Using FXTool

FXTool is a Harmonic application which can be used to preview or control graphics on the ChannelPort. This is useful for cases where a graphic that automation played or failed to play can be taken down or played respectively.

FXTool is installed on the Harmonic System Manager, however it can also be installed on the User (Crispin) workstation if requested.

Bringing down a graphic

To bring a graphic down, locate the item in the "Loaded Template" column in FXTool. A graphic that is playing will appear as "Visible" in the "Visibility" column, and as "Running" in the "Animation" column.

Select the graphic in the "Loaded Template" column so that it is highlighted. Select the "Fade Out" button to remove the graphic from air

The graphic will now appear as "Hidden" in the "Visibility" column.

 *Note: If a graphic is pulled down with the FXTool, Crispin will not attempt to play the item again. However, it may display a status error in the playlist while the scheduled event is executing.

Playing a graphic

If you have taken down a graphic using FXTool and wish to play it again, select the item in the "Loaded Template" column and select the "Fade In" button

The item will change from "Hidden" to "Visible" in the "Visibility" column.

If you wish to play a graphic that is not loaded (not in the Loaded Template column), locate the graphic in the "Templates" panel on the left side of the application. Select the item and drag it to the "Staged Template" column in the layer the element should be played on.

*Note: Layers 1 & 2 are typically used by Crispin to trigger scheduled graphics. Layer 4 is used for EAS alerts, so it should not be used. To play a graphic out manually the recommendation is to use Layer 3.

Once the graphic is in the "Staged Template" panel, click the "Load" button found above the "Staged Template" column.

This will move the graphic to the "Loaded Template" column. The graphic can then be played by selecting it and clicking the "Fade In" button.

 To clear an item from the "Loaded Template" column, select the item and click the "Unload" button.

 The item can then be removed from the "Staged Template" column by right-clicking the item and selecting "Clear Selection".

Add Graphic to Staged Templates List

Graphics that appear in the Staged Template list in FXTool are located in the "gfx.dir" directory on the Media Deck. New elements dragged into this folder will appear in the list when FXTool is started. If a graphic is added when FXTool is already running, click the "Refresh" button the bottom right of the application which should add the new item to the list.

Mixer Controls

The selected source for the Mixer Controls should be "Player". The source should never be changed while the system is online.