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3 way sync, static IP and script

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Jart
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Setting up a 3 way synced video display. Using 3 HD3s, latest firmware, connected via ethernet to a switcher. Each has a static IP address. All videos play seamlessly 3 times, and then sometimes at the start of the 4th loop the two follower presentations freeze on the first frame. Any ideas why? I read about the need for an additional script to be triggered along with the time out and sync events, but couldn't find anywhere to add that in BA. All are published via SD card as LAN is not at option. I have never had this problem before with multichannel BrightSign syncing. Any ideas welcome. Thank you
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    Hazel Brown
    Setting up a 3 way synced video display. Using 3 HD3s, latest firmware, connected via ethernet to a switcher. Each has a static IP address. All videos play seamlessly 3 times, and then sometimes at the start of the 4th loop the two follower presentations freeze on the first frame. Any ideas why? I read about the need for an additional script to be triggered along with the time out and sync events, but couldn't find anywhere to TalkToFoodLion add that in BA. All are published via SD card as LAN is not at option. I have never had this problem before with multichannel BrightSign syncing. Any ideas welcome. Thank you
     
     
    Hello,

    The fact that it plays flawlessly for three loops and then stumbles on the fourth suggests a potential resource exhaustion or a subtle timing issue that manifests over time.

    Here are some ideas and troubleshooting steps you can consider:

    1. Investigate Potential Resource Issues:

    Memory Leaks: While BrightSign devices are generally robust, it's worth considering if there's a subtle memory leak in your presentation that only becomes apparent after multiple loops. Even static images can consume memory if not handled efficiently.

    Try a simpler presentation: Create a very basic presentation with just a few short video clips and see if the issue persists. This can help isolate if the problem lies within the complexity of your current presentation.
    Check video codecs and bitrates: Ensure your video files are using efficient codecs (like H.264) and reasonable bitrates. High bitrates can strain the system over time.
    Image optimization: If you're using static images, ensure they are optimized for the display resolution and are not unnecessarily large.
    SD Card Performance: While you're publishing to SD cards, the speed of the SD cards can sometimes play a role, especially with synchronized playback.

    Try high-quality, reputable SD cards: Ensure you are using high-quality SDHC or SDXC cards with a good speed rating (Class 10 or higher).
    Test with a different set of SD cards: This can rule out a potential issue with the cards themselves.
    2. Analyze BrightAuthor Presentation Setup:

    Synchronization Method: Double-check how you've implemented the synchronization in BrightAuthor. Are you relying solely on the built-in Time Out and Sync events?
    Event Timing: Carefully review the timing of your Time Out and Sync events. Could there be a slight drift or accumulation of delays over the three successful loops that then causes a problem on the fourth?
    Looping Mechanism: How is your presentation set to loop? Are you using a simple "Go To" state at the end, or a more complex sequence? A simpler looping mechanism might be more reliable.
    State Transitions: Examine the transitions between your video playback states. Are there any unnecessary delays or complex logic that could be contributing to the issue?
    3. Explore Network Communication (Even Though LAN is Not an Option):

    Switcher Behavior: While you mentioned LAN isn't an option for publishing, the fact that the units are connected via Ethernet to a switcher is interesting. Could the switcher itself be introducing any latency or issues after a certain period of continuous data flow?
    Try a different switcher (if possible): This is a long shot but could help rule out the switcher as the culprit.
    Monitor the switcher's performance: If your switcher has any monitoring capabilities, see if there are any unusual patterns or errors occurring around the time the freezing starts.
    4. The "Additional Script" Mention:

    You mentioned reading about an additional script. While BrightAuthor doesn't have a direct scripting interface in the traditional sense, you can achieve more complex logic using User Variables and Advanced Event Binding.

    User Variables: You could potentially use a User Variable to count the number of loops. After the third loop, you could trigger a different set of events or even a slight delay before the next sync pulse to see if that helps stabilize things.
    Advanced Event Binding: Explore the "Advanced" options when setting up your Time Out and Sync events. You might be able to trigger a sequence of actions rather than just a single event.
    How to Potentially Implement a "Loop Counter" (Conceptual):

    While there's no direct "loop counter" event, you could simulate one using states and variables:

    Introduce a "Loop Counter" User Variable: Initialize it to 0.
    At the end of your main playback sequence:
    Increment the "Loop Counter" variable.
    Have a conditional branch:
    If the "Loop Counter" is less than 3, go back to the beginning of the playback sequence and trigger your sync events as usual.
    If the "Loop Counter" is equal to 3, transition to a slightly different state or trigger a different set of events before going back to the start for the fourth loop. This could involve a very short pause or a different type of sync pulse.
    You might need another state to reset the counter after the fourth loop if you want it to repeat the 3-then-freeze behavior consistently for testing.

    Important Considerations:

    Firmware Version: You mentioned the latest firmware, which is good. However, sometimes downgrading to a slightly older stable version can resolve unexpected issues if the current firmware has a subtle bug. (This should be a last resort).
    BrightSign Documentation and Forums: Revisit the official BrightSign documentation and forums. There might be specific examples or discussions related to multi-channel synchronization and potential pitfalls.
    Troubleshooting Steps:

    Simplify the Presentation: Start with the most basic setup (short, low-bitrate videos) to see if the issue persists.
    Isolate the Follower Units: Try running just the master and one follower to see if the problem still occurs. This can help determine if one specific follower is causing the issue.
    Monitor System Logs (if possible): While you're using SD cards, BrightSign sometimes logs events. If you can access these logs after the freeze occurs, they might provide clues.
    Experiment with Slight Delays: Introduce very small delays (e.g., 1-2 seconds) between the Time Out event and the Sync event on the master, or between the Sync event and the start of playback on the followers, to see if it stabilizes the fourth loop.
    It's a bit of a process of elimination, but by systematically testing different aspects of your setup, you should be able to pinpoint the cause of the freezing. Good luck!



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