DeckLink setup - DeckLink Configuration and LiveKey
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.
One of the primary tools used to verify that the selected DeckLink card is configured properly for use in SongShow Plus is the Blackmagic LiveKey tool. This will help confirm that the card and drivers are installed and configured correctly as well as testing the keying method for TOLV transparency.
Installing and Testing the DeckLink Card
Before configuring SongShow Plus to work with the DeckLink card, you must first install the card and verify that it is working correctly with your video signals. This is done by using the LiveKey utility which is included with the DeckLink drivers.
The following test instructions assume that you have already installed the DeckLink card and software. If you have not done this, please refer to the Black Magic Design documentation for the DeckLink installation and follow their instructions before proceeding with this test. Verify the DeckLink video drivers and software have been installed and updated as required. Depending on which software version you use, you may be prompted to allow an automatic firmware update for the card. This is normal and should complete automatically as part of the driver/software installation.
- Verify input and output connections for the DeckLink card are correct.
- If possible, verify the source video signal is good with a monitor or other device before connecting to the DeckLink card.
- Verify that your video source connection is securely connected to the correct input of the DeckLink card. This may come from a switcher or a camera. In most cases this will be an SDI connection, however the DeckLink breakout cable allows for several other connector types.
- Verify that output connection of the DeckLink card is securely connected to the correct output. This may go to a switcher, monitor or projector. In most cases this will be an SDI connection, however the DeckLink breakout cable allows for several other connector types.
- Verify input and output settings for the DeckLink card are correct.
- Open the Black Magic Control panel
- Open the Windows control panel and find the Blackmagic control panel. This should be located under the hardware section in the Windows control panel. The exact path may vary depending on your operating system.
- In the Blackmagic Control panel (may be labeled Black Magic Design with the version number) select the settings tab.
- At the top under the Set Output drop down, select the connection option that fits your output format. This will match your switcher or projector connection format.
- Near the top under the Set Input drop down, select the connection option that fits your input format. This will match your switcher or source connection format.
- After your settings are complete click OK to save and close. This may require UAC elevation and is expected.
- Open the Black Magic Control panel
- Verify the input and output signals for the DeckLink card are working correctly using LiveKey.
- Open LiveKey from Programs > Blackmagic Design > DeckLink > Blackmagic LiveKey.
- At the top, select the radio button labeled Internal Key.
- From the format selection drop down, select the format that matches your input source.
- Select an image to key. For this step you will need the supplied test images.
- The plug-in installation placed some test images in the tga format on your system. These can be found in the R-Technics.SSP.DeckLinkSupport folder which is located in the Program Files directory. The path for these is C:\Program Files (x86)\R-Technics\SongShow Plus\bin\R-Technics.SSP.DeckLinkSupport. This may vary slightly in a different operating system.
- From the LiveKey application, click on the Browse… button and locate the test images.
- Select the image that matches your input source. The list below should help you make the correct selection.
- LiveKey Format Selection Test Image Name
- Standard Definition - NTSC DeckLink Test - NTSC
- Any 720 HD format DeckLink Test - HD 720
- Any 1080 HD format DeckLink Test - HD 1080
- Click Open. The image should now be displayed in the LiveKey application.
- By default, Manual Key should be selected and the Key Opacity should be set at 255. If it is not selected, click the radio button to select Manual Key.
- Place a check in the Key Above Image box. This should display the test image selected over the video source on the output display with the video alpha blended through the center black section of the test image.
If this is working as described, you have verified proper connections and operation of the DeckLink card needed for use with the SongShow Plus DeckLink Plug-in.
If you are unable to get this to work as expected, please contact the Black Magic Design DeckLink support team for assistance. They can be reached on the web at http://www.blackmagic-design.com/support/
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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