stack. In Synth mode, theMaster Preview refers to the selected output, which can be either a single surface or a group.
Refer to chapter 0“VideoMapper” for more information about the VideoMapper.

Master Preview Toolbar
The first two rotary buttons control the brightness and the contrast of theoutput.

Those two buttons are for the Beat Synchronization. The first one
displays the current tempo in BPM (Beats Per Minute) and can also be
used to tap the tempo in Manual Beat mode. The second button is used
to start and stop the Beat. When the Beat is toggled on, the Beat Timewill be displayed in the application toolbar.
This button toggles Autoplay feature on and off. Visuals from the active
bank will automatically get started every few beats. This feature will onlychange visuals if the Beat has been started.
This button opens the “Beat and Autoplay Settings” window to configure
those two features.

Beat Synchronization and Autoplay
Beat Synchronization
Playback of visuals, generators and Autoplay feature can all be synchronized on the beat of amusic. This Beat Synchronization can be done using different techniques and requires twoparts: the Tempo or BPM (Beats per Minutes), and the Beat Start so that visuals and music allplay aligned on the beat.
The different sources to define the BPM are:
 Audio Beat Detection to deduce BPM from an audio source.
 Manual Beat Detection to deduce the BPM by taping the tempo.
 TrackDJ (through Art-Net) to detect BPM and beats from DJ software or controllers.
 Ableton Link™ to detect the BPM from other music software running on the network
The Start of the first beat is given by:
 In Audio or Manual Beat Detection the user must press the “Start Beat” button.
 With Ableton Link™ or TrackDJ the Beat will automatically start to synchronize on
remote sources.
When the Beat is started, the Beat Time will automatically be displayed in the application
toolbar. The displayed format is:
BEAT: [Measure].[Beat].[16th]

For instance for the default 4/4 time signature in music, a Measure (or Bar) is subdivided infour Beats, and a Beat is subdivided in four 16th of a Measure.
Autoplay
The Autoplay automatically triggers a next visual in a bank after a given number of beats.
Visuals are either played sequentially or in a random order. If the Beat has not been started,
then the Autoplay will do nothing. The Autoplay can be activated and deactivated with thetoggle button in the Master Preview Toolbar. Autoplay plays either the visuals stored in thecurrent bank or assigned on the Synthesizer.
Beat and Autoplay Settings
The “Beat and Autoplay Setting” button in the Master Preview toolbar lets you configure theBeat Synchronization and the Autoplay features.

Beat Settings:
 Source: The source of the Tempo in BPM.
 Beats per Measure: Indicates how many beats arein a Measure.
Autoplay Settings:
 Sequential / Random: Defines if the next visual in
Autoplay should be the next one in the bank or arandom one.
 Change after N Beats: Indicates to change visual
after so many beats.
 Play on Layer: Indicates that the next visual shouldbe played on the chosen layer.

Banks
There are two sets of banks (or banksets). One is matrix-shaped, the other one is in the shapeof a MIDI keyboard.

19

Each bankset contains 32 banks, arranged in tabs. Of those 32, only one is 'active' at a time.
The active bank is the bank whose cells will be triggered when you press a keyboard or MIDI
controller key. The active bank is marked with a small dot sign in its tab right before its name.
Each bank contains a certain number of cells containing a visual, an effect and various mixing
parameters. On the matrix banks, cells can be triggered using one of three methods: Mouse,
Keyboard or MIDI. The keyboard banks are only triggered from a predefined MIDI scheme
corresponding to a piano keyboard.
The number of cells (horizontally/vertically) in the matrix bank set is user-definable but is thesame across all banks.

Parameter Panels

The parameter panels allows you to edit cell or layer parameters. In synth mode, only the cellparameters will be accessible.
In mixer mode, both cell parameters (for cue editing) and layer parameters (to update one of
the running layers) will be accessible.
The Transition panel is only available in synth mode (cf 3.6 for transitions in mixer mode).
The parameter panel also allows you to set up the MIDI mapping of either cell parameters(synth mode only) or layer (mixer mode only).

Mixer Parameter panel (mixer mode only)
When you edit a mixer’s output element (byclicking its “Edit” button in the mixer), the mixer
parameter panel replaces the standard
parameter panel.
The Transition tab lets you set control thecurrent transition and prepare up to 10
transition presets.
In VideoMapper mode, the Output tab lets you
select which outputs the visual mixing
produced by the related layers will be renderedon.

Layer Element (mixer mode only)
4In mixer mode, the layer preview panel allows
you to preview the layer content. Layers areorganized from the bottom up and each layer
can be controlled independently.
A layer element is composed by the following
items, from left to right:
 A button to map the layer selection anddisplay the layer, if it is running.
 An ‘A’ button to assign the layer to deck A.
 A preview of the layer.
 A ‘B’ button to assign the layer to deck B.
 A transparency slider.
 A button to pause/restart the layer.
 A button to clear the layer.
 An Edit button to edit the layer’s properties
in the Parameter panel.

21

Mixer element (mixer mode only)
In mixer mode, a group of layers is surmounted by a mixer element, which controls thetransition between A & B decks. In VideoMapper mode, the mixer element sends the result tothe selected output.
The mixer element is composed by the following elements, from left to right:
 A button to remove the mixer element.
 A button to automate towards deck A.
 A cross-fader slider to control the transition between deck A & B.
 A button to automate towards deck B.
 A menu to select the outputs the mixing will be sent to.
 An Edit button to edit the mixer’s properties in the Mixer Parameter panel.

Toolbar
The toolbar provides a series of buttons and displays with the following functionality:
Switches to mixer or synth mode

Latch / Hold (synth mode only)

Kill all (stops all running layers)
Master blackout (switch off the full screen output but not thepreview)
Activates / deactivates full screen
Audio input meter + gain control
Audio output meter + volume control

Highlights in blue to show MIDI, OSC, Connect VST plug-in, ArtNet or Kling-Net activity
Shows timecode received from external sources
Monitors GrandVJ’s GPU and CPU framerate

Shows / Hide the browser and the matrix & keyboard bank panels
Launches respectively the VideoMapper (VideoMapper mode
only), the LED Mapper (with XT license only) or the Kling-Net
Mapper (with XT license only).

Three information sources share the same place in the toolbar.
The display of Timecode, Beat and Track name can be switchedby clicking in the area or right-clicking to display a context menu
with the three options.

Help Box
The help box is located under the browser section in the Help tab and displays contextual
information about the UI element over which the mouse is hovering.

23

Using the application
Application Modes
As we mentioned earlier, GrandVJ provides two very distinct modes of operation. It canfunction as a visual instrument/performance tool or as a video-mixer. It is important to grasp
the difference between these modes in order to fully take advantage of them.
Internally, GrandVJ allows for up to 16 layers of stacked video. In synth mode, layer assignmentis done automatically depending on the order of triggering and the priority setting of the cell. In
mixer mode, the user controls the layer content directly, providing a 16 channel video mixer.

Synth ModeIn this mode, each cell triggered is, by default, stacked “on top” of the previous ones in thegraphic pipeline. A cell stays active from the moment it is triggered until it is released.
Cells are linked directly to the graphic pipeline, meaning that if you modify any parameter of acell running in the engine, it will be reported directly to the graphic pipeline. For this reason, in
synth mode, you can map cell parameters to controllers. You could, for example, map the'transparency' setting of a cell to a MIDI controller slider and bring it from invisible to visible
once it's been triggered.
It is also possible to assign a ‘priority’ value to cells. The priority has three values: foreground,background and normal. If the cell is assigned a background priority, it will always be 'stacked'
under normal cells. Alternatively, if the cell is assigned a foreground priority, it will always be
stacked on top of the others. This is handy, for example, if you want to have a logo or message
continuously running above the rest while you're playing: simply put the cell in foreground andit will stay on top, no matter what other cells you trigger.
In VideoMapper mode, each output displays the composition of the different playing cells thatare assigned to it.

Mixer Mode
Mixer mode works very much like a video mixer. The main difference from the synth mode isthat you can decide which layer to send a cell to. Also, once a cell has been triggered on alayer, the layer runs independently from the cell.
Contrary to synth mode, modifying cell properties in mixer mode won't affect any layer settings.
You can, however, act directly on all the layer parameters. To fade one layer out, you simply
select it and use the parameter panel to slowly change its transparency.
Once a cell is triggered on a layer, it will run continuously, even when you release the cell's
key. To stop a visual from running on a layer, simply press the stop button next to the layer
preview.
In this mode, there is always one “selected” layer. The selected layer is the layer which will
receive any triggered cell that’s not assigned to a particular layer. The currently selected layer
can be changed by clicking on any layer’s index or preview.
Selected layers are highlighted in orange.

You can set cells to be triggered directly to a
specified layer rather than to the one currently
selected.

This is allows you to pre-configure specific movies, masks or effects to be sent directly to one
layer (the topmost for example) without having to switch layers. This setting is available inthe visual tab and is only available for cells.
As we just explained, in mixer mode, you can still modify cell parameters but these will only be
active when the cell is triggered. For this reason, cell parameters cannot be mapped in mixer
mode. You can only map layer parameters.
In addition to triggering cells on a layer, you can drag and drop visuals and effects directly on
the layer preview.

In instant mode, the layers of GrandVJ display
a unique mixer.
In VideoMapper mode, GrandVJ lets you
insert additional mixers in the layer stack.
Therefore every consecutive layer thatare under that mixer will be mixed
together and displayed on the selected
outputs.
In GrandVJ, each Mixer has two decks. By pressing the 'A' or 'B' button on each side of thelayer preview, you can assign each layer to either the 'A' or 'B' deck. This makes the software
run two separate scene renderings, one being the combination of A and unassigned layers,
and the other the combination of B and unassigned layers. The two separated renderings are
finally mixed using the selected transition effect that’s controlled with the cross-fader.
When the cross fader is all the way to the left (on the A side), layers assigned to 'A' will be fully
visible while layers assigned to 'B' will be invisible. On the other hand, when the cross-fader is
all the way to the right, all layer assigned to B will be fully visible while layers associated to A
will be hidden.
You can also achieve an automatic transition between A and B scenes by using the A and B
buttons that are located respectively on the left and on the right side of the cross- fader.
The automatic fade time, as well as parameter of the selected transition preset, can be
configured by deploying the cross- fader control panel as shown on the image on the left.

25

Managing cells
BasicsCells are the foundation of GrandVJ. Cells work like “cues”
where you setup a combination of a visual and/or an effectready to be triggered at any time.
To assign a visual to a cell, simply browse your file system
for any movie or picture and drag and drop it to the cell of
your choice.
You can achieve this either from GrandVJ’s integrated
browser or from your operating system's Finder / Explorer.

Note to PC users:
By default, when running in full screen, GrandVJ uses a special DirectX mode called“exclusive mode”. The exclusive mode is optimal in terms of performances but has one
drawback: if you activate any other application, full screen mode will quit. This prevents you
from using the Windows Explorer to drag and drop elements while running in fullscreen. If
you wish to use the Explorer (or other applications) while running GrandVJ in fullscreen,
go to the Preferences dialog and remove the “force resolution” option (see the ‘Preferences
Dialog’ section later in this document).
Using this technique, you can start building collections of cells that you want to use during yourperformance.
In order to organize your cells, you have two sets of 32 banks: the matrix bankset and the
keyboard bankset.
The matrix banks can be mapped to any keyboard/MIDI controllers while the keyboard banks
are pre-assigned to MIDI notes and cannot be triggered from the keyboard.

Triggering and Mapping Cells
Once you have a set of cells containing visuals and/or effects, you can trigger them so thatthey 'play' in the engine. Triggering cells in synth mode and in mixer mode is quite different. In
synth mode, a cell stays active until you release the corresponding key. In mixer mode, a cellis “copied” to a mixing layer and will continuously play until you either trigger another cell onthat layer or decide to stop it manually (see above for more description of the two modes)
There are different ways to trigger a cell: using the mouse: simply click on the cell.
 using the computer keyboard: if a cell is mapped to a keyboard key (the keyboard
shortcut is shown on the top right corner of the cell), simply depress the correspondingkey.
 using a MIDI controller: if your cell is mapped to a MIDI controller note, you cantrigger it by just pressing the corresponding key on the controller.
 using an OSC controller: if your cell is mapped to a OSC message, you can trigger it
by just pressing the corresponding key on the controller.
 using a MIDI sequencer: If you cell is mapped to a MIDI note, you can trigger it fromthe sequencer using ArKaos Connect, Rewire or simply MIDI.

If you don't have any mapping set up (on the matrix bank) you can very easily define a new
mapping by toggling the application in 'mapping' mode. Note that the mapping is the sameacross all banks.
If the mapping for the top left cell is 'A' it will be 'A' for all banks from 1 to 32. Cells are always
triggered from the active bank, designated by a red tab.

Latch and Hold (Synth mode)
The latch and hold buttons on the tool bar add flexibility to triggering cells in synth mode.
Normally, a cell runs as long as the corresponding keyboard/MIDI key is held down. If latch isactivated, triggering a cell will work in a toggling fashion. The first time you trigger the cell, it isactivated, the second time it is deactivated. The hold button can be used to 'hold' all runningcells, meaning that once the cells have been triggered, you can release the corresponding
key(s) and the cells will continue to run, until you retrigger the cells.

Cell parameters
Together with the visual and effect assigned to a cell, you can also define a whole set ofparameters that will influence the way your visual is displayed. All of the parameters arecontained in the parameter panel and are grouped in four tabs: Visual, Effects, Mixing andPosition/Size.

Note that if your screen is big enough, you can undock the tabs and to see all four tab contents
at the same time as shown above.
To edit the parameters of a cell, click on the edit button in the bottom right corner of the cell.
You can right click on the cell as well. The cell will have a blue outline to show it is currently
edited. The parameter panels are blue as well when a cell is edited.

27

Visual Tab
The visual tab controls what visual is assigned to the cell and how it will be played.
 The visual thumbnail shows thevisual assigned to the cell. If you wish,
you can directly drag and drop a visualfrom the file browser n the thumbnail
rather than on the cell itself.
 The two arrows on each side of thecell allow you to browse through all theavailable visuals. This includes any
visuals already opened in the project(and listed in the 'Visuals' browser), as
well as cameras and generators. Use
the left arrow to go to the previous
visual and the right one to go to thenext one.
 The Audio gain of each video placed on a cell can be controlled using a dedicatedslider that is in the Visual parameters panel when editing the corresponding cell.
 Play modes define how the visual will be played back. The modes include, in order:
forward loop, backward loop, forward once, backward once, ping-pong, start frame, end
frame, play once forward and freeze, play once backward and freeze, random jump,
beat synchronization and timecode synchronization.
 The Speed setting allows you to control playback speed: The center position is 0% (still),
all the way to the right is forward at 400% (4 times faster than nominal playback) and all
the way to the left is backward at 400%. Note that, like most controls in GrandVJ, you
can reset the speed to its default value (nominal playback) by right clicking the control
and selecting 'default value'. You can also reset any slider to its default value by using
Ctrl+Click [PC] / Alt+Click [Mac].
 The Pause button lets you to pause the visual playback.
 The Beat setting in Beat Synchronization
mode lets you define how many Beatscorrespond to the duration of your video
loop or the segment defined by the Loop
Begin and the Loop End points. If this is set
to 4 the video loop will be played over 4
Beats. This setting replaces Speed setting
in Beat Synchronization mode.
 The Segment widget allows you to define a subset of a movie. The start and end point
define which frames will be used for the actual playback region of the movie. Note thatit's very handy to setup the playback mode to either 'start frame' or 'end frame' whensetting up the segment since it will continuously display the reference point you modify.
 The two Scratch widgets let you control the sensitivity of the scratch and the scratch
itself. The scratch widget should be mapped to a MIDI cc that sends circular values. You
can also use one that is incremental but in this case you have to check the “circular”
checkbox when editing the MIDI mapping on this widget (right-click → “MIDIMapping...”).
 The Text setting is only for flash animations that support text replacement. If this field isactive, it means you can enter any text to be displayed when playing the flash file.
 The Timecode offset setting is used to set an offset between the timecode received andthe time used to move the playback cursor in the video. The timecode format must be
used such as hh:mm:ss:ff (hours:minutes:seconds:frame)
 The Priority setting is only available in synth mode (see earlier in this document for a
description of the synth & mixer mode). If the priority is set 'background', the cell will be
triggered “under” already running visuals, if it is set to “foreground”, it will run on top ofcells that have either a regular or background priority.
 Layer setting in mixer mode, you can set cells tobe triggered directly to a specified layer rather
than the one that is selected. This is allows you to pre-configure movies, masks oreffects to be sent directly to one layer (the topmost for example) without having to switch
layers.
Effect Tab
The effect tab shows the cell effect and effect parameters.
Just as the visuals, you can directly drag an effect fromthe effect browser and drop it on the effect thumbnail.
 You can also browse the effects using thenext/previous arrows located alongside theeffect thumbnail.
 Each effect can have up to 4 parameters. The
parameters and their values are displayed next
to the effect thumbnail.

Mixing Tab
The mixing tab controls how the cells are “composited” with the underlying layers.
 The transparency setting controls how thevisual will be mixed with the underlying layer. If
the transparency is set to zero, the visual will becompletely invisible. If it is set to the maximum
and no copy/mask mode is selected, the visual
will be opaque, possibly hiding them completely.
Changing the transparency allows you to do fadeins/fade outs.
 The copy modes express how pixels from thecell are going to be combined with the ones of
the underlying layers. In the default mode, pixel
colors are mixed together, with a blending value
depending on the transparency, like a traditional mixer. GrandVJ also allows you to use
other ways to combine the pixels. Most of them represent traditional blend modes foundin popular graphics editing software and also described on Wikipedia:29https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blend_modes Min / Max Luminosity: the pixel will take the color of the pixel with the lowest / highest
luminosity value.
 The masking modes are used for luminance/chrominance masking. Masking allows
you to 'remove' part of the visual based on either the brightness (luminance keying) orcolor (chrominance keying). Each mode needs the definition of a 'filter' that express
which values are let through and which values are not. Depending on whether you
choose 'pass' or 'reject' filters, the filter definition will be used to either keep or reject
pixels.
Here's the example of a chrominance filter
definition:
The color bar allows you to define the center color around which the filter will becomputed. Click and drag inside it to change the center/reference color. The top handles
specify the width of the color range. The larger it is, the more colors will bepassed/rejected. The bottom handles defines the slope or 'smoothness' of the filter. The
larger it is, the smoother the transition gradient from passed to rejected colors will be.
 The color settings can be used to change the tint of the visual. Each of the R,G,B
sliders remove a certain amount of that component from the original visual.
 The preset button (down arrow) allows you to quickly select a combination of maskmode, copy mode and color settings from a list of presets.
Position / Size Tab
The position/size tab specifies how the visual will be positioned on the screen.
 The position setting x / y moves the visual
across the screen. The z position acts like azoom.
 The scale setting alters the size of thevisual on the screen.
 The rotation parameters are used to
specify a 3D rotation of the object on which
the visual is mapped. Next to each axis slide
is a button which specifies whether therotation value is an absolute value or acontinuous rotation speed.
 The shape controls map the visual on
various 3D shapes: you can select between
plane, cube or sphere.
 The tiling parameter specifies how many times the visual is to be tiled (repeated) on
the 3D shape.
 The preset menu (down arrow) selects predefined combinations for the position/size
parameters.

Transition Tab
In Synth mode, the transition tab is only available
when editing a cell. The transition tab shows thecell’s transition and parameters that’s used whenstarting and stopping a cell.
Just as for the visuals, you can directly drag atransition from the transition browser and drop it on
the transition thumbnail.
 You can also browse the transitions using thenext/previous arrows located alongside thetransition thumbnail.
 Each transition can have up to 4 parameters.
The parameters and their values are
displayed next to the transition thumbnail.

Cell Parameter Mapping
In synth mode only, most cell parameters can be mapped. To map any parameter to either acomputer keyboard key or MIDI controller, simply toggle the application in MIDI/Keyboard
mapping mode; select the control to map and move the desired controller.
Note that in mixer mode, the cells parameters are merely 'copied' to a running layer and there
is no way to map them to remote control. The live controls in mixer mode are assigned to layer
parameters (see further).
All controls can also be reset to their default values by right-clicking on the control and selecting'default value' from the pop-up menu.

Cell Copy / Paste
In addition to building cells from scratch, there are ways that you can copy content or cellparameters to other cells:
Dragging one cell to another cell will duplicate all the settings from the source cell to the target
cell.
Right-clicking on a cell allows you to select copy/cut/paste the cell content from/to the
clipboard. It will also allow you to clear the cell completely or to remove its effect or visual.
Please note that since right-clicking a cell is also used to select it for edition, you need to holdthe right click for a little while before the menu shows up.
Alternatively, you can also select a cell and select copy/cut/paste from the menu or use the
keyboard shortcut.

Banks
As seen previously, banks are collections of cells. There are two groups of banks (or banksets): one is shaped like a piano keyboard (and is pre-assigned to MIDI notes) and the otherone is in the form of a matrix.
The matrix bankset is the only one that can be mapped. The number of row/column in thematrix is also user-configurable by right-clicking in the gray area of the bank and selecting “set31matrix size”. The size of the matrix will be changed across all banks. Alternatively, you can also
set the matrix size by selecting the menu entry Options  Set Matrix Size...”Bank Control
In each bank set, there is always one active bank. The
active bank is designated with a red indicator in its tab:Whenever you trigger a cell from the computer keyboard or a MIDI controller, it is ALWAYS in
the active bank that the cell is triggered. All banks share the same trigger mapping settings.
To change the active bank, you can left-click its tab with the mouse or trigger the change witha controller. To display a bank without making it active, simply right-click its tab with the mouse.
Note:
In Synth mode, triggering a cell in a new active bank will stop all cells which were runningin the previous active bank. To define which controllers will be used to control the active
bank selection, simply switch the application to either Keyboard, or MIDI or OSC mapping
mode using the options menu.
You will notice that next to the bank, a special bank-mapping panel appears.
This panel provides several ways to control the active bank in each bankset:
 The slider allows a continuous controller to be used to smoothlybrowse iterate across all banks.
 The two arrows allow you to map to controllers/keys to next/previous
bank in the bank set.
 The 16 to 32 numbers gives the possibility to map a key or acontroller to directly select one of the 3216 banks.

Bank Operations
A context menu provides usual copy / cut / paste as well as rename / import / export / clear
operations. To open the context menu, right click in the area below the bank tab.
You can export a bank's content to a file and re-import it later. This feature allows you to create
a lot of banks according to different themes and load them in your live project as you needthem. You can also rename your banks to better organize them.
Keep in mind however, that loading a lot of video might slow down your system, so it's a goodidea to use the “purge visual” entry in the edit menu to get rid of unused videos taking
unnecessary resources.
Also, importing banks won't change the size of the matrix layout. If you rely on this feature, try
to always use the same configuration.

Layers (Mixer Mode)
Layer previews are only visible in mixer mode. As we said earlier, mixer mode works differently
from the synth mode. In mixer mode, rather than acting on cell parameters, you act directly on
the layer parameters. There are sixteen layers available at all times and all layers are shownin the layer preview panel.

Layer Previews
The layer previews display the state of the different
layers, along with a few controls. Each layer has, inorder from left to right:
 A layer index number used for selection
 A / B buttons to render the layer in a specificdeck A layer preview, showing the visual running on
the layer A transparency slider, allowing direct controlof the layer's transparency
 A play / pause button allowing you to
temporarily pause the layer and restart it. Whenpaused, the layer will not be displayed.
 A stop button to clear the layer
 An edit button to show the layer’s parameter in the parameter panel A running indicator
You can right click on a layer preview to show a contextual menu which allows you to remove
the visual or the effect from the layer.
Layers previews can also be dragged and dropped back onto cell, creating a cue with thecurrent layer settings.

Layer Parameters
In mixer mode, there is always one layer that is selected. The selected layer is the one that will
receive cells that are triggered. (Unless of course you have set a target layer)
Once a cell has been triggered on a layer, the layer runs independently from it. This means
that, to the contrary of the synth mode, once a cell has been 'sent' on a layer, changing the cellparameters won't affect the running layer. You can, however, directly edit the layer parameters.
To do so, simply select a layer and the parameter panel will turn Orange. It will display thelayer parameters instead of the cells parameters, which are blue.
It's important to understand at this point that in mixer mode, the same parameter panel can beused to edit either cells (Blue) or layer (Orange) parameters, depending on which one was last
selected. Right click on a cell or left click on the small pen icon will Edit a cell and you will see
the cell's background outline turn blue, showing it's the cell parameters that are being edited.
33

Layer parameters are the same as the cell parameters except that what relates to Layers isshown in orange and what relates to cells is shown in blue, this is made to avoid the confusion
when editing the parameters.
Parameter Copy Modes
In mixer mode, when you trigger a cell, the parameters of the cell (transparency, speed, copy
modes, etc.) are copied to the layer if the corresponding copy modes are active.
Copy the effect parameters when triggering a cell.
Copy the mixing parameters when triggering a cell.
Copy the position parameters when triggering a cell.
Also when you edit parameters of a visual in a layer, they can be copied back to the source
cell if the fourth copy mode with a link symbol is active. Be careful since the original parametersof the cell will be silently overwritten without any confirmation dialog. This copy mode allows
you to tweak cell parameters while seeing a live output on the layer.
Copy layer changes automatically back to original cell.

Layer control
Locking Layer Parameters
If you can now see which parameters will be copied to the layer at a glance, you can also
depress these buttons to lock some of the layer parameters so they won't be transmitted to thelayer when you trigger a cell. For example, if you set up a transparency setting on the layer,
you don't want the transparency setting of the cell to alter the layer.
Mapping Layer Parameters
As for the cell parameters in synth mode, you can map all of the layer parameters through MIDI
/ OSC. Simply toggle the application in MIDI / OSC mapping mode, select the parameter tocontrol and move the MIDI / OSC controller knob you would like to assign to it.
GrandVJ provides two different modes to control the layer parameters:
 In the default mode, all layers have independently assignable parameters. This meansthat you can for example define a separate controller for the red balance on Layer 1, 2,
3… etc. This scheme works quite well if you have a controller that is large or allows you
to easily change presets on the fly.
 The other “Map Selected Layer” mode allows you to define a 'template' of controllers thatwill always act on the selected layer. In this mode, if you assign the red balance to CC 3,
moving CC 3 will always affect the red balance of the selected layer. This makes it
easier to control a large set of parameters from a small amount of knobs.
You switch between the two modes by selecting the menu entry Options  Map Selected
Layer.
Note that even in the “Map Selected Layer” mode, you still can access the individualtransparency controls on the layer preview panel and map them to separate controllers.

Mapping Layer Selection
There are a number of possible ways to control layer selection. When you toggle the applicationin MIDI/Keyboard mapping, a new panel appears on top of the layer previews:

 The slider allows you to assign a continuous controller to the layer selection.
 The two arrow shaped buttons allow mapping a control for next and previous layer.
 The “A” and “B” buttons are used to map the A/B deck assignment.
 The play/pause and “X” buttons allow respectively pausing or stopping the selectedchannel.

35

A/B Cross-fader (Mixer mode)
In mixer mode, GrandVJ now has the possibilityof assigning each layer to either the 'A' or 'B' deck.
This is done by pressing the 'A' or 'B' buttons oneach side from the layer preview.
Therefore, the software will run two separate
scene renderings, one being the combination of A
and unassigned layers, and the other the
combination of B and unassigned layers.
The two separated renderings are finally mixedusing the selected transition effect that’scontrolled using the cross-fader.
When the cross-fader is all the way to the left (onthe A side), layers assigned to 'A' will be fully
visible while layers assigned to 'B' will be invisible.
On the other hand, when the cross-fader is all theway to the right, all layer assigned to B will be fully
visible while layers associated to A will be hidden.
You can also achieve an automatic transition between A and B scenes by using the A and B
buttons that are located respectively on the left and on the right side of the cross-fader.
Each mixer element has its own set of transitions, cross-fader and automatic fade buttons.

The automatic fade time, as well as parameter of the selected transition preset, can be
configured in the Transition tab, which appears when you click on the “Edit” button next to the
output selector.
In VideoMapper mode, GrandVJ allows you tocreate additional mixer elements, each controllingthe mixing of the layers that are under it.
On top of the layers stack lays an “insert
mixer” button and a global cross-fader
that let you control all the mixers’ at once:
More importantly, you can select which outputs
the mixer renders to, enabling you to display
different video mixes on different displays with thesame machine.
The master preview will display the mixer that
corresponds to the selected layer.

Note:
If several Mixers would render to the same output, the mixer that’s the highest in the layer
stack would be the only one rendering into that output.

Independent preview
When assigning layers to either A or B, you have the possibility to use the master preview todisplay the output but also to preview only the layers assigned to either deck A or B.
Suppose you are outputting the content of deck A (by setting the cross fader all the way to theleft). If you toggle the preview to deck B, you can now set it up without interrupting the main
output. When you are satisfied by what is on deck B, flip back the preview to the main output(pressing B again) and use the cross fader to go smoothly from A to B.

Mixer state saving
The state of the mixer is now fully saved and restored with projects.
You can activate/deactivate this feature from the Preferences Dialog, in the “Advanced” tab.

Mixer pause mode preferenceThis preference (also located in the “Advanced” tab) lets you choose between two different
pause modes when in Mixer mode: “Cut” (default, for compatibility reasons): the layer
disappears from the Mixer
 “Freeze”: the layer keeps showing in the Mixer

37

Using a controller with GrandVJ
Mapping templates
Controller mapping is an important part of GrandVJ. Together with external MIDI gear, MIDI
sequencers, OSC or even the computer keyboard, these are all key elements to create yourperfect live setup.
GrandVJ has built-in templates for most popular MIDI
controllers of the market. These should give you anidea of the interaction between the software and the
MIDI controllers.
When you start GrandVJ and select “New”, you will beprompted to select a controller template to start with.
For each controller, you will have the choice between
Mixer mode and Synth mode.
Note that you can switch the mode later in GrandVJ,
however, since the controller is slightly differently
mapped, some of the functions might not seem to beavailable.

Using custom templates
In GrandVJ, it is easy to create, modify or share templates with other users.
To create your own template, map and prepare all
your MIDI/OSC/Keyboard assignment and then selectthe menu File Save mapping template.
In the dialog, you can choose to either create a new
template (in which case you will need to specify atemplate name and a description) or update an
existing template.
To load or manage your template set, choose themenu File Load Mapping Template. This will open
the “Choose mapping template” dialog. Then simply
select a template from the list and click the Ok button.
Alternatively, you can also reset all templates to thefactory settings or import a template that has been
given to you as .vjt file.
You can also right click on any entry to delete it, edit its name/description or export the template
definition to a separate .vjt file.

Controller Mapping
Mapping a new controller is fairly easy and can be achieved in two ways:
For each element you wish to map in GrandVJ, you can right click on it and choose 'MIDI
mapping', ‘OSC mapping’ or 'Keyboard mapping', depending on the mapping mode
corresponding to your controller. A dialog will pop up, allowing you to edit the mappingparameters for that particular element. You can also clear a control mapping by right-clicking
it and selecting “clear mappings”.
If you plan to map of a lot of controls, you can switch GrandVJ to mapping mode from the menu
Options  Edit MIDI Mapping (or OSC or Keyboard, depending on the mapping mode
corresponding to your controller). Once there, all controls that can be mapped are highlighted
in green (MIDI), pink (OSC) or blue (Keyboard).
For each element you map, you will select a control, cell or parameter in GrandVJ and thenmove the corresponding control (knob, fader, button, etc.) on your device. Once you are done,
exit mapping mode and you will be able to control and trigger parameters directly from thecontroller.
All the existing mappings are listed in the mapping list, which you can access from “mappings”
tab of the browser section. You can edit the mappings and delete them directly from there.
Selecting a control on the interface will also select the corresponding mapping in the browser.

The Mapping List
Through the previous chapters, we've seen that it isfairly easy to map MIDI, OSC or keyboard control tomost software parameters.
The 'mappings' tab in the browser section lists all theexisting mappings.
If you right-click an entry in the mappings lists you can
edit it or delete it.
If you choose to edit it (which you can achieve by
double-clicking as well), it will open the Mapping
Definition dialog.

Keyboard Mapping Mode
To define/change a keyboard mapping of any controllable
element in GrandVJ, the easiest is to toggle the applicationin keyboard mapping mode. To do so, go to the menu
Options  Edit Keyboard Mapping. All controllable
elements will turn blue.
You can edit the mapping of any element by clicking it (itwill be surrounded by a black outline) and pressing the
keyboard key you would like to assign to it. Exit the
keyboard mapping edit mode by selecting Options  Edit
Keyboard Mapping again.

39

MIDI Mapping Mode
To define/change the MIDI mapping of any controllable
element, you follow a similar procedure. Toggle theapplication by selecting Options  Edit MIDI Mapping,select a control and activate the key/controller you would
like to assign to it. All controllable elements will turn green
when editing MIDI mapping.
Additionally, you can edit mappings in the mapping browser
window or by right-clicking any controllable element.

The MIDI Mapping Dialog
The dialog allows you to manually setup the controller
type and MIDI channel but also gives you a few more
options: The Incremental toggle specifies that thecontroller is sending incremental values. There
are a couple of variants in the MIDI specification
so you will have to choose the type ofincremental controller: (2 complement, Signed
bit, Signed bit 2, Bin Offset)
 The Circular toggle specifies you want the
mapping to work in a wrap-around fashion; forexample, if you go lower than the minimum value
it goes back to the maximum value and viceversa.
 The High Resolution toggle is for controllers withvalues over 14 bits instead of 7 bits.
 The Sensitivity is used to scale the increment
steps.
 The Min. & Max. values can be used to restrict the range of the controlled element. If
you put a maximum value lower than the minimum value, the control mapping will be
inverted.
Note:
You can also directly access this dialog by right-clicking on any assignable control andselect “edit keyboard mapping...” or “edit MIDI mapping...”

OSC Mapping Mode
In addition to MIDI and Keyboard control, GrandVJ can be controlled through OpenSound Control (or OSC). OSC is a networked protocol (so it works through regular wired
or wireless tcp/ip) and a lot more precise than MIDI. There is a lot of applications that
support this OSC, especially in the mobile field on devices like the iPhone.
To define/change the OSC mapping of any controllable
element, you follow a similar procedure. Toggle theapplication by selecting Options  Edit OSC Mapping,select a control and activate the key/controller you would
like to assign to it. All controllable elements will turn pinkwhen editing OSC mapping.
Additionally, you can edit mappings in the mapping browser
window or by right-clicking any controllable element.

Setting up OSC nodes
The same way GrandVJ listens to MIDI, it can also listen to the network for OSC messages.
Any control can be mapped to any OSC address for remote control.
Since it is a network protocol, you will have to define on which port GrandVJ needs to listen.
This is done in the Preferences Dialog, in the OSC tab.
To assign a control to an OSC control, simply toggle the application in OSC mapping (Menu
Options Edit OSC Mapping), select with the mouse the control you would like to map andsend OSC messages from the remote application.
Once it is mapped, you will see the mapping address looking like a path on the key itself. forexample:All OSC communication is done using referring path-like addresses. Each address represents
a node that can be controlled. GrandVJ expects the controlling application to supply values
between 0.0 and 1.0.
If your controlling application sends more than one value per address (for example a X-Y touch
pad could send one value for X and on for Y using a single address), you will need to enter theaddress by hand.
To do so, right click on the control you would like to map and select OSC Mapping, this will
open the OSC Mapping dialog...

41

OSC Mapping dialog
You can there enter any address that you would
like. If you want to specify the second value of theaddress (e.g. for the XY pad example we talked
about) specify a comma followed by the numberof the parameter after the address.
Similarly to MIDI mapping, you can set the
mapping as incremental and circular.
GrandVJ can take advantage of the twocoordinates OSC controls like XY pads by letting
you choose which of the two coordinates you
would like to you for the targeted parameter.

Note for handled device users:
If you use an OSC application on an handled device (for example Mrmr, TouchOSC...),
don’t forget to deactivate the accelerometer during the "OSC learn" phase, otherwise thedevice will send a lot of accelerometer values and you won't be able to assign messages
other than the accelerometer controls.

Open Sound Control feedback
GrandVJ can send OSC feedback to compatible devices.
You can activate OSC feedback in the Preferences, at the bottom of the OSC tab:In order for GrandVJ to send the feedback to the device, you must specify the hostname or its
IP address as well as the port. Those information should be summarized on the device itself.

Bi-directional controllers & MIDI feedback
GrandVJ supports controllers with MIDI feedback.
In the Preferences / MIDI tab, you can specify devices that will receive MIDI feedback from theapplication. This means that bi-directional devices can be much better integrated since
switching layer will reflect parameter changes to the units.
You can define up to four different feedback units in the Preferences Dialog / MIDI tab. Onceselected, feedback devices will be restored each time GrandVJ is restarted.
Additionally, we also provide dedicated templates with predefined mapping for specificcontrollers (see 0Mapping templates).
To use MIDI Feedback with these predefined mappings, you first need to create a new projectusing the desired template, then go to the Preferences Dialog / MIDI tab and choose thecorresponding device as feedback unit (if the controller supports MIDI feedback) and MIDI
output.

For other feedback devices that are not listed (i.e. Behringer’s or Livid’s), simply select “Generic
MIDI” as feedback type.

Dedicated mapping templates for specific controllers
Akai controllers
Included are templates for the MPD24, MPD32, MPK49, APC20, APC40, APC Key 25, APC
Mini and the APC 40 mkII.
To use GrandVJ with these templates, create a new project and select the appropriate
template. Then go to the preferences, then MIDI tab and choose the device as MIDI output andfeedback unit.

Elation MIDIcon
Don’t forget to load the Elation MIDIcon MIDI feedback in MIDI preferences to enable thefeedback on the controller.
 The two page selectors control the selection of the active bank and active layer.
 The 8 sliders on the left control the transparency of the layers.
 The buttons above each slider control the selection of the layer, the play/pause state of
the layer and the kill function. When a layer is selected, the led above the corresponding
slider light up.
 The last slider is mapped on the GrandVJ’s A/B cross-fader.
 The buttons on the right block trigger the cells.
 The touchpads select the transition preset. The touchpad corresponding to the active
transition is lights up. Encoders can be mapped as general-purpose encoder.

Korg Nano
MIDI mapping templates for Korg Nano controllers (no feedback), the following controllers aresupported: Nano PAD + Nano KONTROL Nano KEY + Nano KONTROL

Livid Instruments Ohm64 and OhmRGB
The OhmRGB mapping template is similar to the Ohm64 mapping template but don’t forget toload the Livid OhmRGB MIDI feedback in GrandVJ’s MIDI preferences to enable the specific
nice colored keys.
43

AlphaSphere
When using the AlphaSphere template do not forget to install the AlphaLive software and load
the template provided in the AlphaSphere folder of GrandVJ.

Numark NuVJ Video Controller
Owners of a Numark NuVJ Video controller can now control GrandVJ in a NuVJ style. You
need to load the NuVJ MIDI feedback in MIDI preferences to enable the feedback on the screen
and on the pads.
The template for this controller is defined as follows: The first jog wheel controls the GrandVJ scratch parameter on layer 1
 The second jog wheel controls the scratch parameter on layer 2
 The master FX knob selects an effect on the top layer.
 The other knobs in the center control the transparency of the effect layer (the Fx Level),the parameters of the effect, the contrast and the brightness.
Remarks:
In GrandVJ, to reproduce exactly the behavior of NuVJ, you should assign the 9 pads on
the left to the first layer, and the 9 pads on the right to the second layer. If you want to use
GrandVJ in a more complete mode, use the two top left knobs to control the bank and layer
selection.

Dedicated mapping templates for DJ-style controllers
We have added or updated templates with feedback support for several controllers featuring
jog wheels in order to support the scratch control feature, giving a DJ-style feeling when mixing
video.

American Audio VMS2
Don’t forget to load the American Audio VMS2 MIDI feedback in MIDI preferences to enable
the feedback on keys.
The template for this controller is defined as follows: Deck A basically controls GrandVJ’s layer 1, and Deck B controls layer 2.
 The two jog wheels are mapped to the layers scratch parameters.
 The twelve keys on each deck have been mapped to the 24 cells in the matrix bank.
However, on both decks, the “SHIFT” key doesn’t send any MIDI. The “KEYLOCK”
doesn’t send MIDI either, but only on Deck A (hardware failure?).
 The two central faders are mapped to layers transparency.
 The two pitch faders on the sides control the layers pitch, central position being default
pitch, and lowest value pitch 0.
 The cross-fader controls GrandVJ’s A/B cross-fader.
 “TREBLE”, “MID” and “BASS” respectively control layer’s red, green and blue values.
 “TONE” controls the audio input level, and “CUE MIX” controls the audio output level.

American Audio VMS4.1
Don’t forget to load the American Audio VMS4 MIDI feedback in MIDI preferences to enable
the feedback on keys.

The template for this controller is defined as follows: Deck A basically controls GrandVJ’s layer 1, and Deck B controls layer 2.
 The two jog wheels are mapped to the layers scratch parameters.
 The “Effect”, “Sample”, “Loop” and “Smart” pads on each deck have been mapped to the24 cells in the matrix bank. However, on both decks, the “SHIFT” key doesn’t send MIDI.
 The right and left column of pads have been mapped to the layer selection. The
correspondent opposite knobs (“Gain”, “Treble”, “Mid” and “Bass”) controls thetransparency of the layer.
 The two faders next to the jog wheels control the layers pitch.
 The cross-fader controls GrandVJ’s A/B cross-fader.

Hercules DJ controllers
The MIDI mapping templates are provided for the following controllers: Hercules DJ Console
MP3 and MK2, Hercules DJ Control STEEL and RMX, but without MIDI feedback.

MIDI reference for template mapping
Introduction
Additionally to custom-made templates for existing controllers, the template library contains
two templates that expose all of the controllable parameters available in mixer mode.
The first one, GrandVJ Full Mixer Mode, maps all the layer parameters in full mode (I.e. You
control all layers independently).
The second one, GrandVJ Selected Mixer Mode, maps all the layer parameters in 'selected
mode', i.e. you always control the selected layer (see the Reference Manual for more
information about the difference between the two modes).
The following tables list the MIDI assignment of those two templates

GrandVJ Full Mixer Mode
Layer Parameter

MIDI CC

ChannelVisual Next0

1-8

Visual Previous

1

1-8

Loop Mode2

1-8

Movie Speed3

1-8

Loop Start

4

1-8

Loop Length

5

1-8

45

Layer Parameter

MIDI CC

ChannelTransparency

6

1-8

Copy Mode7

1-8

Mask Mode8

1-8

Mask Center

9

1-8

Mask Width

10

1-8

Mask Smooth

11

1-8

Red

12

1-8

Green

13

1-8

Blue

14

1-8

Mixing Preset

15

1-8

Effect Next

16

1-8

Effect Previous

17

1-8

Effect Parameter 1

18

1-8

Effect Parameter 2

19

1-8

Effect Parameter 3

20

1-8

Effect Parameter 4

21

1-8

Position X

22

1-8

Position Y

23

1-8

Position Z

24

1-8

Layer Parameter

MIDI CC

ChannelSize X25

1-8

Size Y

26

1-8

Rot X

27

1-8

Rot Y

28

1-8

Rot Z

29

1-8

Rotation Mode X

30

1-8

Rotation Mode Y

31

1-8

Rotation Mode Z

32

1-8

Shape

33

1-8

Tiling34

1-8

Position Preset

35

1-8

Deck A Select

125

1-8

Deck B Select

126

1-8

Layer Control

MIDI CC

ChannelLayer Next

36

1

Layer Previous

37

1

Layer Select (continuous)38

1

Layer 1 Select39

1

Layer 2 Select

40

1

47

Layer Control

MIDI CC

ChannelLayer 3 Select411Layer 4 Select421Layer 5 Select431Layer 6 Select441Layer 7 Select451Layer 8 Select46

1Layer 1 Pause

48

1

Layer 2 Pause

49

1

Layer 3 Pause

50

1

Layer 4 Pause

51

1

Layer 5 Pause

52

1

Layer 6 Pause

53

1

Layer 7 Pause

54

1

Layer 8 Pause

55

1

Layer 1 Clear

57

1

Layer 2 Clear

58

1

Layer 3 Clear

59

1

Layer 4 Clear

60

1

Layer 5 Clear

61

1

Layer Control

MIDI CC

ChannelLayer 6 Clear

62

1

Layer 7 Clear

63

1

Layer 8 Clear

64

1

Bank Control

MIDI CC

ChannelMatrix Bank Next

65

1

Matrix Bank Previous

66

1Matrix Bank Select (continuous)

67

1

Matrix Bank 1 Select68

1

Matrix Bank 2 Select69

1

Matrix Bank 3 Select70

1Matrix Bank 4 Select71

1Matrix Bank 5 Select72

1Matrix Bank 6 Select73

1Matrix Bank 7 Select74

1Matrix Bank 8 Select75

1Matrix Bank 9 Select761Matrix Bank 10 Select77

1Matrix Bank 11 Select78

1Matrix Bank 12 Select

79

1

49

Bank Control

MIDI CC

ChannelMatrix Bank 13 Select80

1Matrix Bank 14 Select81

1Matrix Bank 15 Select82

1Matrix Bank 16 Select83

1

Keyboard Bank Next

84

1

Keyboard Bank Previous

85

1

Keyboard Bank Select(continuous)

86

1

Keyboard Bank 1 Select87

1

Keyboard Bank 2 Select88

1

Keyboard Bank 3 Select89

1

Keyboard Bank 4 Select90

1

Keyboard Bank 5 Select91

1

Keyboard Bank 6 Select92

1

Keyboard Bank 7 Select93

1

Keyboard Bank 8 Select94

1

Keyboard Bank 9 Select95

1

Keyboard Bank 10 Select96

1

Keyboard Bank 11 Select97

1

Keyboard Bank 12 Select981Bank Control

MIDI CC

ChannelKeyboard Bank 13 Select99

1

Keyboard Bank 14 Select100

1Keyboard Bank 15 Select101

1

Keyboard Bank 16 Select102

1

General Controls

MIDI CC

Channel

Latch

103

1

Hold

104

1

Clear All Layers

105

1

Input Volume

106

1

Contrast

107

1

Brightness

108

1

Cross fader

120

1

Cross fader Full A

121

1

Cross fader Full B

122

1

Preview Deck A Assign

123

1Preview Deck B Assign

124

1

51

GrandVJ Selected Mixer Mode
Layer Parameter

MIDI CC

ChannelVisual Next

0

1

Visual Previous

1

1

Loop Mode

2

1

Movie Speed

3

1

Loop Start

4

1

Loop Length

51Transparency

61

Copy Mode

7

1

Mask Mode

8

1

Mask Center

91

Mask Width

10

1

Mask Smooth

11

1

Red

12

1

Green

13

1

Blue

14

1

Mixing Preset

15

1

Effect Next

16

1

Effect Previous

171Layer Parameter

MIDI CC

ChannelEffect Parameter 1

18

1

Effect Parameter 2

191

Effect Parameter 3

20

1

Effect Parameter 4

21

1

Position X

22

1

Position Y

23

1

Position Z

24

1

Size X25

1

Size Y

26

1

Rot X

27

1

Rot Y

28

1

Rot Z

29

1

Rotation Mode X

30

1Rotation Mode Y

31

1

Rotation Mode Z

32

1

Shape

33

1

Tiling34

1

Position Preset

35

1

Deck A Select

118

1

53

Layer Parameter

MIDI CC

ChannelDeck B Select1191

Layer Control

MIDI CC

ChannelLayer Next

36

1

Layer Previous 38

371

Layer Select (continuous)38

1

Layer 1 Select39

1

Layer 2 Select401Layer 3 Select411Layer 4 Select421Layer 5 Select431Layer 6 Select441Layer 7 Select451Layer 8 Select46

1Pause Selected Layer

47

1

Layer 1 Pause

48

1

Layer 2 Pause

49

1

Layer 3 Pause

50

1

Layer 4 Pause

51

1

Layer 5 Pause

52

1

Layer Control

MIDI CC

ChannelLayer 6 Pause

53

1

Layer 7 Pause

54

1

Layer 8 Pause

55

1

Clear Selected Layer

56

1

Layer 1 Clear

57

1

Layer 2 Clear

58

1

Layer 3 Clear

59

1

Layer 4 Clear

60

1

Layer 5 Clear

61

1

Layer 6 Clear

62

1

Layer 7 Clear

63

1

Layer 8 Clear

64

1

Layer 1 Transparency

109

1

Layer 2 Transparency

1101

Layer 3 Transparency

111

1

Layer 4 Transparency

112

1

Layer 5 Transparency

113

1

Layer 6 Transparency

114

1

Layer 7 Transparency

115

1

55

Layer Control

MIDI CC

ChannelLayer 8 Transparency

116

1

Layer 1 Deck A Select1251Layer 1 Deck B Select1261

Layer 2 Deck A Select1252Layer 2 Deck B Select1262Layer 3 Deck A Select125

3Layer 3 Deck B Select126

3

Layer 4 Deck A Select125

4Layer 4 Deck B Select126

4Layer 5 Deck A Select125

5Layer 5 Deck B Select126

5Layer 6 Deck A Select125

6Layer 6 Deck B Select126

6Layer 7 Deck A Select125

7Layer 7 Deck B Select126

7Layer 8 Deck A Select1258Layer 8 Deck B Select1268Bank Control

MIDI CC

ChannelMatrix Bank Next

65

1

Bank Control

MIDI CC

ChannelMatrix Bank Previous

66

1Matrix Bank Select (continuous)

67

1

Matrix Bank 1 Select68

1

Matrix Bank 2 Select69

1

Matrix Bank 3 Select70

1Matrix Bank 4 Select71

1Matrix Bank 5 Select72

1Matrix Bank 6 Select73

1Matrix Bank 7 Select74

1Matrix Bank 8 Select75

1Matrix Bank 9 Select761Matrix Bank 10 Select77

1Matrix Bank 11 Select78

1Matrix Bank 12 Select791Matrix Bank 13 Select80

1Matrix Bank 14 Select81

1Matrix Bank 15 Select82

1Matrix Bank 16 Select83

1

Keyboard Bank Next

84

1

57

Bank Control

MIDI CC

ChannelKeyboard Bank Previous

85

1

Keyboard Bank Select(continuous)

86

1

Keyboard Bank 1 Select87

1

Keyboard Bank 2 Select88

1

Keyboard Bank 3 Select89

1

Keyboard Bank 4 Select90

1

Keyboard Bank 5 Select91

1

Keyboard Bank 6 Select92

1

Keyboard Bank 7 Select93

1

Keyboard Bank 8 Select94

1

Keyboard Bank 9 Select95

1

Keyboard Bank 10 Select96

1

Keyboard Bank 11 Select97

1

Keyboard Bank 12 Select98

1

Keyboard Bank 13 Select99

1

Keyboard Bank 14 Select100

1Keyboard Bank 15 Select101

1

Keyboard Bank 16 Select102

1

General Controls

MIDI CC

ChannelLatch

103

1

Hold

104

1

Clear All Layers

105

1

Input Volume

106

1

Contrast

107

1

Brightness

108

1

Cross fader

120

1

Cross fader Full A

121

1

Cross fader Full B

122

1

Preview Deck A Assign

123

1Preview Deck B Assign

124

1

59

The preferences dialog
The preferences dialog sets various options of the application; this chapter will cover each tab
you can find in the Preferences dialog of GrandVJ.

GeneralThe General tab contains settings related to the startup of the application and options about
how the engine is performing.

Startup
 Always start with your last project specifies that the last project should automaticallybe loaded instead of presenting a dialog to select the project.
 Start Fullscreen gives the option to start GrandVJ directly in Fullscreen mode.
 Enable crash reports upload allows software to upload reports if the software crashes
so that the support at ArKaos can investigate the issue and work on a fix.

EngineEngine Accuracy

There are three settings for the engine accuracy:
 Minimal is more suited for less powerful hardware.
 Buffered is the default mode and ensures frame pre-buffering to achieve display
synchronization.
 Frame Blending: activates the Frame Blending.

Note:
Frame Blending is a technique that allows the engine to interpolate between movie frames
whenever it needs to. It’s very useful when slowing down videos a lot, since instead of
producing a steppy frame display, the engine will continuously mix from one frame to theother making the transition a lot smoother. It’s also useful when you display movies thathave a frame rate that is not ‘coherent’ with your output display.
For example, when using a 60 Hz display output, you should ideally use only 60/30 fps
movies to avoid desynchronization between the movie frame and when the monitor candisplay frames. GrandVJ won’t prevent you to play a 25 fps movie, but you might end up
with some jitter in the display. Activating Frame Blending will dramatically improve theoutput quality of the movie in this scenario.
Timing Reference
In order to get the smoothest display possible, GrandVJ defaults is to using the main display
output as timing reference. This ensures that frames are delivered in timely fashion,synchronized to the display’s vertical blank.
However the timing of graphic cards is not always truly accurate: they might advertise 60Hz
while actually running slightly over/under that frequency. In most cases this is not really an
issue but if you need the movie playback to be perfectly in time (if you synchronize it with someexternal audio for example, or use movies with audio) you need to be able to use the moreaccurate time reference of the System clock instead. The selection of the time reference isdone through the Combo box under the engine accuracy:

Choose “Display” for a smoother image when exact timing isn’t mandatory or “System Clock”
when the video playback speed is critical.
Note:
Display Time Reference privileges video smoothness over audio / video synchronization.
For the audio and video to properly synchronize, it is very important that the timingreference (in display preferences) is set to “System clock” as the inaccurate display
frequency reported by the system might cause the audio to drift.

Synchronization
 Use Ableton Link indicates that the software should listen to the Link protocol from
Ableton for example to drive the beat.
 Source gives the option to select which protocol should be used to drive the timecodeand eventually the beat.
Timecode
BPM & Beat
Audio Track
Audio Timecode SMPTE✓
Art-Net Timecode✓
Ableton Link✓
TrackDJ✓✓✓ Auto-detect and synchronize with TrackDJ lets the software automatically drive thebeat if a TrackDJ source is detected. This will automatically force the beat source to
TrackDJ.
61

Display
The Display tab contains the settings related to the software’s outputs.

In the Display panel, you can choose between two different modes:
 Using the 'Instant mode', you can directly output visuals full screen to a set of similar
displays using a single resolution for all. GrandVJ considers this set as a single output.
 In the 'VideoMapper mode', you will define a set of surfaces on the different displaysthat are connected to your computer using the VideoMapper application. In this mode,each display can have its own resolution, and each surface created on a display isconsidered as a separate output by GrandVJ, meaning that each surface can display adifferent set of visuals.

Instant mode
The Display panel contains the setup related to the full screen or output mode of the software.
As previously stated GrandVJ is designed to be used with a setup consisting of at least two
displays, where the first display shows the software interface and the second (and next) arededicated to the full screen output from the software.
As such the first video output is used to display the main interface containing all the previews
and parameters while the second video output is used to send the fullscreen image to a display.
This dialog is used to specify the characteristics of the adapter used for the full screen.
 Full screen monitor selects the screen adapter to use when the application is toggled
in fullscreen. Usually, you will use the second adapter, keeping the interface on the main
monitor.
 Resolution specifies the resolution that you want to use when running the engine.
 Force resolution: This setting has a different meaning on PC and Mac:
 On PC, it runs fullscreen in so-called 'Exclusive mode'. This mode is the mode used bymost games and is optimal in terms of video performance. However, when engaged, you
can't toggle to any other application than GrandVJ. If you do so, fullscreen will quit.
 On MAC, it will change the monitor resolution to fit the setting of the resolution. If you
toggle the setting off, only a part of the screen will be covered.
 Custom resolution: This setting allows you to use 'exotic' resolutions that don’t matchthe adapter settings. This feature is mainly intended for Mac users to allow spanning of
the display across two monitors.
 Start Full screen at application start-up – For most temporary or touring applications
this is unlikely to be needed but for installations in venues where you want the system
online as quickly as possible and the same output is being used every time, enabling thisensures that the output appears as soon as the software is loaded.
 Hide mouse cursor in full screen – Exactly as described: with this box selected themouse will not be visible in full screen mode. This can be fine when you use the system
entirely by external DMX or MIDI control but if you want to be able to edit in the main
software window during a live show then leave this unchecked.
 Soft-Edge can be used if you split the engine's output to several beaming devices. In
that case, it is good, quality-wise, to overlap the beamer's output and introduce a mixing
curve in the overlap zone. The span allows you to specify how many beaming devices
will be in use, both vertically and horizontally. The width and curve parameters control
the blending zones of the soft edge. See “Widescreen And Multiscreen Presentation” formore details.

Multi-Monitor support (in Windows)
It is possible to display the output of GrandVJ across all the monitors connected to a graphics
card without using the "spanning" feature that was only available on windows XP.
It can be used to avoid going through Matrox DualHead2Go or TrippleHead2Go interfaces ifyour video card has 2, 3 or more outputs.
This feature is available under Windows Vista, 7, 8 and 10.
The "Resolution" pop-up menu now proposes multiple-monitor setups (i.e. "1024x768x2" for a
2048x768 horizontal setup or 1024x1536 vertical setup) in addition to the standard singlemonitor resolutions.
The "Multi-monitor Arrangement" line has been added to the Display tab of the preference
dialog to choose the way you want to arrange your monitors. GrandVJ uses this information in
combination with the actual Windows monitor arrangement to determine a correct output.

63

Note:
Under Mac OS X it is also possible to span the output of GrandVJ over several monitors
simply by selecting the monitor on the top-left and use a custom resolution that will cover
the multi-screen setup area.

VideoMapper mode (GrandVJ XT only)
In VideoMapper mode, the configuration of the displays is done in the external VideoMapper
application.
Clicking on the "Import..." button will let you choose a VideoMapper file that you have previously
created in the VideoMapper application.
Clicking on the "Edit" button opens the selected mapping file in the VideoMapper so you can
edit it.

Kling-Net (GrandVJ XT only)
The Kling-Net panel allows you to activate the Kling-Net output module of the software.
Activate: When enabled, it triggers the Kling-Net output module of the software. When
activated, the video engine will be restarted and the Kling-Net broadcast will be started.
Import… will let you choose a Kling-Net mapping file you have previously created in the KlingNet Mapper application.
Edit… will launch the Kling-Net Mapper application and open the selected mapping file so you
can edit it.

LEDMapper (GrandVJ XT only)
The LED Output panel allows you to activate the LEDMapper output module of the software.
Activate: When enabled, it triggers the LEDMapper output module of the software. When
activated, the video engine will be restarted and the LEDMapper will start sending DMX frames.
Merger Mode: Indicates in which mode the DMX Merger should operate. This is either ablending mode for the merger or the LEDMapper can be totally muted.
Merger Intensity: Indicates a percentage of the output of the LEDMapper that should be sent
out. A value of 0% would mean that the Art-Net Input received by the DMX Merger will be
output. A value of 100% means that the result of the Merger is fully output. Any intermediate
value allows a smooth transition between the output of a lighting console and the output of the
Merger.
Import… will let you choose a LEDMapper mapping file you have previously created in the
LEDMapper application.
Edit… will launch the LEDMapper application and open the selected mapping file so you can
edit it.

Keystoning
The “Keystoning” tab configures the keystoning
used for projector output.
Keystoning is used to correct the image if the
projector is not totally perpendicular to thescreen.
This tab is not available if you are runningGrandVJ XT in VideoMapper mode.

Audio
The Audio tab lets you to configure how GrandVJ handles the audio when media clips withsound are used.

The master output volume of GrandVJ can be controlled from thetoolbar on top the main software window.
 Driver Type: This where GrandVJ detects your system’s audio and let you select whichsound card you wish to use.
 Input Device: GrandVJ will use the sound from the selected input device to feed audioreactive Flash animations or Pixel Generators. The default Input Device is usually the
on-board microphone of the system. When working in high volume environments you
might want to configure it to a line-in feed – for example the audio feed from a DJ or if
you wish to be even more specific even a single instrument such as a bass drum whenworking with live musicians. You can set the audio input to NONE to deactivate it.
 Output Device: Select the audio output device where GrandVJ will send the sound fromany clip you play that has an audio track. You can set the audio output to NONE todeactivate it. You can also find a global volume control for output on the master sectionof the main software window (see “Master output controls” at page 21) and this can be
set to zero also.
 Buffer Size: Here you can define the size of the audio buffer in Kilobytes (K). The
default setting is 1024k (or 1 megabyte) but this can be reduced to 256k or increased to
2048k as required. Bigger values will lead to more stable output but may cause latency
with the video playback.
 Asio Setup: This recalls the ASIO control panel for configuration under Windows OS.
65

ArKaos Connect
This tab allows configuring GrandVJ’s interaction with the ArKaos Connect VST plug-in (seepage 73 on ArKaos connect).

 The host drop-down list can be used to choose a running plug-in to connect to.
 The “Network Buffer Size” parameter is a tradeoff between latency and sound quality.
The lower is the buffer size, the lower is the latency between the audio sequencer andGrandVJ. The value “low” or “medium” can be chosen for a vast majority of network
configurations (local machine or a fast LAN).
 Tick the checkbox “Use Audio as Input“ to use the sound of the audio sequencer assound input (the selected audio input device in the audio preference is thenautomatically deactivated). You can preview the sound coming from the connected VST
plug-in by clicking on the “Test Audio Input” button.
The ArKaos Connect section in GrandVJ’s toolbar also displays a LED
indicating communication between ArKaos Connect and GrandVJ, andthe same button allowing to preview the sound coming from thesequencer.

MIDI
The MIDI tab allows you to select which MIDI devices will be enabled for use with theapplication.

Please note that all data from enabled MIDI devices are merged so no matter what interface it
comes from, a note on message on channel 1 will have the same effect.
Here, you can also select whether the keyboard banks should be dedicated to one MIDI
channel or should listen to all of them.
It’s also the place where you activate MIDI feedback for selected devices (see chapter 0Bidirectional controllers & MIDI feedback).

Open Sound Control Mapping (OSC)The OSC tab allows you to select the local machine’s network port that will be used to accept
connection from OSC devices / applications.

Note:
GrandVJ automatically declares its OSC input port and IP address using the Bonjour
network protocol, meaning you won’t have to enter those information in your OSC device /application if it supports Bonjour.
GrandVJ can also send real-time feedback information about the state of its mapped controls
through OSC. If you activate OSC feedback, you need to specify both the IP address and portof the OSC device.

Performance
The “Performance” tab configures how GrandVJ renders previews .

67

 GPULevel gives an indication of the capabilities of your graphic card. If the level is too
low, some options become unavailable. The maximum level is 4.
 Preview style defines what is shown in the layer preview in mixer mode. You canchoose off, media (default) and full.
 “Media” will only display the media without applying effects.
 “Full’ will display both the media and the effect applied on it but this will imply thatthe preview are downloaded back from the graphic card to the main memory
which might give a performance hit, especially on PC.
 Preview Quality (Windows only) allows you to down-sample the preview content
quality, if you begin to run into decreased performance.

Advanced
This tab allows you to set up various advanced options for the software.
 Show tooltips: enable / disable the tooltips showing above a graphical control when themouse cursor stays above for more than one second. Disable tooltips to make GrandVJ
more user-friendly when controlled from a touchscreen.

 Auto purge: allows the software to automatically unload visuals that are neither runningnor assigned to a cell. You can activate both a purging timer and ask the software topurge when the physical memory available goes under a certain threshold.
 Save Mixer State: When quitting the application, the state of the mixer is now saved andrestored when it is restarted. Note that only the locked parameters are saved, since any
cell triggered will override non-locked parameters, it doesn’t make sense to includethem.
 Pause mode: This preference lets you choose between the different pause modes whenin Mixer mode: “Cut”: the layer stops rendering in the Mixer “Freeze”: the layer keeps rendering in the Mixer Statistics: When activating this option you will see Display Statistics on your output:
frame counter, performance jumps, drop frames events, grab decode time, frame
decode time, video resync event, audio resyncs, ring buffer events.

Activation
This tab displays the information related to your software license and whether the software is
activated or not on this particular computer.
 Activation e-mail is the e-mail address that is registered with the customer accountwhich registered the software license at www.arkaos.net
 Software license shows the license type with which GrandVJ is activated (currently,
GrandVJ or GrandVJ XT) The “Copy support info to clipboard” button lets you copy your license codes to the
clipboard in case you need to communicate those details to the ArKaos Support Team(see chapter 0“Registration support”)

 If you have activated GrandVJ on your computer, you can still try GrandVJ XT bychecking the “Try GrandVJ XT” option. GrandVJ will then restart in GrandVJ XT Demomode, with the limitations of the Demo but you can test the GrandVJ XT features suchas the VideoMapper and decide if you want to upgrade your license. Simply uncheck the“Try GrandVJ XT” option and restart GrandVJ to get back to your fully registeredGrandVJ.
 The “Buy a GrandVJ XT upgrade” link will open your Internet browser on our online
shop page where you can purchase a license upgrade to GrandVJ XT. You will need tolog-in with your ArKaos customer account so we can verify that you have a GrandVJ
license that can be upgraded.
 Click the “Enter XT upgrade key” button if you have received an Upgrade Key to69

GrandVJ XT from our online shop or from a reseller, you will be presented with theRegistration Wizard as described at chapter 0“Activating GrandVJ on your computer”.
 Click on the “Deactivate…” button to free your license from the current machine, so you
can activate GrandVJ on another machine (see chapter 0“Deactivating GrandVJ on yourcomputer” for more information).

Media Types
Video
GrandVJ can play mostly any video file you will throw at it, however we have found MPEG-2
to be the compression codec that produces the best overall performance.
If you have a multicore CPU, GrandVJ will take advantage of it. If you intent to play highdefinition content you should have a system that has as at least the same number of cores as
the number of high definition layer you want to play.
The software decodes video through FFMPEG natively so it doesn’t require QuickTime oranother decoder, which takes up more hardware resources to complete.
Note:
The compression codec, file size and type can have an effect on the reliability and qualityof playback depending on your hardware configuration and show type. For example a show
which uses 8 layers of HD video simultaneously will require much more processing power
than one using low resolution video or stills.

Alpha from source
If you import images or videos with an alpha channel(for example as a result of green keying), thetransparency of the media will be used in the mixing.
When setting the preview style to “full” (see the
Performance tab in the Preferences dialog) you will
see the transparent areas in the layer preview, nomatter if it comes from the original media or fromapplying luminance / chrominance inside the software.

ImagesGrandVJ will accept the following file types into the library for still images:
 JPG
 BMP
 GIF
 PNG
You can import images that are bigger than the output resolution as it may be useful to achieve
specific effects, however it’s not recommended for performance reasons.

Audio
GrandVJ will play audio files in the same way that it will play sound from video files with anaudio track. If you want to disable sound altogether, you can go to the Preferences dialog underthe Audio tab; and set the output devices and set it to “No Audio”.
The best synchronization between audio and video is achieved by selecting “System Clock” in
the Preferences dialog under the Display tab under “Timing Reference”.
71Generators
Generators are music visualizers that react to the sound of the audio input of your system.
Some generators are GPU accelerated effects while others are SWF Flash files.
You can create custom generators as Adobe Flash™ .SWF files, please check the ArKaos
Blog for a tutorial in the category “Hints and Tips”: http://vj-dj.arkaos.net/blog

Effects
GrandVJ comes with various effects that you canmix with your other media, and we frequently add
new effects with software updates.

Quartz Compositions (Mac Only)
Under Mac OS X, GrandVJ allows to use Quartz
Composer .qtz files directly, both as sources andeffects. The compositions are rendered natively
through the fastest available interface.
You can import .qtz files as sources easily by adding them to your patch, just like you importany standard media.
If you want to create Quartz Compositions and add them as effects, please check the ArKaos
Blog for a tutorial in the category “Hints and Tips”: http://vj-dj.arkaos.net/blog

Cameras / External Sources
GrandVJ will let use as a source any live input that is connected to your system, provided that
it is compatible with QuickTime under Mac OS X and DirectX under Windows.
Your device must be natively supported by your operating system, which means that it must
be able to work without requiring you to install any proprietary software or drivers.
Note:
GrandVJ detects any connected device during startup, make sure that your device isconnected, detected and correctly configured with your system before you launch GrandVJ.

Syphon (Mac only)
Syphon is an open source Mac OS X technology that allows applications to share frames – full
frame rate video or stills – with one another in real-time.
GrandVJ natively supports Syphon as an additional (virtual) output. Through Syphon, you cansend the output from GrandVJ to any other application that support Syphon as input, whichmakes it possible to use GrandVJ as video mixer module in some more complex setups.
The Syphon output is automatically activated when a Syphon client is running, there is nothing
to configure in GrandVJ.
You can use Syphon as an input through Quartz Composer. Please refer to the official Syphon
website (http://syphon.v002.info/) for more information.

ArKaos connect
ArKaos Connect is a VST plugin for audio sequencer software that allows them to send audio
and MIDI to GrandVJ.
The audio host can run on the same machine as GrandVJ or a different one which is runningon the same local network.
The configuration of the connection in GrandVJ is pretty straightforward: just launch ArKaos
Connect from your sequencer, select the sending VST plug-in in an auto-updated list and enjoy
the new possibilities open by these interactions.

The interface of the VST plug-in is very simple:
 The “Connected” LED shows the connection status - the led becomes green if theplug-in is connecter to an instance of GrandVJ.
 The “MIDI” LED blinks when MIDI messages are routed to the plug-in.
 The “Gain” knob lets you modify the gain of the sound sent to GrandVJ.
For more information, please refer to the ArKaos Connect Quickstart PDF document locatedin the GrandVJ software installation folder, in the “Documentation” directory.

73

Timecode
GrandVJ can be controlled by an external timecode signal. Currently SMPTE is supported,
through an audio-in source, as well as Art-Net Timecode. The source can be selected in the
Synchronization panel of the General Preferences. The status of any timecode signal received
is reflected in the toolbar:

Setup or troubleshoot SMPTE timecode with these easy steps:
Configure your audio input in the Preferences, in the Audio tab.
Make sure your send a SMPTE timecode audio signal and take the time to check the soundoutput. The SMPTE signal is easily recognizable. Connect it to the line-in plug of the computerrunning GrandVJ.
Check that audio input is at full level but not saturating, around 80% is ideal. Otherwise adjust
audio amplifying parameter in the OS or the input gain above the audio input level meter in the
toolbar.

If the audio input level bar is not moving, make sure the right audio input is selected in thepreferences and check that your OS configuration is fine to receive audio through your line-in.
If timecode value gets displayed it means everything is fine.
If timecode is not correctly received you will see an empty value.
In this case you can either hover to display a hint about the issue or click on the warning triangle
to troubleshoot and display the reason why timecode is not well received.

Error messages:a) No audio signal: Check your audio set up.
b) No timecode signal: Check that valid timecode audio signal isreceived.
Using timecode to synchronize movies:
Select timecode
play mode for the movies you want to synchronize with timecode. The time
cursor of the movie will reflect the time received by timecode.
If necessary, set a timecode offset in the Visual properties to shift the playback of the movie
compared to the timecode signal received. See TC offset property description in the Visual Tab
section.

TrackDJ

ArKaos introduces a new synchronization protocol so that DJ software and controllers can
automatically communicate all information about the sound track playing: the time in the track,
the artist and track name, the BPM and the beat information.
Here is a list of some exciting new possibilities in GrandVJ:
 Visuals will automatically follow the music the DJ is playing.
 Visuals will be precisely in-sync with the music (lip-sync, subtitles, etc.).
 Visuals can automatically and precisely pulse on the beat of the music.
 DJ has immediate control on the visual performance by changing track, BPM andexecuting loops.
Activating TrackDJ in the Preferences
In the General Preferences make sure the synchronization source TrackDJ is selected.

Also in the “Beat and Autoplay Settings”, select the source TrackDJ if you want the beat to besynchronized. A simpler alternative is to select the option above “Auto-detect and synchronize.
In this case, as soon as a TrackDJ source is detected the beat source will automaticallysynchronize.

At this point, the BPM should automatically update to the track that is playing on your TrackDJ
source and Beat or Timecode information in the toolbar as well.
TrackDJ Source
The TrackDJ source can be found in the Automated Inputs category
and will automatically play a visual based on the music track triggeredby a DJ. For this feature, a DJ software or controller compatible with
TrackDJ needs to be used.
In Mixer mode you should trigger the TrackDJ source on a Layer. In
Synth mode similarly you should trigger the TrackDJ source and use Latch mode to keep it on
as long as you want.

75

Assigning Tracks to Visuals
If a track is not assigned to any visual, then TrackDJ will automatically pick a visual from the
VJ set with the following rule: it will take the visual with the filename that is closest to the track
name received. The Jaro-Winkler distance is used for that.
For more explicit control, TrackDJ lets you assign music tracks to visuals. Automatically when
the track is played by the VJ, the corresponding visual will be played.
To open the TrackDJ Settings dialog, either right-click on a Visual and select the entry in thethe context menu, or select the entry in the Options menu.

The Visual can be selected in the Visual panel. The “Track Playing” panel will automaticallydisplay the track currently played on the TrackDJ compatible software or controller. The“Assigned Tracks” panel will list all the music tracks assigned to the visual selected top left.
For each Visual-Track association, a Timecode Offset can be set to tune how visual and audio
should be played in perfect sync.
The “Freeze” button holds the current track to leave you more time for the assignment.
The “Assign Track” button adds the track playing to the list of tracks assigned to the visual.
The visual will be played in-sync with the track through the timecode information sent from theTrackDJ source. The timecode is the relative time in the music track. This allows precise
subtitling or lip-syncing.
Synchronizing on the Beat
TrackDJ also drives the beat of GrandVJ. Both BPM and the Beat information in the
toolbar will be updated from the track playing on the source. This means that if a visual
is played in Beat mode it will automatically pulse with the music controlled by the DJ.
Any change in rhythm done on the DJ controller will automatically be reflected on the visuals.
See Beat Synchronization section.
TrackDJ Compatible Sources Mixxx Open Source VJ Software Pioneer CDJ or DJM Controllers with ProDJ Link and ShowKontrol
 More to be announced soon
Check for latest information and downloads on GrandVJ download page.

Ableton Link™
Ableton Link™ is a technology, mainly used in music, to synchronize multiple software to asame tempo and to align Beats of every performance.
https://www.ableton.com/en/link/

Setup Ableton Link™ with these easy steps:
Activate “Use Ableton Link” in the Preferences, in the General tab.

Start one or more Ableton Link™ software that should drive the rhythm.
Toggle on the Link button in the toolbar.
Wait till the Link button turns blue and displays the number of applications running Link.

The beat should automatically start and the beat time should be in sync with the other software.

You can use the Autoplay, generators or the Beat Synchronization play mode for any visual,to play visual effects synchronized on the Beat of other music software.
Changing BPM in one of the application running Link™ will also adjust the BPM in GrandVJ.

Troubleshooting:Make sure the different software using Link™ run on a same network.
You might have to wait up to a minute to get the other Link™ software detected.
Check that the BPM and the Beat Time are synchronized with the remote application.

77

Performance and setup considerations
Achieving good performance with video can be difficult because it depends on many different
factors.
The most important factors are:
 CPU speed
 Disk speed
 RAM access speed Video card & video bus speed
 Movie compression
There is no easy way to give a definitive answer in terms of what is best for every computer
setting. In ArKaos GrandVJ, most of the graphic processing is done in the graphic chip of thevideo hardware, so the more powerful it is, the better performance you are going to get.
The CPU is mainly used to decompress movie frames from the disk and send them to the videocard. The faster your drives are, the faster frames will be loaded in the memory and the faster
your CPU is, the faster it will decompress the frames.
GrandVJ's engine is also heavily multi-threaded. Having several cores will help decompress
movie frames in parallel, allowing a faster throughput.
To achieve a good frame rate with a given hardware, you can:
 Adapt the resolution of the engine. See (Preferences/Display) Use source material that is adapted to your hardware. If you have a slow disk or older
generation of hardware, try working with smaller video sources to minimize the impact ofloading and decompressing the movie. Since all calculations are done inside the graphic
card, the automatic filtering applied when the images are scaled to the final resolution
will minimize aliasing effects.
It is very important to note that popular compressions schemes such as mpeg, divx,DV andvobs, are very inefficient for VJing. Video files using these compression schemes will behave‘correctly’ when used at nominal speed (100%), but will be very sluggish if you change their
playback speed or play them backwards. If you use these compression formats, you will get
poor performance from the software.

How to achieve best performances with the new engine
In order to get the best out of our new engine, you need to be attentive to quite a bit of details.
We’re going to explain here what needs to be checked:

Monitor Rate vs Movie Rate
If you want your movies to be really smooth, you need them to be in accordance with themonitor frequency to ensure that each time there is a frame to show, you have a monitor
refresh.
So if your movies are 30 FPS, the monitor needs to be at 60 Hz and if they are at 25 FPS, youneed to use either 50 Hz or 75 Hz.
Be also careful that depending on your chosen resolution, the choice of frequencies mightchange so it’s important that once your setup is done, you put GrandVJ in fullscreen and get
the monitor reading from the status panel.

Hardware dependencies
We’ve noticed that some Graphic Cards sometimes react differently depending on the output
resolution. For example we have ATI’s that don’t provide a steady frame rate in 800x600 whilst
completely stable under 1024x780.
Also, if you do spans across the two outputs of a graphic card, there’s no guarantee the two
outputs will run at the exact same frequency. This can also produce jitter. It is sometimes more
efficient to make a wide output from one head using Matrox’s doublehead2go / triplehead2go
than to do a span across the two outputs.

OS dependencies
There are some performance issues that are only valid with respect to the operating system.
We’ll examine them separately here.
Windows
The only thing you need to make sure is that you run the software in Exclusive mode since it’s
the only mode that will ensure correct locking to vertical blanks.
To turn on Exclusive mode, make sure the option “Force Resolution” (in Preferences/Display)is active:

Mac OSXMac OS X is a more sensitive platform. If you display the full screen on one Monitor, all systemdrawing on the other monitor can cause the full screen to glitch. No matter what application.
We adapted the way we do our interface updates so that it won’t be interfering with the output
but any other program updating its GUI will most likely be a problem.
For this reason, in order to achieve the most fluid display under Mac OSX, we recommend toeither quit or hide other visible window. To give you an idea, even the refresh of the clock inthe menu bar can lead to one frame skipping.

Frame blending and software GenLock
The graphical engine of GrandVJ has been highly optimized to allow Frame Blending and
Software GenLock which, if setup correctly, can greatly help you to get great results.
Make sure you read about this in chapter 0about the General preferences.

Movie Compression
Beside movie size, compression scheme has a huge impact both on the fluidity of the display
and playability. The more complex the compression scheme, the more work the processor will
have to do to recover specific frames, which often results in sluggish performance. In addition
to the compression method itself, there’s the issue of key frames.
Most widely spread compression mechanisms work using incremental methods, which means
they construct a frame by storing the difference between a frame and the previous one. In orderto keep the process from deriving too much from the original material, they store an original79

frame every now and then, and start coding incremental information from that frame on. These
original frames are called ‘key frames’.
Using sparse key frames will mean that for GrandVJ to access a given frame, it will have tofind the previous key frame and process all the intermediate frame differences until it reaches
the desired one. As you can imagine, this process is rather slow and prevents fast access toframes, which is very important for backward playback or scratching.
That’s why compression schemes like mpeg or DivX are not at all suited for video performance.
From our experience, the best compression scheme for video performance is QuickTime’s
PhotoJPEG with a quality setting of about 80% or more. This will ensure smooth playback,effective scratching and decent file size. If you want to use high definition content (HD) you canalso use the Quicktime H264 codec.

Widescreen & Multiscreen Presentation
In a common ArKaos GrandVJ setup, a computer with two video outputs is generally used: one
output for the desktop monitor (to display the interface and control the software) and another
output which receives the result of the visual mix. The second output is generally connected toa video projector, a large screen or a hardware video mixer.
In this case, you will be using the single second
output to send your final mix and, after having
defined the adapter to use and its resolution, you
are ready to go.
ArKaos GrandVJ, however, also offers custom
output resolution possibilities. This allows you tocreate multi-screen or wide screen setups,
controlled by a single computer running ArKaos
GrandVJ. In this chapter, we’ll investigate thosespecific setups.

Important:
Wide screen or multi-screen setups require high resolution output and therefore a recent /powerful graphic card is necessary; a setup including 2 screens, each in 1024x768, will
require ArKaos GrandVJ to output in 2048x768, which may require a lot of CPU and GPU
resources.

Definitions
Wide Screen
A wide screen setup consists of one large
visual mix spanning across several screensplaced next to the other.
This is achieved by generating a single
ArKaos GrandVJ projection in very a large
resolution, which spans across several video
adapters. If you plan to use projectors as
outputs devices, you also have a Soft-Edge
option, which allows seamless edge blending
between the two projectors.

Multi-screen
The multi-screen setup is the same concept
as the wide screen in the sense that it drives
several adapters but in this case you end up
with different visual mixes displayed on each
output.
The way it works is that you use the position
settings of ArKaos GrandVJ to assign layers
to part of the screen, which is divided acrossthe various adapters.

Case Studies
In order to explain the different steps to setup ArKaos GrandVJ to produce a wide screen or
multi-screen projection with several displays, let’s examine some common hardware
configurations.
Case 1: Dual Head Graphic Card
If you only have a dual head graphic card and would like to achieve multiple outputs, you willneed to use both adapters and, since you have no more monitor available left, you will lose theinterface display.
Case 2: Dual Head Graphic Card + Single Head Graphic Card
Adding a supplementary graphic card to the setup described above will allow you to use it withyour desktop monitor in order to display the ArKaos GrandVJ interface and control the software
while you use the dual head graphic card and its two outputs for the wide screen or multiscreen outputs.
Important:
At this stage, this option is only available on PC. The Mac version does not support
accessing more than one graphic adapter.
Case 3: Dual Head Graphic Card + Additional Hardware
Using an external hardware such as the Matrox™ DualHead2Go™ allows splitting one video
output into two separate signals (the DualHead2Go is a palm-sized box that sits outside of yoursystem and has one VGA input and two VGA outputs).
This system allows computers with a dual head graphic card to use one of the graphic card
output for the software interface and its second output to send the visuals that will be split
across two different screens. This very affordable solution will also fit perfectly with mostmodern laptops.
Other Possible Combinations
Dual head graphic card with each output split in two with a DualHead2Go; you would have a 4
screens setup.

81

Matrox™ also provides the TripleHead2Go™ multi-display upgrade allowing splitting a single
display adapter across 3 different screens. This can lead to up to 6 screens if you are using a
dedicated two-heads display adapter for the output.

Monitor Setup for Wide Screen or Multi-Screen Projection
Earlier in this document, we’ve seen how to choose and setup a second monitor to display the
ArKaos GrandVJ visual mix. To do wide screen or multi-screen, the principle is the same in thesense that ArKaos GrandVJ will continue to output one large visual mix, but the visual is goingto span across the multiple heads of an adapter. The way to execute the span across adaptersis very different for Mac and PC’s so we’ll examine them separately.
Monitor Setup under Windows 7, 8 and 10
Right click on your desktop and select “Screen resolution” in the contextual menu
A window will open with the following options:

Make sure that there are at least 2 screens displayed under “Change the appearance of yourdisplay”. If not, click the “Detect” button. If you still don’t see 2 screens then windows doesn’t
detect the second monitor connected to your computer.
Now click on the drop down menu next to “Multiple displays”. Then select “Extend these
displays”. The second screen gets activated and now you can select the resolution for thescreen. For the best image quality and correct aspect ratio, always select the native resolutionof the screen.

Monitor Setup under Mac OS X
From the Apple menu, open the System
Preferences and select “Displays”.
In the Displays window, go to the“Arrangement” tab.
Click the monitor icons and drag them topositions that represent how you want tomove items from one monitor to another.
In this case the primary monitor is placed
to the left of the secondary monitor.

Important:
You will later need to manually specify the resolution corresponding to the sum of your twomonitors. So make sure you take note of it at this stage. For example, if you have twomonitors of resolution 1024x768 placed side by side, your total resolution will be 2048x768.

You can now close the System Preferences Displays window and launch ArKaos GrandVJ.
In ArKaos GrandVJ, go to the Preference Dialog and select the display tab. First, as output
monitor, select the monitor that is positioned at the top left of the full display. Then select thecustom resolution setting and enter the resolution corresponding to the sum of the two monitors(2048x768 in our example).
Start full screen and the window will be created across the two monitors.
To have it correctly spanned across your two monitors it is important that they have been
positioned as they should at step 1 and that your ArKaos GrandVJ resolution corresponds tothe sum of the resolution of your two monitors.
83Soft-Edge
Introduction
To create a large screen by combining several video projectors it is important to be able toseamlessly blend the edges between each projection. This can be achieved through the useof the Soft-Edge option as it creates an overlapped area on the border of each screen with afade on the edge that can be overlapped with the next image.
Here is the original image (a nice view of Prague’s skyline):

And here’s an example of what would be
displayed with a two beamers setup:
The areas to blend are represented with agradient in the middle of the projection.
Positioning the beamers so that these twoareas are superposed will re-create theoriginal picture without any visible
separation in the middle of the visual.
Of course, it’s highly recommended to use
two identical projectors.

Note:
When setting up soft-edge, you have to be absolutely sure that all gamma/exposure of thegraphic card & beamers are off. Otherwise you might have an imbalance between the two
outputs and not be able to connect the projectors.

Soft-Edge is available both in Instant mode in GrandVJ and GrandVJ XT and also inVideoMapper mode with GrandVJ XT. In GrandVJ XT an extra dialog offers moreadvanced tweaking for the Soft-Edge than in GrandVJ. For users of GrandVJ XT weadvise to progressively use the VideoMapper mode to benefit from the latest features.

Soft-Edge in Instant ModeIn the “Display Tab” of the Preferences
Window, you can access Soft-Edge options,
including the number of projectors to be
used horizontally and vertically:
Once this has been setup, you can control
the soft edging characteristics by changing
the width and curve of the soft edge.
 The width of the overlapping area is defined between 2% and 50% of one screen size.
The curve factor defines the fade curve value, allowing you to fine-tune the luminosity ofthe overlapping area compared to the rest of the picture.


Calibration
Below are the common steps to setup and calibrate a wide screen with Soft-Edge in GrandVJ
in Instant Mode (provided that you have correctly setup your system and your graphics card
driver parameters as explained earlier in this document).
 Launch GrandVJ in Instant Mode.
 Setup the number of horizontal and vertical screens, and the soft-edge settings in the“Display tab” of the Preferences Window.
 Import a picture appropriate for calibration and activate it.
 Launch the full screen mode ([Ctrl]+F or [Cmd]+F in ArKaos GrandVJ)(At this point, you should have the picture displayed on the two beamers with the softedge effect).
 Place the beamers correctly so that the edges that blend the seamless area aresuperposed.
 Adjust the Curve parameter to obtain the desired luminosity of the overlapping area.

Soft-Edge in VideoMapper Mode
When using GrandVJ XT in VideoMapper Mode, Soft-Edge can be setup between
multiple displays and multiple spans directly from within the VideoMapper with all theextra strength offered by the mapper.

85

When you select a display or a group of display, you can enable Soft-Edge in the tab
Correction, as well as Per Display color corrections. In the settings tab you can also turnon the display of a pattern to help for the precise setup.

Calibration

Below are the common steps to setup and calibrate a wide screen with Soft-Edge inGrandVj XT with the Video Mapper.











Launch GrandVJ XT in VideoMapper Mode and run the VideoMapper.
Select the display or select a group of displays and setup the resolution and thenumber of spans.
Activate the Pattern “Geometric Correction” for the setup.
Launch the full screen mode CTRL+F / Cmd +F of the VideoMapper.
Place the beamers correctly so that the edges that blend the seamless area aresuperposed.
Turn on Geometric Correction feature and do corrections if needed.
Eventually calibrate each display with the Per Display color corrections.
Turn on Soft-Edge feature and set the overlap width for each edge requiring SoftEdge.
Adjust the Curve for each edge to make for a smooth transition if needed.
Adjust the Center Value to obtain the desired luminosity on the overlapping area.

VideoMapper
Important:
The ArKaos VideoMapper is an extension included with both GrandVJ XT and MediaMasterPro products. It is important to run the VideoMapper application that has been installed
together with your ArKaos product so that the two applications can communicate. It is
encouraged to start the VideoMapper from within your application, through the menu entry“VideoMapper” or the toolbar.
For a practical introduction to Video Mapping in GrandVJ XT, please refer to theVideoMapper Quickstart document located in the software installation folder, in the“Documentation” directory. No similar document exists for MediaMaster, but thisdocumentation contains all information to get started.
This section of the documentation is common for GrandVJ XT and MediaMaster Pro. These
two are further referred as “ArKaos Application” or simply as “Application”.

Concept
The VideoMapper is an extension that allows easy mapping of video onto irregularly shaped
surfaces and through multiple outputs. Designed to let you setup mapping projects in a very
short time, it makes it incredibly simple to flow visuals around complex objects with just a few
clicks.
Once you launch the extension, the ArKaos Application will send the output from each layer tovirtual “surfaces” that can be scaled, deformed, and assigned to any physical output. One
output can display a full screen visual or a composition of several mapped visuals; output to avideo projector and you can map the surfaces to any physical volume like objects or buildings.

Hardware setup
ArKaos VideoMapper is designed to output video content on any display connected to thecomputer’s graphical cards.
It is advised to connect all the displays to the computer before turning it on.
The VideoMapper application will detect the connected displays and let you configure theirresolution and refresh frequency individually. This is a great tool to set up multiple outputs withdifferent resolutions.

Mapping workflow overview
The VideoMapper application is designed to communicate with the ArKaos Application. They
can run at the same time on the same computer, so that you can edit the mapping directly withthe video content running in the application.
The VideoMapper application is only needed for the edition of the video mapping itself, andcan be closed once the mapping setup is finished. The mapping will be automatically imported
in the ArKaos Application.
The typical workflow is: Connect the displays to the graphics card then turn on the computer.
 Launch the ArKaos Application and switch to the “VideoMapper mode” in the Output
preferences. The Application will restart in order to apply the new mode.
87 Launch VideoMapper application. You can also launch it by clicking the “Edit” button in
the Application Output preferences.
 Create a mapping and test it directly with your video content playing in the ArKaos
Application or by using a test image.
 Once the mapping is finished, simply close the VideoMapper and the ArKaos Application
will take over to output to the full screen displays.
Important:
The video rendering occurs on one graphics card. If you would create surfaces on a displaythat is plugged to another graphics card, be aware that you may experience reduced
performances due to memory transfers, between the different graphics cards, going
through the main memory.
If possible, it’s advised to use the same graphics card to drive all the displays, eventuallyusing a video splitter device. If you absolutely need to use several graphics cards, then you
should connect the displays with the biggest resolution to the main graphics card.

VideoMapper application
The VideoMapper application allows you to manage your displays and create or edit surfacesthat will be used by the ArKaos Application to display its layers when in VideoMapper Mode.

Interface overview

Toolbar
The toolbar on top of the window contains various controls to adjust the user interface, editing
options and the information displayed in the output.

Mapping setup and sources
The left side of the application shows the Mapping setup, with a graphical representation of theconnected displays and the Display browser. Each display in the browser will list its surfaces,
which can be added, deleted or copied directly in the browser.
Sources
The Sources tab contains the visual sources that are used by the VideoMapper, it can be animage or the feed from the ArKaos Application running in “VideoMapper Mode”.
Surface Editor
The “surface editor”, in the central panel, shows the surfaces of the selected displays. It is apreview of the result you will obtain on the related display in full screen. For each surface itshows both the shape that will be sampled from the input visual source and the shape it will bewarped to in the output. Input and Output panels can be collapsed and extended based on theediting needs.
Inspectors
The right panel is an inspector that shows parameters of the selected surface (tab “Surface”),
the selected display (tab “Display”) or the selected group of displays (tab “Group”).

Toolbar optionsShow / hide left panel: shows or hide the left panel with the display browser
so you can have more room to edit your surfaces.
Link grid points: links points between the grind on the crop zone and the gridon the output zone so that moving a point on one will make the corresponding
point move on the other also.
Snap surfaces: surface borders will snap with each other and with the bordersof the surface editor.

Enable / disable full screen: goes full screen on the active outputs.

Show cursor on full screen: show the cursor position on the full screen
displays.
Surface selection flash: the active display will flash each time you select asurface.
Surface info on full screen: show the surface edition objects (surface borders,handles, center and name) on the full screen display.

89

Setting up displays
Each connected display (as detected by youroperating system) is listed in the display browser.
Disconnected displays are shown in red. Below eachdisplay item appears the list of surfaces (click on thearrow on the left to expand the display item).
Each display can be enabled or disabled by clicking
on the left check box. Disabled displays won’t go fullscreen when the global full screen button is activated(the display showing the VideoMapper interface isdisabled by default).

Note:
The first letter of identification before the display name (A1, A2, B1, etc..) represents the
GPU to which the display is connected. Two displays named A1 and A2 means that they
are connected to the same graphics card.
Grouping
Displays can be grouped together to form one big display, by
dragging and dropping one display on another display.
There are two ways to ungroup displays: by selecting a display
and clicking the eject button on the right side or by selecting thegroup, right clicking and selecting ungroup.

Draft Displays
You can create a “draft display” by clicking the “add draft display” button above
the display browser on the right. Draft displays can be used when the display you
want to use in your final setup is not connected. Create your mapping on a draft
display and, later, copy/paste the surfaces to the final display. The draft display
can be deleted once the job is done (right-click on the draft display item andchoose “delete”).
Going full screen
To activate the full screen, press CTRL+F (Command+F on Mac) or click on thefull screen button in the toolbar. The VideoMapper keeps the full screen state inmemory. So, when you start the VideoMapper, the full screen will automaticallybe enabled if it was enabled the last time you closed the application.

Editing Display Properties
When you click on a display item in the display editor, or
when you click on the display tab in the right inspector,
the properties related to the display are shown. You canchoose the resolution of the display and its frequency.
The “Force Resolution” option will change the resolutionof the display to match the resolution in the “Resolution”
combo box. If the option is not set, a “Custom Resolution”
can be specified and the output will be displayed only on
the partial top-left display to cover the specified
resolution.
The option “Span” allows to virtually split the display as amatrix of X columns and Y rows.
The “Span Arrangement” option indicates how thoseSpans should be rearranged to form a large continuous
display for visual playback.
E.g. A typical use would be to take a 4k output to drive four Full-HD projectors installed in arow. In this case, you would Span by 2x2 and pick an Horizontal Span Arrangement. The
VideoMapper would automatically set a large 7680x1080 pixel canvas.

Background Image
The background of the display can be set to black, grey, or bitmap image (you can choose theimage file by clicking on the “open button”).
Custom Canvas Size
By default, rendering is done on a canvas of theresolution of the display. From that canvas, an area iscropped and mapped on each surface. In somesituations, magnifying a small cropped area requires
higher resolution or a lower resolution might be enoughif a surface covers a smaller part of the output area. The
option “Custom Canvas Size” gives you explicit control
over the canvas size used for the intermediate
rendering.

PatternThis option lets you display a pattern over the displays or the spans to help with the setup or
the corrections. The “Pattern Type” is used to select what type of pattern should be displayed:some are designed to setup geometric correction, to setup displays or to tweak color correction.
The “Grid Density” defines how many sub-divisions should be used when generatingprocedural patterns.
The option “Animate Pattern” scrolls the pattern over the display area to bring out somegeometrical deformation issues in some area of the display.
91

The left pattern “Geometric Correction” is mainly for geometric correction and soft-edge. The
right pattern “Color Correction” is more for per display color adjustments and to tweak colors
and curves for soft-edge.

Display corrections
Geometric Correction
Geometric correction lets you remap the whole
output of a display or a span, including all surfaces,by editing a grid and each of its control point. This
allows to compensate some pan, tilt or any
deformation due to some projection on arbitrary
surfaces.
To use Geometric Correction, first toggle the feature
on with the top-right switch.
Each segment can either be set to Linear or Curved.
The coordinates of each control point can be
specified explicitly.

To add or remove control points, use the following buttons:
Add control points that will divide the grid horizontally
Add control points that will divide the grid vertically
Remove control points that will divide the grid horizontally
Remove control points that will divide the grid vertically
Add a control point by clicking anywhere in the grid
Reset the grid; remove all the control points.

The buttons “All Linear” or “All Curved” transform all segments to linear or curved. But eachsegment can also be set explicitly to linear or curved by selecting a control point and using theinterpolation editor below:
It represents the control point with its four adjacentsegments. Each segment can be set to linear or curve. The
middle round control will toggle the four adjacent segments
between linear and curved.
The position of the selected corner box or the selected control point can be moved with thearrow keys of the keyboard. By pressing Alt key modifier the movement is amplified by a factorof 10x. By pressing Ctrl or Cmd more precise adjustments can be done by a factor of 1/10th.
Tab key can be used to select the next control point and Shift + Tab to select the previous
control point.
Soft-Edge
The Soft-Edge defines a band over which the projection of two
beamers will overlap to create a larger continuous output
without any visible discontinuity. It can be performed between
two displays or two spans. To use Soft-Edge, use the top-rightswitch to toggle the feature on.
The top representation lets you select the upper, lower, left or
right border of the current display or current span.
The “Width” parameters sets the width in pixel of theoverlapping area.
The “Curve” defines how the blending is performed along theoverlap area. A value of 1.0 is linear. A higher value gives asmooth ease-in and ease-out on the left and right sides of theoverlap area.
A “Center Value” above 0.5 makes for a lighter middle band in the overlap area. A value below
0.5 makes for a darker middle band.
Soft-Edge is always applied on a matrix of displays or spans. A different behavior is applied on
any outer edge on the boundary of the matrix compared to inner edge between two adjacentdisplays. For inner-edges, soft-edge is active by default. For outer-edges the soft-edge isdisabled by default by having a width of zero. For special setups with multiple media servers
or 360° projections, the width can be explicitly set to activate the soft-edge on the outer edge.
Per Display Corrections
The brightness, contrast and gamma can be adjusted per
display. If the option “Link Gammas” is not set, then the red,green and blue component of the gamma can be tweaked
separately. Displaying the “Color Correction” pattern is helpful toadjust the colors.
To use Display Corrections, first toggle the feature on with the
top-right switch.

93Setting up surfaces
Creating a surface
To create a new surface, click on the rectangle or triangle that appears on the rightwhen the display item is selected.
The list of surfaces on a display is like a stack of layers from top to bottom. The first surface
will be displayed on top of the others. You can change the order of the surfaces by dragging
them around in the list.
Editing Surface Properties
When you select a surface, its properties are displayed in the inspector on the right.
You can modify geometrical parameters by editing the surface directly in the graphical editor(for example modify the width or the height of a rectangle by dragging the middle handles of
the rectangle) or by enter numerical values in the inspector.
 The X and Y parameters are the coordinates of thesurface. This position is by default the top-left corner forrectangles and the center for triangles. If the option“Display Top Left Coordinates” is unchecked in the view
menu, the position of the rectangles will be centered.
 The R parameter is the rotation of the surface. The rotation can also be modified by
dragging the rotation handle in the graphical editor
The other parameters depend on which surface you are editing: Triangles: You can edit the position of the three corners of the triangle (parameter X-Y
in the inspector).
 Rectangles: You can modify the width and the height of the rectangle (parameter W-H
in the inspector).
The rectangle can also be deformed using a grid
pattern. To enable the grid, check the option “Edit
Grid” in the inspector.
When the grid is enabled, each control point of thegrid can then be dragged separately.

To add or remove control points, use the buttons just below the edit grid option:
Add a point vertically.
Add a point horizontally.
Delete a point horizontally.
Delete a point horizontally.
Add a point anywhere then click with your mouse in the surface to add the point.
Reset the grid and delete all the points.

The interpolation combo box lets you set the interpolation for
all the control points of the grid, it can be set to linear or
curved.
To set the interpolation separately for each control point, firstclick a control point in the graphical editor, then the interpolation
editor appears.
It represents the selected control point with its four adjacentsegments. The interpolation for each segment can be set tolinear or curved.
The position of the selected corner box or the selected control point can also be edited withthe arrow keys of the keyboard.
 To move the point of 20 pixels, press Alt while moving the point.
 To move the point of 0.05 pixels, press Ctrl (Cmd on mac) while moving the point.
Image Masks
Any image file can be used as mask that can be applied ona surface. The average of the RGB colors will be used if thesource is a color image.
In the Mask properties editor, click on the “Open” button toload an image.
Make sure that the “Enable” button is checked.

The following options are available to modify the mask:
 Invert: invert the greyscale source image before applying the mask
 Black: the masked part of the image is black Trans: the masked part of the image is transparent
Mapping of Surfaces
For each surface, a shape in the input visual source can be warped to a different shape tothe output. Both Input and Output panels can be expended or collapsed depending on
your editing needs. This technique can be used for instance to crop or magnify somevisuals, to remap visuals on complex shapes or align them on some 3D objects

95

The four corners of rectangular surfaces can be moved separately if you check the option “Edit
Grid”.
Match Output Shape: copies the shape that is currently selectedin the output panel to the input panel.
Match Input Shape: copies the shape selected in the input panel
to the output panel.
The Match Input and Output Shape buttons are very handy if you want to keep your final image
without any stretching of pixels. Another technique to avoid any distortion when editing grid ofa rectangular surface, is to activate “Link Grid Points” option in the toolbar so that your changes
are automatically reflected in both Input and Output panels.
The Show All button allows seeing the input shapes corresponding
to all the surfaces of the display. This option is useful if you want“cut” a visual into several surfaces.

Visual Sources
The visual sources of the VideoMapper can be found under the “Sources” tab in the left pane,next to the Mapping setup.
Visual sources can be an image or the feed from the ArKaos Application running in“VideoMapper Mode”. If the Application is running, the source will automatically switch to use
its feed.
To add an image to the list of sources, click on the “Load Image” button above the list. Double
click on an item of the list to select that source.

Export and Import of Mapping Files
The VideoMapper constantly saves the mapping file internally. You can export your mapping
using the “Export” option in the “File” menu. The exported file (.vmp file) contains theconfiguration of the output groups of GrandVJ XT as well. You can import external mappings
using the “Import” option in the “File” menu.

Key Bindings
Surface editor shortcut keys
 Middle Mouse Button : Pan View
 Scroll Wheel : Zoom View in/out
 Shift + Left Mouse Click : Multiple selection
 Shift + Surface Rescale : Aspect-ratio rescale arrow keys : Move selected Surface (1 pixel) Alt + arrow keys : Move selected Surface (10 pixels) Ctrl + arrow keys on Windows / Cmd + arrow keys on Mac : Move selected Surface (0.1
pixel)
 Ctrl + I / Cmd + I: Hide all Surfaces except the selected one
 Ctrl + Shift + I / Cmd + Shift + I: Show all Surfaces
Grid surface shortcut keys
 R : Reset Grid F1 : Add Horizontal Control Points
 F2 : Remove Horizontal Control Points
 F3 : Add Vertical Control Points
 F4 : Remove Vertical Control Points
 F5 : Add a control point anywhere F6 : Change Grid Interpolation Type F7 : Toggle Control Point Interpolation Type TAB + arrow keys : Change Control Point Selection
 Right-click inside grid: Selection Box Around Control Points
Application shortcut Keys Ctrl + I / Cmd + I: Move The VideoMapper Window To Cursor Position Ctrl + G / Cmd + G: Surface Snap Ctrl + E / Cmd + E: Show crop panel
 Ctrl + F / Cmd + F: Go Fullscreen Ctrl + N / Cmd + N: New Mapping Ctrl + O / Cmd + O: Import a Mapping file Ctrl + Shift + S / Cmd + Shift + S: Export a Mapping file Ctrl + P / Cmd + P: Open the Preferences dialog
 Ctrl + Q / Cmd + Q: Quit the Application

97

Output Management
In the ArKaos Application you can create groups of outputs so you can display a layer on
several outputs at once.
GrandVJ XTThe Output Groups dialog is accessible throughthe transition parameter panels.
MediaMaster Pro
The Output Management dialog is accessible
through the Edit menu or can be called bypressing CTRL+O (Windows) / Cmd+O (Mac).

This dialog lets you create new groups, selectand edit an existing group, rename it or duplicateit.

DMX (MediaMaster Pro Fixture mode only feature)
MediaMaster assigns the VideoMapper
Surfaces, Full screen Display and Output
Groups to a specific DMX value dependingon the following ranges and on what's
already assigned in the list: “All” outputs is assigned to 0
 VideoMapper Surfaces and Full screen
Display (Instant mode) outputs are
assigned between 1 and 199
 Output Groups are assigned between
200 and 249
 LEDMapper output is assigned to 250
 Kling-Net output is assigned to 251
 Values between 252 and 255 arereserved for further versions
You can reassign an output by selecting itat the new target DMX value, within its
respective range.
If there's already an output assigned at thisDMX value, it will be swapped with the
newly assigned one.

Kling-Net Mapper
Important:
The ArKaos Kling-Net Mapper is an extension included with both GrandVJ XT andMediaMaster products. It is important to run the Kling-Net Mapper application that has been
installed together with your ArKaos product so that the two applications can communicate.
It is encouraged to start the Kling-Net Mapper from within your application, through themenu entry “Kling-Net Mapper” or the toolbar.
This section of the documentation is common for GrandVJ XT and MediaMaster. These
two are further referred as “ArKaos Application” or simply as “Application”.

Concepts
Kling-Net is a protocol designed to simplify the setup and operation of display devices such as
LED devices. Those LED devices are connected to a computer through a standard Ethernet
network.

The purpose of Kling-Net is: To allow the connection of display devices to a computer through an automaticconfiguration
 To dynamically configure the network by assigning IP numbers to the LED devices
 To ensure a perfect time synchronization of many display devices
 To avoid using expensive hardware video converters usually needed to send video todisplay devices
 To allow creating a heterogeneous network of display devices made by different
manufacturer and controlled by a Theater computer To add some intelligence into display devices in order to allow device auto configuration
With Kling-Net, display devices and network installations become straightforward to setup.
Kling-Net is independent of DMX, Art-Net or E1.31 (also called Streaming ACN) protocols.
99Hardware setup
Kling-Net is designed to make the best use of your Ethernet network.
To make your network as Theater as possible, you can connect the devices directly to yourserver:Kling-Net requires a Gigabit compatible Ethernet card (1000 Mbps), if your use a 100 Mbps
network Kling-Net will run fine but the number of device that can be used will be limited.
Kling-Net offers a lot of flexibility concerning the IP addresses you can use.
The address of the server should be in the range of local IP addresses:

2.0.0.0 to 2.255.255.255
10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255
172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255
192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255
Note:Kling-Net attributes IP addresses to the LED devices when they power up. If you change
the IP address of the server you must power down/up the LED devices and restart the
ArKaos Application.

Mapping workflow overview
This Kling-Net Mapper is designed to communicate with the ArKaos Application; both can run
at the same time on the same machine or different machines on the same network. You canselect who is sending video to the LEDs through the output dropdown in the toolbar.
The typical workflow is:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

launch the ArKaos Application, go to the Preferences window, activate Kling-Net
launch the Kling-Net Mapper application (you can launch it from the Preferences
window in the Appplication)
set the output to “Test pattern” in the Kling-Net Mapper application
create the mapping and test it on your devices to make sure that it looks finesend the mapping to the Application by clicking the Send button on the top left

6.

select the Application as output in the output menu

If you need to re-edit the mapping, you can restart the workflow from step 3.
You can save the mapping file just in case you need to use it again later, but once you sent
the mapping to the Application via the send button, it will automatically be saved for the
Application.
The send button is on the top left in the Kling-Net Mapper application.

Kling-Net Mapper application
Overview
The Kling-Net Mapper application is where you define areas of the video output that will besent to the LED devices.

The video output is represented by the mapper canvas. The connected devices are listed in
the left panel. To add a device in the setup, simply drag and drop a device on the canvas. It
will automatically create a “mapping rectangle”. The area included in the rectangle will be
grabbed and sent to the corresponding device.
The application has been designed to be simple and easy to use. Each manipulation of device
mapping are immediately reflected on the real LED device. This is very handy because some
setups can be very complex and driving many devices. It also makes the mapping process inKling-Net Mapper as seamless as possible.
101

The mapper should primarily be used for calibration, so background images used in the canvas
are still test pattern images. You can also use a screen grabber to preview the result on moving
images.
Once you’ve created your mapping, the ArKaos Application will use it to feed the LEDs withvideo streams, movies, text, effects or generated content.

Connected Nodes
The “Connected Nodes” panel shows the list of Kling-Net Nodes like the Kling-Force products.
The toggle with the eye icon tells if the devices connected on that node should appear in thelist of connected devices. For Kling-Force products, the three part number between roundbrackets indicates the Firmware version. If Kling-Net Mapper embeds a more recent version of
the Firmware, the Kling-Force device will be automatically updated.

Connected Devices
This panel shows the list of the devices that are currently connected to the mapper or that wereconnected in the past. Information like product name, size, device ID and IP address is
displayed here.
Devices that are already mapped on the canvas are shown in green while unmapped devices
appear in black. Disconnected devices will be shown in red.

Mapped devices (green)
Unmapped devices (black)
Disconnected devices (red)To map a device, simply drag and drop the item in the list onto the canvas. This will create amapping rectangle on the canvas, representing the area that will be sent to the device.
The device ID for each mapped item will also appear in the “Mapped Objects” list.
The dropdown lets you enter a string to filter out devices
with corresponding occurrences and to filter out Kling-Forceor standalone devices.

Mapped Objects
This panel shows the list of objects that are already mapped in the canvas with their IDs.

The canvas
The canvas represents the entire output from which some areas will be grabbed and sent to
the LED devices.

You can change the test pattern by clicking on the left and right arrows at the bottom-left cornerof the panel. You can also choose your own image or image directory with the “Choose Test
Image” and “Choose test image directory” menu entries from the “File” menu.

Mapping
rectangle

Rotate handle:
rotates the
mapping
rectangle

Resizehandle:resize themapping
rectangle

Select test
pattern

The size of the canvas is the size that will be used to render animation clips in the ArKaos
Application. You can change it by using the “Canvas Size” menu entry in the “Canvas” menu.
You can also automatically adjust the canvas size to the selected devices by using the “CropTo Selection” menu entry.
To edit mapping properties for devices, click on a mapping rectangle on the canvas. Properties
will appear in the object inspector, at the bottom of the screen.
To zoom in the canvas, use the mouse wheel on PC or Cmd + mouse scroll on Mac.
To pan, press the middle mouse button and move the mouse on PC or use vertical andhorizontal mouse scroll on Mac.

Dividing and Splitting
Kling-Net devices can be divided or split in the Kling-Net Mapper. Each part can then be
mapped independently even if they are connected through only one Kling-Net connection.
Dividing
A typical use case would be for a set of LED strips that are exposed as one rectangular KlingNet device. By using the divisor field in the device properties and entering the number of LED
Strips, each individual LED strip can be mapped with the correct LED resolution.

103

Splitting
Each individual strip can also be split after any number of LEDs to create multi-segment strips.

To split a device, right click on the device in the canvas, select “Split device” in the popup
menu, enter a split position in the next dialog and press the OK button. The initial device is split
in two devices that can be mapped separately on the canvas.

Output Selection
Test Pattern
The pattern displayed in the canvas will be output to the Kling-Net fixtures. As the default output
is “None”, it is important to select an output to verify if anything is sent to the LED fixtures.
To iterate over the available test patterns, use the left and right arrows at the bottom left of thecanvas.
Screen Grabber
The screen grabber allows grabbing any part of the screen and sending it to the mapped
devices. To activate it, click on the output icon in the toolbar (the first one on the left), andselect “screen-grabber” in the drop down menu.

A red rectangle will appear, representing the background images that will be sent to thedevices. The rectangle has the same resolution as the canvas size. You can drag it to choose
the capture zone on your screen.
Application
The “Kling-Net Mapper” output of the ArKaos Application will be sent to the LED fixtures. A
specific instance of the Application can be selected in the sub-menu.

Templates
Templates are the easiest way to map several
devices of the same size in a grid.
To create a template click on the “Create
Template” button at the bottom of the mapped
devices list.
This will open the Template Creation dialog
box.

The Template Creation dialog box shows a list of available sizes on the left. Chose the size ofthe devices you want to map in the list. The dimensions parameter modifies the number ofdevices you can map on the template.

Select adevice size

Select the
template size

To map devices on the template, double click on it or click on the template map mode icon in
the toolbar. When the map mode is activated, everything is frozen in the graphical editor, theonly thing you can do is drag and drop devices on the template.
You can only drag and drop devices with the right size, as defined in the template creation
dialog. When you’re ready with the mapping, double click out of the template to come back to
the normal mode.
Devices mapped into a template are “attached” to it. Therefore it is easy to edit a set of devices,which belong to a template.
A supplementary parameter is available for templates in the object inspector: “interspaces”. It
allows you to define interspaces between each device in the template.

105

Draft Devices
The button “Create Draft Device…” in the main window lets the user create a Draft Device inthe canvas and place it precisely. When later the real Kling-Net devices get connected, theuser can drag-and-drop them on the Draft Device slots for quick and precise placement. Draft
Devices are displayed in gray, both in the device list and in the canvas.

Preferences“Use Bilinear Filtering” indicates that any sampling done between two pixels in the canvas will
be interpolated using bilinear interpolation.
If “Use Center for Position” is set, then the displayed and edited position of a fixture
corresponds to the center of the fixture rectangle. Also rotations are done around the center
which might feel more natural.
If “Use Center for Position” is not set, then the displayed and edited position of a fixture
corresponds to the first LED on the top left corner of the fixture rectangle. Also rotations aredone around this first LED which is more appropriate to set vertical fixtures to some precise(x,y) coordinates. This mode is better to setup pixel perfect mapping because for even pixel
dimensions, the center would be in the middle of two pixels.

Pixel Perfect Mappings
For pixel perfect mappings, unset options “Use Bilinear Filtering” and “Use Center for Position”
in the preferences. Make sure your devices are mapped with their genuine size. Only use whole
numbers for positions and only multiple of 90° for rotations.

How to Display LED mappings from the Application
ArKaos Application uses a unique mapping file that is stored to a precise location in the Libraryfolder or in the settings location. If you use the New, Open, Save or Save As file operations in
the Kling-Net Mapper, the current mapping will not automatically get used by the Application.
Below are the different ways to tell the Application to use the new edited mapping.
While the Kling-Net Mapper is running.
If you have created and edited a mapping and want to use it in the Application you must do
two actions:
1. Send the mapping to the Application
To do this you can simply use the send button on the top left of the interface. Another way is
to archive your mapping by saving it to disk and from the preference of the Application import
the mapping file. Using the send button is the fastest way.

The send button is top left in the Kling-Net Mapper application:

2. Switch the output to the Application
From the output menu, switch the video output back to the Application.
While the output is set to the Application you can continue to edit your mapping and use the“Send” button to update the output in the Application.
GrandVJ XTYou can read the section “Display” in the Preferences of GrandVJ to get more details about
the configuration of Kling-Net in GrandVJ.
MediaMaster
You can read the section “Output Tab” in the Preferences of MediaMaster to get moredetails about the configuration of Kling-Net in MediaMaster.
While Kling-Net Mapper is not running.
If no Kling-Net Mapper is running, then when the Application starts it will send output to theKling-Net devices if Kling-Net is activated.
If you already loaded the mapping in a previous session, GrandVJ will restore the mapping
automatically. Similarly MediaMaster will restore automatically the mapping previously savedin the active Library.
If you want to load a new mapping file you must use the Kling-Net import button in the
Preferences of the Application.

107

LEDMapper
Important:
The ArKaos LEDMapper is an extension included with both GrandVJ XT and MediaMasterproducts. It is important to run the LEDMapper application that has been installed together
with your ArKaos product so that the two applications can communicate. It is encouraged
to start LEDMapper from within your application, through the menu entry “LEDMapper” or
the toolbar.
This section of the documentation is common for GrandVJ XT and MediaMaster. These
two are further referred as “ArKaos Application” or simply as “Application”.
The ArKaos Application can also be used to drive LED, dimmers or other color changing
devices over DMX in addition to sending high resolution video content to conventional
projection or display devices with DVI, VGA or S-Video input.
In order to use the pixel mapping output over DMX you must first build a “mapping file”. This iscreated using the ArKaos LEDMapper software. It allows you to configure what type of LED
fixtures you are using, their DMX addresses and what pixels of your output screen they are
related to.
The LED mapping samples the video output buffer and as such full screen output must be
enabled for pixel mapping to work.
The LEDMapper has no software limitation. You can control as many LED fixtures as you wantwithin the limit of the 256 DMX universes.
We will explain here how to create the mapping file that describes your network of LED devices.
With the mapping file created and loaded into the Application, the software will
output DMX values for each pixel that has been mapped based on the colorand intensity of that pixel in your master video output.
This output of DMX can be done simultaneously with the main video output –allowing you to use DMX controlled color mixing fixtures alongside your
LED Mapper
display devices.

extension icon

For example you may have a central projection display in the middle of the stage and surroundit with LED color mixing tubes which would also respond to the same content and be controlled
via the ArKaos Application.
The LEDMapper software includes profiles for many of the leading LED fixtures currently on
the market.
Note:
By default the LEDMapper is not activated, for more information on how to activate LED
Output in the Application, read the Preferences Dialog section and the part about the
LEDMapper.

LEDMapper 3 Introduction
Overview of the New Features
LED Mapper 3 is a major upgrade from the LEDMapper that was included with the previous
version of the Application, the main new features are:






Support of unicast to optimize your network
Auto-discovery of Art-Net nodes for an easier setup
LED Mapper and the Application can run simultaneously
Reworked toolbar with new network selector and activity LEDs
Support to explicitly output to a given network interface.

Concepts
The LED output in ArKaos Application aims at driving LED fixtures through DMX addressing.
Since there’s a lot of different panel vendors, LED fixtures have very different properties whenit comes to resolution, pixel type, channel mapping, etc.
The LEDMapper has been designed to handle most of the fixtures on the market as long as
they are driven through DMX.
To drive those fixtures, ArKaos uses the Art-Net protocol (DMX over Ethernet). If some of yourpanels don’t directly support Art-Net, it can be easily converted into a classic DMX signal using
so-called Ethernet nodes. Art-Net gives provision for up to 256 DMX universes, which allows
handling a lot of elements.
The principle of the LEDMapper is very simple: Using the LEDMapper application, you describe
which area of the video output will be sent to each LED devices along with their DMX
addressing (universe and base channel). Once the configuration for a particular show has been
defined, it is saved in a ‘mapping’ file that will be used by the ArKaos Application to push theright pixels to the right LED Panels.

The Integration of the LED Mapper with GrandVJ
To start sending DMX values to your fixtures you need to activate the LEDMapper from the“Display Tab” of the preferences Dialog.
Once it’s done you will see the LEDMapper activated in
the toolbar of the GrandVJ interface.
The mapping file used by GrandVJ is stored automatically in a reserved folder.
When you activate the LEDMapper for the first time you will not see any activity on your fixtures
because none are mapped.
You should open the LEDMapper from the Options menu of GrandVJ or from the Kling-Net
button in the toolbar, so you are sure that you will edit the mapping file used by GrandVJ.
New with LEDMapper 3, both GrandVJ and the LEDMapper can stay open simultaneously.
Each time you save your mapping file, GrandVJ will reload it automatically.

109

The integration of the LEDMapper with MediaMasterTo start sending DMX values to your fixtures you need toactivate the LEDMapper from the “Output Tab” of thepreferences Dialog. Once it’s done you will see the
LEDMapper activated on the bottom right of theMediaMaster interface.
The mapping file used by MediaMaster is stored automatically in the active library. This has
the advantage of making it easy to move or backup a show because the library will have boththe content and the mapping used by MediaMaster.
When you activate the LEDMapper for the first time you will not see any activity on your fixtures
because none are mapped.
It is recommended to open the LEDMapper from the Edit menu of MediaMaster. Doing so
guarantees that you run the LEDMapper application provided together with MediaMaster andthat both application share a same Library where the mapping file is stored. Each time you
save your mapping file, MediaMaster will reload it automatically.
MediaMaster and the LEDMapper are now better integrated. Both can stay open
simultaneously. Closing and reopening the mapper will not cut the Art-Net connection.

Hardware and Network Setup with Art-Net Protocol
The LEDMapper output aims at driving LED fixtures with a DMX input. ArKaos Application will
always send DMX information over Art-Net on a single Ethernet adapter. Depending on thetype of fixture, it might need to be converted into a DMX signal with Ethernet nodes.
Most Ethernet nodes are Art-Net compatible, and a lot of them are dedicated to Art-Net
protocol. The Art-Net protocol can transfer up to 256 DMX universes, allowing to control up to
131.072 DMX channels.
DMX universes in Art-Net are specified by means of two parameters: subnet and universe:
there are 16 subnet and 16 universes (both ranging from 0 to 15). On each Ethernet nodes,
you must select which subnet / universe they will be listening to transfer the signal onto their
DMX output.

Fixture Node Discovery with ArtPoll and ArtReply
Art-Net specification includes a mechanism toautomatically discover DMX devices connectedto the network. The “Fixture Nodes” list monitor
the active network interface and will display the
IP address, the subnet and universe assigned toeach detected node.
When available, the name of the node will be
displayed. If not, the IP address will be used as
the name.
A node that disappears from the network will be
displayed in red. The list also displays thenumber of LED fixtures assigned to each node in
the current mapping. It’s the number in the “Nb”
column.

LEDMapper 3 Interface
The Main LEDMapper Interface
The LEDMapper is the application where you describe which parts of the video image (screen)
should be sent to the different fixtures.
The application has been designed to be
simple and easy to use. In order tomonitor your work, the software sends
Art-Net output, which allows you to see
the result of your work when creating the
mapping in a WYSIWYG fashion. This isvery handy for very complex setups withmany fixtures. It also makes sure theprocess of using the mapping in ArKaos
Application is as seamless as possible.
Also new LEDMapper 3, you can decide
whether LEDMapper or the Applicationis sending DMX to the fixtures.
The mapping application is just using afixed image to sample colors and does
not support fancy movie playback andeffects. It’s solely targeted at getting an accurate mapping definition, not as a performance tool.
Once you’ve created your mapping, the Application will use it and feed the LEDs with camera,
movies, text using effects or any other visuals.
Using the icons on the bottom left of the canvas you can change
the background visual.
To add a new image for the mapping of fixtures, go in the Filemenu and select the item “Choose Test Image…” to choose any
image residing on the computer’s hard drive. You can also use the“Choose Test Image Directory…” to select a directory that will contain several test images thatare needed during the mapping process.

111

The Fixture Library
The mapping software is based on the concept ofusing a fixture library. This library contains thedefinition for various Fixtures, storing theirintrinsic parameters such as the number of pixels
they cover, the channel offset for each of pixel andso on.
Once you have defined the library elements, you
are free to use them as many times as you wish
in a given mapping setup. Each fixture element
used for a particular configuration becomes a‘mapping element’ that you can arrange
interactively, specifying for each of them theuniverse and start channel to be used.
In the list you find all the fixtures available in the
Fixture Library.
Fixtures are sorted by manufacturers.
Each fixture definition contains the following parameters:
Resolution (for instance 8x8 pixels)
The resolution specifies the width and the height of the pixel matrix.
Pixel TypeThe pixel type specifies the color and luminance capacity of the pixels.
Most often, the pixel type will be RGB, meaning 3 DMX channels define each pixel; giving
respectively the red, green and blue levels.
Some devices have additional channel for luminance information and are of type RGBL. Thisis generally provided to make them easier to control from a lighting desk but is not useful whencontrolled from ArKaos Application. However it is important to choose the right pixel type or
the values sent will not correspond to what the device is expecting. In the case of RGBL pixel
type, ArKaos Application will output a constant luminance set in .xml or simply fill the “L”
channel with a 100% value by default.
For pixel type “L” (Luminance only), the Application will compute each of the pixel’s luminosity
and send it to the fixture. In this case each pixel uses only one DMX channel.
The CMY and YMC are alternative color models used to control some fixtures such as moving
lights.
Amber is a color between yellow and orange. They are represented by a separate LED onsome fixtures.

Pixel Type

Detail or Formula

RGB
RBG
GRB
GBR
BRG
BGR

Red, Green, Blue
Red, Blue, Green
Green, Red, Blue
Green, Blue, Red
Blue, Red, Green
Blue, Green, Red

RGBL
RGBA
RGBW+
RGBWL

Red, Green, Blue, Intensity Channel*
Red, Green, Blue, Alpha = 0
Red, Green, Blue, Additive White = (Red + Green * 1.5 + 0.5 * Blue) / 3
Red-W, Green-W, Blue-W, W = Min(Red, Green, Blue)
Luminance = (Red + Green * 1.5 + Blue * 0.5 ) / 3;

CMY
YMC

255 - Red, 255 - Green, 255 - Blue255 - Blue, 255 - Green; 255 - Red

RGBXXX
RrGgBb
RGBAmber
RGBWAmber

Red, Green, Blue, 0, 0, 0
Red, Red, Green, Green, Blue, Blue
Red, Green, Blue, Min(Red, Green)
Red, Green, Blue, Intensity Channel*, Min(Red, Green)

RB
R
G
B

Red, Blue
Red
Green
Blue

*Intensity Channel is a constant value set per fixture in the xml and parameter name isintensity channel with a default value of 255.
Pixel addressing (DMX channel assigned for each pixel)
In order to drive each pixel inside the matrix, we need to define the channel offset of each pixel
inside the fixture. Many fixtures maps pixels from left to right and from top to bottom, but thisis not always the case. In order to cope with all situations, the software allows pixels to beaddressed freely or using an auto-map feature covering most of the cases.

Creating or modifying a LED Fixture
To edit an existing fixture, select it in the fixture library list and press the “Edit” button at thebottom of the list. To create a new fixture, press the “New” button below the fixture list.
When creating a new fixture, a first dialog lets you select the pixel type, the width and heightof the fixture in pixels, the number of DMX channels used in the personality of the LED fixture.
By default it is deduced from the pixel information but a custom size can be specified.

113

Then in both cases it will open the Edit LED Fixture dialog box:

This dialog allows you to define the manufacturer and product name of the fixture and choose
its pixel type, resolution and channel count. Pixels can be mapped on channels either manually
or by using the Auto-Mapping feature. The red squares indicate all pixels from the Fixture’s
matrix. If they have a number in them, it represents their DMX channels. The number is thechannel offset to be used to address that particular pixel. Pixels without numbers are notaddressed, no pixel information will be sent to them.
Auto-Mapping gives a simple way to define an addressing that follows a row/column pattern.
Simply specify the rule and the start channel to fill out the matrix by clicking ‘Auto-Map’ button.
You will see the resulting addressing displayed inside the pixels. If the fixture doesn’t haveenough channels, the Auto-Map button will be disabled. The range of the Start channel isconstrained so that there are enough channels left for the full pixel mapping.
To map pixel addresses manually, you need to click red squares one at a time or holding
mouse button down in the correct order. Each time you click a pixel not yet patched, it will begiven the next DMX channel. You can specify the Next Channel to be used by setting anothervalue in the Next Channel field. You can always use the “Reset mapping” button to clear
completely the mapping.

In this new version you get a finer control over the fixture
personality by setting some constants for some channels or
keep some channel Undefined. This is done in the Personality
tab. It allows the Application to support new fixtures that require
some channels, such as Intensity or Shutter, to be set in orderto operate.
An Undefined channel will output value zero except in the DMX
Merger is used. In this last case, the value received throughDMX input will be output. In other words, undefined channels
are not controlled by the LEDMapper but only passed throughthe Merger.
The Reset Constants button in the Settings lets you clear all
those constants.

The DMX Merger
The new DMX Merger allows to control advanced fixtures from both a lighting console and the
ArKaos Application. For instance a Moving Head Pan & Tilt channels can be controlled from alighting console while the Application sends video content to the LEDs.

Both the lighting console output and the LEDMapper fixtures to be merged should be set on asame set of consecutive universes. The DMX Merger will then merge both data and output theresult to another non-overlapping set of consecutive universes. The merge will be done basedon the configured personality of the fixture in LEDMapper. Undefined channel will take thevalue from the DMX Input while Constant channel will overwrite the DMX Input values. Pixel
information will be merged following the LEDMapper merger mode defined by DMX in two
Master Fixture channels.
In the LEDMapper toolbar the following two buttons are respectively to toggle the DMX Merger
on/off and to setup the DMX Merger by opening the DMX Universe Merging dialog.

The setup dialog lets the user specify the input and output ranges of universes by specifying aStart Subnet, a Start Universe and the number of Consecutive Universes to be merged. Whenusing consecutive Universes, please note that the next Universe after 15 is the Universe 0 of
the next Subnet.
115

The button with the Merger symbol must be pushed to activate the Merger. This is similar totoggling on the Merger on the main toolbar.
Here are a few rules to follow to setup the DMX Merger properly: Both the lighting console output and the LEDMapper fixtures to merge should be setup
on the same channels in the input range of universes of the DMX Merger.

 Merger cannot operate with fixtures set in Unicast mode.
 No fixture should be set to output in the range of universes used for the Merger output.
 Input and output universe ranges of the DMX Merger should not overlap.
 The physical light fixtures to be controlled by the merger should be setup on the output
range of universes of the DMX Merger.

In the dialog above, the lighting console and the LEDMapper fixtures should be configured on
Universe 0 Subnet 2 and the physical lighting fixture should be set up on Universe 0 Subnet 4.
Known Limitation:
For now merging can only be done on pixel format where blending can be done separately
per component and DMX channel. Merger does not support yet 16bits or LEDs with morethan RGB channels where components or channels are correlated.
Parameters
Two parameters are available in the Output tab of the preferences to set the Blend Mode of
the DMX Merger and the Intensity. In the Status panel of MediaMaster, a letter between square
brackets indicates the status and the mode of the DMX Merger.

The Merger takes DMX input and LEDMapper output and apply the selected blend mode to
produce a Merger output. On top of that the Intensity determines how much the Merger should
influence the result. With an Intensity of 0%, the DMX input is passed through. With an Intensity
or 100% the Merger result is output. Intensity parameter can be used as a cross-fadeparameter between DMX Input coming from a lighting console and Merger Output coming from
LEDMapper.
To be controlled from a lighting console, those two parameters are also available through DMX,
and described in the DMX Chart of the Master Fixture.
Blend modes, including math behind, are listed in the DMX Chart and further detailed at thefollowing URL:
http://ftp.arkaos.net/downloads/ArKaos_DMX_Merger_Blend_Modes.pdf

The Mapped Fixtures List
The “Mapped Fixtures List” contains all the
mapped elements that have been alreadyincluded into the current project.
The address column provides the subnet,
channel and universe used by the fixture.

Creating the LED mapping
When your set of fixtures is ready, you can start building a specific mapping, which can
combine several fixtures into a mapping. To add a fixture, simply drag & drop it from the library
onto the mapping area located on the right side of the screen. It will automatically create a‘mapped fixture’ (an instance of a fixture in the mapping) and display the available parametersin the “Device Properties”, “DMX Mapping Properties” and “Mapping Properties” panes:117At this point, the LED Mapper will start sending DMX to the fixture. If your panels are properly
connected, they should display the part of the image held inside the element’s area. If the panel
doesn’t show any image, check the fixture definition, the DMX patching of the element as well
as you hardware connections. The images sent for this particular element is also displayed in
the “Preview” pane located under the mapping area.

Selecting the Network Interface and the Sender Application
The toolbar on the top of the mapping allows you to select the network interface where youwant the Art-Net traffic to be sent:

If you want to create a mapping for a network not connected to your system you can selectnew and enter an address compatible with the system where the mapping will be used. If you
are not sure of the complete IP address of the interface on that system you can by example
simply use 2.x.x.x to allow selecting any interface that start by 2.
Two LEDs are monitoring if packets are received or sent by the LEDMapper.
Packets received by the LEDMapper are mainly Art-Net pool replies sent back by LED fixtureson the network.
LEDMapper 3 supports any IP addresses including office network ranges like 192.168.x.x andmore standard ranges 10.x.x.x and 2.x.x.x as defined by the protocol.
LEDMapper 3 can run side by side with ArKaos Application. A sender selector toggles whichapplication will output DMX to the fixtures:This allows to quickly visualize the result of the mapping with the output of the Application.
The Application will immediately reload the mapping each time you save the file.
Setting the Sender to LEDMapper means the LEDMapper should output Art-Net data insteadof the Application.
GrandVJ XT:The GrandVJ toolbar the “KLING-NET” will illuminate in orange. When GrandVJ can sendout Art-Net data, the “KLING-NET” will illuminate in blue again.
MediaMaster:In MediaMaster the LED will turn orange. When MediaMaster can send out Art-Net data,
the LED turns blue again.

Editing the Device and DMX properties
The description in the device properties pane is ahelper to identify your devices in the mapped
fixtures list.
The DMX properties give the address of the first
DMX channel in the device.
If IP address is set to “Auto” the LEDMapper will
send the DMX channels to every device on the
network. This makes the mapping easier to create,
but can put a heavy load on every fixture in the
network.
Universe and Subnet are in range 0-15. A Subnet of 1 and Universe 0 is also equivalent to a
Universe of 16 when referencing to the alternate convention of 256 Universes in Art-Net 2 and
32768 in Art-Net 3. In the current version only the first 256 Universes can be addressed.
New in LEDMapper 3, you can set explicitly the IP address of a device. To assist you whilesetting the IP address, the IP menu is automatically populated with the fixtures nodes
discovered on the network.
Here you see all the devices discovered on the
network and the LEDMapper will send the DMX
channels to the “dmXLAN node6”
Each entry of the menu is the concatenation of thisinformation: The node name (dmXLAN node6)
 The IP address (2.0.39.38)
 The number of devices assigned to that IP
address (1)This avoids the need to enter IP addresses manually
in most cases.
Only when you are creating a mapping file offline and you don’t have the devices on yournetwork you need to enter the IP address manually and you must create a “Manual” IP address.
When you create a manual address the dialog is using the information of the current active
network.
If your main network is on 2.x.x.x you will only be able to enter
the last 3 numbers of the IP address.
The LEDMapper allows you to enter a manual network
address. This allows creating a mapping file using IP
addresses for devices, even if you are not yet connected to
the network where the mapping will be used.

Unicast versus Broadcast
LEDMapper version 3 now supports the unicast transfer mode where packets of data can besent directly to the addressed fixtures and not to the entire network.

119For backward compatibility, LEDMapper can still use broadcasting to send all data to every
LED fixture.
In the Broadcast example here, each of the three fixtures would
also receive data addressed to the other two fixtures. This
would put three times more load on the network and the fixtures
would be processing three times more data.

The unicast transfer mode is more efficient because every
packet of data is sent exclusively to the addressed fixture, as
illustrated below. However unicast requires specifying the IP
address of each fixture.

Fixtures are still mapped in Broadcast mode by default as long as the IP address stays on“Auto”.
To assist you while optimizing your network, fixtures in Broadcast mode are displayed inorange in the “Mapped Fixtures” list:

Using unicast is not mandatory and most of the time broadcasting should work just fine withmodern fixtures. You should consider using unicast with a large number of fixtures and if you
want to optimize your network by sending the minimum data packets to your fixtures.
If you have a mixed setup with both unicast and broadcast you will still put some pressure on
every device on the network. Unicast works best when every fixture have been assigned an IP
address.

Auto-Unicast
Auto-unicast will automatically optimize the network traffic by sending Art-Net data only to thedevices concerned. There is no extra setup because those information are automaticallyshared through ArtPollReply and part of the Art-Net specifications. Devices should be left on
Auto IP.
LEDMapper exposes a new option in the preferences to turn on this optimization.

Editing the Mapping Properties
Left and Top are the positions in pixel of the top left
corner of the device.
Width and Height are the number of pixels of thescreen area that will feed this element. If you want apixel perfect mapping, this value should match theexact size of the Fixture pixel matrix. This is thedefault setting after adding element. If the element
size differs from the fixture size, ArKaos Application
will perform averaging on the screen area tocompute the pixel color information sent to the
fixture.
Rotation rotates the element of the specified numberof degrees.
Horizontal flip
upside/downallowsflipping

theelement

Vertical flip allows flipping the element left/rightThe element’s position, size and rotation can also beedited graphically. If you press the left mouse button
inside the device’s area, dragging the mouse will
move the element. Clicking on every corner of theelement will modify the element’s size while the top
handle allows changing the rotation.

Deleting a Device from the Mapping
To delete an element, select it and press the “Delete” key, you can use “undo” if you made a
mistake. Alternatively, you can right click on the element, and select the “Remove” entry in thecontextual menu.
You can also delete a device from the “Mapped Fixtures” list. Select the element there in thelist and press the “Delete” key.

Mapped Devices Contextual Menu
Once a device is selected you can right click on it to see thecontextual menu.
The mapping properties such as Flip Horizontal and Verticalare available in the menu.
The Align and Rotate options are designed to work on a groupof devices.
Those are the options of the Align and Rotate entries:

121

To save time when creating a big setup with many similar fixtures (for instance 16x10 = 160
fixtures), it is possible to duplicate elements. To duplicate an element, right click on it and select“Duplicate Element…” from the contextual menu.
The following dialog will be shown:
In most cases, the elements will be organized according toa matrix. For example, using 16 elements in a 4x4 grid.
Using this dialog, you can specify the width and height of
the grid you would like to create, specifying the number of
elements you want horizontally and vertically. If you want tocreate a grid of 4x4 elements, you will enter theseparameters.
The Patch direction will define where the new elements will
be added and in which order. The order is importantbecause the software has an intelligent DMX patchingalgorithm explained below. The direction is also important:
if you select to patch first “From left to right” then “From top
to bottom”, the element you are duplicating will be the top
left element of the grid. So the new element will be added to the right and to the bottom of theoriginal one.
Since all the resulting elements need to be assigned to an Art-Net universe and DMX channel,
the software will pre-patch the duplicated element using the most logical way: if there is enoughchannels left in the current Art-Net universe, it will set the start channel to the next unused
channel in the universe. If there is not enough space left it will patch the duplicated element on
the first channel of the next universe.
To verify or modify the pre-patching of the duplicated elements once you’ve created them, you
can select them individually and inspect their properties in the “DMX Mapping Properties” pane.

Mapping Resolution and Pixel Perfect Sampling
When positioning the mapping elements, everything is done with respect to a pixel grid. The
grid resolution is per default 100x100 but can be changed to any resolution, up to 4096x4096.
The LED Mapper can be used to send pixel perfect values. To do so you must avoid resizing
the mapped device. In this example we have a bar of 12 LEDs mapped in a 64 by 64 canvas
area, the device properties are 12 by 1 and no resize occurs, the Preview shows that the colors
are exact and not blurred:

Mapping Files
After having mapped all the fixtures for your show, you need to save the mapping file before
leaving the application. The File menu offers all common entries to create a new empty
mapping, to save your mapping or save your mapping under another file name.
The file extension is “.lmp” stands for LED Mapper Project. It includes the mapping (mapped
elements and their properties) as well as the fixtures used in the mapping, so that you can

open the file on another computer even if the fixtures are not available on that computer’s
fixture library.
By default, LED Mapper 3 saves the mapping file in a reserved folder used by GrandVJ.

Mapping files
Mapping files with extension “.lmp” are used to save both the mapping of fixtures on the canvas,
their properties and also the definition of fixtures so that the file can be used on anothercomputer.
GrandVJ XT:
An active “mapping.lmp” file is stored in a LEDMapper subfolder beside the GrandVJ
preferences. The mapping is not saved within the GrandVJ project.
MediaMaster:In MediaMaster each Library contains one “mapping.lmp” file in the LEDMapper subfolder.
When switching Library, both MediaMaster and LEDMapper will switch to the mapping
contained in this Library. Switching Library while any mapper is open is discouraged.
The save command in the file menu directly writes to that active mapping file and notifies the
ArKaos Application to immediately reload and apply the new mapping file. The Import or Export
are used to load and save a mapping from or to a different file location.
New…

Creates a new mapping file and discard the current one.

Save

Saves the mapping and notifies the ArKaos Application.

Import…

Imports a mapping from a file location.

Export…

Exports the mapping to a file location.

Import Fixtures
The option “Import Fixtures” in the File menu loads and merges a library of fixtures from a file,within the current definition of fixtures used by LEDMapper.

123Syphon & Spout

GrandVJ can be used together with other software, specialized in content or effect generationor output mapping, thanks to some different compatible interop technologies like Syphon andSpout.

InputsSyphon Input
Type

Input from a Syphon sender running on the same computer.

Transfer

Efficient transfer through GPU texture sharing.

Platform

Mac Only

Websitehttp://syphon.v002.info/

Syphon inputs are visible in the Folder 241 of the Library.

Spout Input
Type

Input from a Spout sender running on the same computer.

Transfer

Efficient transfer through GPU texture sharing.

Platform

Windows Only

Websitehttp://spout.zeal.co/

Spout inputs are visible in the Folder 241 of the Library.

Outputs
Syphon Output
Type

Output to a Syphon receiver running on the same computer.

Transfer

Efficient transfer through GPU texture sharing.

Platform

Mac Only

Websitehttp://syphon.v002.info/

Syphon outputs are always exposed and become active when a Syphon receiver issubscribing.

Spout Output
Type

Output to a Spout sender running on the same computer.

Transfer

Efficient transfer through GPU texture sharing.

Platform

Windows Only

Websitehttp://spout.zeal.co/

Spout outputs are always exposed and become active when a Spout receiver is subscribing.

Legal Notices
Syphon is a technology copyrighted by Tom Butterworth and Anton Marini.
Spout is a technology copyrighted by Tom Illumina, Inc.

125

ArKaos Mobile Apps
ArKaos offers mobile apps to better learn or experience with Art-Net and Kling-Net concepts.
It is particularly useful to get hands on the DMX Merger, Unicast, ArtPoll, Kling-Force, KlingForce LED interface and helps to visualize the Art-Net traffic.

See web page with a full description of the various Mobile Apps from ArKaos:
http://www.arkaospro.com/software/mobile-applications

127Troubleshooting
Issues running GrandVJ
If you encounter a problem while starting or running the software please follow
those first advices. If the problem remains, please contact our support.

Resetting Preferences
If the application doesn’t start, in many case the issue can be solved by resetting
the preferences or settings of the application.
http://support.arkaos.net/index.php/kb/article/87_PC_How_can_I_reset_the_software_to_default_preferences
http://support.arkaos.net/index.php/kb/article/32_Mac_How_can_I_reset_the_software_to_default_preferences

Sending a Crash Report
If the software would crash, it will help our engineer to investigate the issue if they
can access your Crash Report. If the following dialog appears and you have aninternet connection, you can press the Send button and reference to that crash bycopying the ID in an email to our support.

User Interface does not show properly
Some dialogs, controls or texts appear wrongly cut - DPI Scaling
A frequent reason is that the OS has some DPI scaling settings different from
100%. DPI scaling is not yet supported by GrandVJ.
This option is found in the Display Settings. Depending on the OS it is named as
Scaling options or Text Scaling or Custom Scaling and values should be put to100%.

Issues with LEDMapper
Only one Art-Net application can run with full Art-Net compatibility
If multiple Art-Net applications run on a same computer, only the first one will beassigned the official Art-Net port and get full Art-Net compliance. Otherwise you
might experience the following restrictions:

Not being able to control some fixtures which require packets to be sent
only from the port as stated in the Art-Net specifications (0x1936).



Not receiving some ArtPollReply used for Node discovery.

Auto-Unicast would not work because it relies on Node discovery.

In this case closing other Art-Net applications and restarting GrandVJ should solve
the issue.

129Support, information and contact
Users discussion forum

Support centre / Knowledgebase

http://forum.arkaos.net/

http://support.arkaos.net/

Solutions
As always, we are eager to hear from you. If you have any problems or questions, don't hesitate
to join our forums or to contact our support team!

Users discussion forum
If you just want to discuss with other ArKaos users, share tips and experiences about our
products or third party software / hardware, ask questions about particular setups etc.. Our
Users discussion forum is the place to be!

Knowledgebase articles
Our online Support Centre features a FAQ / Knowledgebase where a solution to the mostcommon registration / configuration problems has been posted.

Trouble ticket system
Our online Support centre also features a Trouble ticket system which allows our team toreceive your support requests and follow up the resolution of your problem as well as eventual
future issues. You can check the status of your trouble tickets, post replies to our team orcreate new trouble tickets directly from our web interface.
Our support team answers your requests during office hours (CET) on weekdays, we do ourvery best to answer your trouble tickets within one business day.

Distributors and resellers
Our distributors and resellers are also at your service if you would like to request information
in your language, advice on additional hardware or software, solutions or quotes for a particularconfiguration etc.
A complete list of distributors and resellers for our software can be found on our web site.

Thank you very much for your interest in our products, we hope you will enjoy using thissoftware as much as we enjoyed creating it!

Have fun!
The ArKaos TeamIndexActivation Code ..................... 1, 6, 7, 8, 9
Alpha.................................................... 71
Audio input ........................................... 22

Forum .................................................130
Forward ................................................28
Frame rate ...........................................78
Framerate ............................................22
Full screen .................. 14, 22, 26, 89, 90

BG

Background ................................... 24, 29
Backward ............................................. 28
Banks .................................15, 20, 26, 31
Blackout ............................................... 22

Gain control .........................................22
Generators .................................... 15, 72
GPULevel.............................................68
Graphic card ................................. 68, 81
Grid ............................................... 89, 94
Group ...................................................98

A

C

H

Cells ...................... 15, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28
Chrominance ................................. 30, 71
Clear .............................................. 21, 31
Color .................................................... 30
Compression ....................................... 78
Controller .............. 14, 15, 17, 26, 32, 38
Copy / Paste ........................................ 31
Copy modes ....................................... 29
Cross-fader .................................... 17, 36
Cube .................................................... 30
Customer account6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13,69

Help ......................................................23
Hold ............................................... 22, 27

I
Images .................................................71
Import ...................................................97
Incremental ..........................................40
Installation ..............................................5
Instant Mode ........................................15
Interpolation .........................................95

D

K

Deactivate ...................................... 10, 70
Default value........................................ 31
Demo mode ......................................... 10
Displays .......................15, 83, 85, 90, 91
Distributors ........................................ 130
Drag and drop.......................... 26, 28, 31
Dual output .......................................... 14

Key frames ...........................................80
Key-stoning ..........................................65
Kill all ....................................................22
Knowledgebase .................................130

L
Latch ............................................. 22, 27
Layer ....................................................25
Layers ......................... 15, 21, 24, 33, 34
License ............................ 6, 8, 10, 13, 69
Lock parameters ..................................34
Loop modes .......................................28
Luminance .................................... 30, 71

E
Effects ................................15, 16, 29, 72
Export .................................................. 97

F
Fade............................................... 24, 29
FAQ ................................................... 130
Force resolution ................................... 26
Foreground .................................... 24, 29

MMachine ID .........................................7, 9Mapping15, 17, 20, 27, 31, 38, 39, 87, 89,131

97
Masking modes ................................. 30
Matrix ................................. 15, 19, 26, 31
MIDI activity ......................................... 22
MIDI channel ................................. 40, 67
MIDI notes ........................................... 26
Mixer .................................. 21, 22, 24, 68
Mixer ................................................... 14
Monitors ...........60, 61, 62, 64, 81, 82, 83
Multi-screen ......................................... 81
Multi-threading..................................... 78

S

OSC activity......................................... 22
Output ................................ 14, 15, 87, 98

Segment .............................................. 28
Sequencer ...............................14, 15, 38
Serial Key ......... 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
Shape .................................................. 30
Soft-Edge .................................63, 80, 84
Sound ............................................ 15, 71
Source ................................................. 17
Speed .................................................. 28
Sphere ................................................. 30
Stop ............................................... 24, 33
Support .......................................69, 130
Surfaces ......................................... 87, 94
Synth ............................................. 14, 24
Syphon ................................................. 72

P

T

Panels............................................ 16, 22
Parameters .............................. 20, 27, 34
Pause ............................................ 33, 68
Performance .................................. 68, 78
Ping-pong ............................................ 28
Plane ................................................... 30
Play ..................................................... 33
Playback .............................................. 28
Position ................................................ 30
Preferences ............................. 10, 13, 60
Preview ........................ 15, 17, 21, 33, 67
Priority ........................................... 24, 29
Project ................................................. 15
Projector ............................ 14, 65, 80, 84
Purge ............................................. 32, 68

Text ..................................................... 29
Thumbnail........................................... 28
Tiling ................................................... 30
Toolbar ................................................. 22
Tooltips ............................................... 68
Transition ....................................... 15, 21
Transitions ........................................... 16
Transparency ...........................21, 29, 33

QVideoMapper .................... 15, 21, 22, 87
Visual Tab ............................................ 28
Visuals .............................. 15, 17, 28, 68
Volume control ..................................... 22

O

Quartz Composer ................................ 72

U
Updates ............................................... 13
Upgrades ............................................. 13

V

R
Registration ................................... 6, 8, 9
Resellers ........................................... 130
Resolution ......................... 60, 61, 62, 78
Rotation .............................................. 30

W
Wide screen ......................................... 80133