SongShow Plus DeckLink Plug-in - Hardware Configuration information

Applicable SongShow Plus Versions: 
This article applies to SongShow Plus versions 9.1 and later

 * Ensure that you are using the most current build of SongShow Plus from the Download page for the best experience. *   

One very useful feature in SongShow Plus is the ability to utilize DeckLink hardware and software for lag-free Text Over Live Video (TOLV) and IMAG. If you are interested in this technology, contact the sales team at GoFishMedia for details. This is the preferred method for getting a deckLink solution.   In some cases, end users may try to build/configure their own solution.  There is limited support for this option.

NOTE: For DeckLink to work in SongShow Plus the SSP DeckLink Plug-In is required.  This is included with a pre-configured system from GoFishMedia.  Separate purchase is required for a customer-built system.  

The SSP DeckLink plug-in provides support for lag-free text over video using certain DeckLink video cards. Using a DeckLink video card is a solution for those who wish to use SongShow Plus to render text and graphics over live video in a way that avoids the latency issues of other solutions. This scenario is advanced and requires knowledge of video systems beyond the typical computer/switcher/projector configurations. We highly recommend that you consider using one of the turn-key pre-configured GoFishMedia systems that provide this capability as well as video capture and streaming functions.

If, however, you want to venture into this on your own, read on. Please note, however, that SongShow Plus technical support personnel are extremely limited in the help they can provide with non-ProKey DeckLink systems.   

This documentation describes the following:

• To make sure that you have the right hardware to setup the SongShow Plus DeckLink Plug-in.
• To briefly cover Internal vs. External keying.
• To cover basic device connections.

 Hardware

The cards that have been tested with the SongShow Plus DeckLink Plug-in are sourced from Black Magic Design.  Black Magic Design also offers other cards and devices but they may or may not work with the SongShow Plus DeckLink Plug-in.  Similar products from other vendors may not work either.

You will need a system that meets the requirements of both SongShow Plus and the Black Magic Design DeckLink card you have selected.  You can refer to the SongShow Plus system requirements and the Black Magic Design website for more information on these requirements.

 Internal vs. External Keying

Internal – One solution is to use the DeckLink video card's capability to overlay the color and key signals directly within the video card itself. This solution does not require a separate video switcher, so it's a good option if you are using a single camera IMAG system. This is also a good option if your video switcher does not support the input of a separate key signal.  In this case you will use the internal key capability of the DeckLink cards.  No additional input or connections are required for it to work.  Simply select ‘Internal Key’ where directed during setup.

External – Another solution is to use the DeckLink video card's capability to output two separate video signals, one for color, and one for key. The key signal is a grayscale output that tells a compatible switcher how to blend the color signal over the live video. This is a good solution if you already have a multi-camera IMAG system in place.  In this case, where additional specialized equipment that can utilize separate key and fill signals is used, such as an external video mixer, use of an external key may be required.

Refer to the Black Magic Design DeckLink documentation for the proper connections and setup for your DeckLink card.

Connection Basics

There are several important notes on system connections:

• Source – Make sure you are familiar with your source video.  Both the connection and signal are important as incompatibilities and/or improper adapters can cause issues.  We recommend that the source match the intended output for ease of setup and operation.
  
• System – The DeckLink card will be installed in your system and the video source and projection output will be connected to the DeckLink card.  If you have multiple video sources coming from a switcher, the output of the switcher will be connected to the input of the DeckLink card.  Your control monitor and stage monitor (if used) will still be connected to the graphics connectors on your video card.
  
• Output – The projection output will come from the DeckLink card, not the VGA/DVI connector on system video card.  This output can go to a switcher or directly to your projector. If the settings are not all correct, you might get what appears to be a projection output from your system video card but it will be incorrect.
  

NOTE: Be aware and use caution when using adapters to make connections to any of the devices during your setup.  Just because the connectors will plug in does not necessarily mean it will properly pass the signal.  We recommend using the native connections wherever possible.  If it is necessary to change formats to connect your devices, use a signal converter rather than an adapter for the best results.

Other Important Information

• Some SongShow Plus Features not supported when using the DeckLink plug-in - view this article for details
• SongShow Plus Display Settings - DeckLink TOLV IMAG
• DeckLink setup - DeckLink Configuration and LiveKey

 Training Videos - A video walk-through of this process may available.  

Depending on your current subscription level, you can go to the GoFishMedia website training page and log in with the same Customer ID and password that you use to log in to the SongShow Plus site or activate SongShow Plus. Review this article for more details.

If you have any questions regarding the use of or issues with any of the SongShow Plus display settings, please contact the Support Team.

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