Licensed users of Notch visual effects can build their own effects, or use predefined Notch effects.
For the Notch file to be interpreted by DeltaServer, Notch Playback (or Builder) and an appropriate Notch key and driver are required to be installed on the Delta Media Server. Without this, Notch Effects resources cannot be processed.  |
When compiling a Notch Block for media server, create a 64-bit target, unless specifically requiring 32-bit. The Notch designer must expose those parameters that the player will want to manipulate, so that they appear in DeltaGUI as available (see illustration below).
These Notch Blocks are saved as DFXDLL files, which should be copied to the C:\Effects\Notch folder.
Notch effects files will now appear in the Effects resource area under their file names, when the list is refreshed. The refresh action creates the required Delta XML file. As with all effects, the DFXDLL and XML files must remain in the same location.
Note how here the /Notch Layer parameter stays visible at the top of the parameter stack, so that Notch layers can be selected and their parameters dynamically changed.
Performance
The additional load placed on a media server will depend on the complexity of the Notch effect and the framerate being used.
Addendum specifically for users of Kinect cameras and Notch
There is a known issue when using Notch blocks with Kinect cameras attached, whereby DeltaServer will crash when starting or enumerating Notch xml resources. This is resolved using a Delta registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\7thSense\Delta\Graphics\NotchRebuildXMLOnEnum.
This registry key defaults to On (1), which is existing behaviour (rebuilding the dfxdll XML files on each Delta Server start-up).
➢See Resources Area
Set this key to 0 to prevent DeltaServer from rebuilding the Notch XML on Start (and/or Resource Enumeration).
Procedure
DeltaServer will first need to create the XML for the Notch.dfxdll.
•Disconnect the Kinect camera(s).
•Set registry key NotchRebuildXMLOnEnum = 1.
•Add the Notch block to the timeline, or make any changes such as render resolution, resource width/height or particle count to an existing Notch block within Delta.
•Save the show file and close DeltaServer.
•Set NotchRebuildXMLOnEnum registry key = 0.
•Reconnect the Kinect Camera(s).
When loading the Notch block with the Kinect Camera(s) connected, DeltaServer should start without crashing.
Note: Once the XML and Notch block has loaded, deleting the resource or opening a show file with a different Notch block – will crash DeltaServer.
Registry Edits |
7thSense software uses the Windows Registry extensively, and on occasion we make recommendations for changes. •Before making any changes, close DeltaGUI and DeltaServer. •DeltaServer can take up to 10 seconds to fully close in the background, even if it appears that all the Windows have closed. Ensure that Delta has fully closed before opening and/or refreshing, and finally editing. The best way to ensure this, is to watch Windows Task Manager > Details list. You will see ‘DeltaServer.exe’ in this list if DeltaServer is still running. If it won’t close for any reason, you can right click on it in the list and choose ‘End Process Tree’. •Make a note of any setting before you change it, in case you want to change it back. •Only make the changes as recommended and only to those registry keys. |
Page edited [d/m/y]: 02/07/2024