Operation

The following procedures describe how to operate the basic functions of the Automate VX. For information on how to enter the web user interface, refer to Access the Web Configuration Interface.

When the web user interface is opened, there are five main tabs that control the operation of the Automate VX system. The contents of these tabs are explained below.

NOTE: Before using these controls, ensure that the Automate VX is configured to the desired specifications. For more information on how to configure the Automate VX, refer to System Configuration and Room Designer.

Main Tab

Select the Main tab to view and perform common functions for the Automate VX.

Main Menu Selections

AutoSwitch

Select AutoSwitch to start and stop automated switching. AutoSwitching is the Automate VX using the Virtual Mic positions from Room Designer in conjunction with the Microphone Device to switch camera shots automatically. The software only communicates with Microphone Devices when AutoSwitch is activated. For more information on setting up a room layout in Room Designer to ensure the best AutoSwitching performance, refer to Room Designer.

A green outline is shown around the button when AutoSwitching is turned on, and will initially go to the Default Shot of the configuration. With AutoSwitching on, the system output will switch automatically based on the active speaking participant. Select AutoSwitch again to stop automated switching.

NOTE: Automate VX may display a connection error when AutoSwitch is started and a microphone or camera cannot connect to the system. The error message will display the IP Address of any Microphone Devices or Camera Devices that it is unable to connect to.

AutoSwitch On

Output

Select Output to start the camera feed of the Automate VX to output in Wirecast. For more information, refer to Wirecast Configuration.

Copy Files

Select Copy Files to copy any recordings to the destination specified in the copy file settings.

Stream

Select Stream to start or stop a stream from Wirecast to an external streaming source, such as supported social media platforms. Streaming must be initially configured in Wirecast before this option can be used. For more information, refer to the Wirecast documentation.

Home Page

Select the Home tab to view and select Layouts, Room Configurations, Camera control, and Scenarios.

Layouts Menu

Select the Layouts tab to view and select preset layouts for the Automate VX.

Layouts Menu Selections

To change layouts during AutoSwitch mode, select the button that corresponds with the desired layout. The layout changes immediately, and the currently active layout is highlighted in green. The layouts are only used when AutoSwitch mode is enabled. For more information about configuring layouts, refer to Layout Settings.

Room Configs Menu

Select the Room Configs tab to view and select preset room configurations for the Automate VX.

Room Configs Menu Selections

To change room configurations, select the button that corresponds with the desired room configuration. The room configuration changes immediately. For more information about room configurations, refer to Room Configurations.

Cameras Menu

Select the Cameras tab to view and select individual cameras for manual control.

Cameras Menu Selections

To select a camera for manual control, select a button under Cameras that corresponds to the desired camera. The live shot will change to the selected camera immediately.

Use the PTZ Control settings to manually change the direction and zoom of the selected camera. These PTZ movements will not save, and once AutoSwitching is enabled, it will override any inputs selected here. To change how cameras interact when AutoSwitching, refer to Room Designer.

If using a camera that supports tracking, the Start Track and Stop Track buttons are used to start and stop tracking, respectively.

Scenarios Menu

Select the Scenarios tab to view and select available scenarios to choose from.

Scenarios Menu Selections

To change the current output to a scenario, select one of the created scenarios from the Scenarios list. This will make the current camera feed switch to the desired scenario. For more information about scenarios, refer to System Configuration.

Select the Wake button to turn the system on from sleep mode. Enabling Wake will enable Output. It will also call the Wake Action defined in the General tab in the settings menu.

Select the Sleep button to put the system into sleep mode. Enabling Sleep will stop the Output, AutoSwitch, Recording, Streaming, and AutoTracking in any intelligent cameras. It will also call the Sleep Action defined in the General tab.

NOTE: To change what the Automate VX does for Sleep and Wake Actions, refer to Sleep and Wake Settings.