choreoGRAPHICS

choreoGRAPHICS Includes:

• choreoGRAPHICS Software
• Output Hardware
• Graphics Tablet
• MIDI Controller
• SMPTE/MIDI Interface Unit
• Instruction Manual
• Over Five Megabytes of ILDA Award-Winning Graphics and Animation

choreoGRAPHICS is more than a full-featured digitizing program. RGB color control and 3D object capabilities are of course included, as is the ability to turn 2D artwork into 3D shapes. Also included is a real-time MIDI Controller that gives the immediacy and tactile response of switches and knobs, yet provides the precision of digital control. The same MIDI Controller can also address other projector head functions directly through a MIDI-to-analog interface.

Although excellent drawing and editing capabilities are provided, it is with choreography that, as the name implies, choreoGRAPHICS really shines. Getting images stored and perhaps arranged in some particular order is only half the job. The power of laser shows is realized when the dynamics of rotation, position, size, optical effects, etc., are orchestrated in time with music. Laser Images has learned during the production of LASERIUM shows for over twenty years, that easily accessing and manipulating a wide variety of parameters simultaneously is essential. This means hands-on, real-time control.

It also means a user interface that does not require line-by-line scripts or programming of code to choreograph and synchronize moves. Either by using the MIDI Controller, or by using the pull-down menus and dialog boxes consistent with the Macintosh interface, you can set up a dynamic move "live", save it, review it, modify it, or redo it, all in just seconds. Then you're ready to move on to the next "look." If necessary, the precision is there to adjust variables by typing in a specific value, or to jump immediately to the editing screen and use the included graphics tablet to fine tune a specific frame.

Specific cues can easily be marked "on the fly" while reading SMPTE timecode off your soundtrack or video tape. The times read when the key is depressed will be entered into an "Event List." These times can easily be changed so that a sequence can occur or be repeated at any other cue.

Since most applications require easily updated graphics and/or interactive image generating capabilities, choreoGRAPHICS can provide a far more flexible and cost effective alternative to FM (Frequency Modulation), video tape, or other image encoding and decoding schemes. Complete shows stay on your Mac's hard disk or floppies, always available for last-minute changes and updates, thereby avoiding costly decoders, recorders, editing, and playback equipment.

choreoGRAPHICS is positioned as a high-end product, constantly evolving to provide the latest features mandated by LASERIUM show requirements, as well as the needs of other users. Thus, the LASERIUM development team concentrates its efforts on refining and introducing innovations at this upper level of performance, with the future always in mind. No "low-end" system known can easily be "upgraded" without replacing or acquiring a significant quantity (if not all) of the hardware and software. The unfortunate result is that a substantial investment may be rendered useless. If you have the future clearly in view, you'll see that choreoGRAPHICS is the best choice now when it comes to laser shows.

The Mac II series with NuBus expansion slot(s) is necessary to run choreoGRAPHICS. At least eight megabytes of memory are recommended especially if you are running System 7. If you don't currently have a Mac II available, contact your local dealer for leasing or purchasing. (We can provide leasing and other intormation for all system purchases, but please note that Laser Images is not an authorized Apple dealer)

choreoGRAPHICS

FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL FEATURES

• Standard Mac "CUT", "COPY","PASTE" etc. used throughout
• 3-D Frames (X, Y, & Z coordinates)
• Variable number of points per frame (max 2000)
• Up to 256 colors simultaneously from a palette of over 16.7 million
• Color sequences may be played back monochrome
• Blanking signal may be shifted to compensate for multiple device environments (i.e. scanner vs. acousto-optic)
• Automatic image clipping
• Import/Export of ILDA (International Laser Display Association) file format
• User definable control-key assignments

DIGITIZING

(Drawing and Editing Artwork)

• Simple, uncluttered drawing screen (Editor)
• Front, Top, and Side views always displayed in addition to active view
• Zoom up to 8X
• Drawing modes including point, line, sketch, all switchable from 16 button puck with included graphics tablet
• Blanking and anchoring points automatically set
• Editor contents displays while drawing or editing (can be manipulated real-time and/or animated in Sequence)
• Previously drawn artwork can be displayed "underneath" active view for tracing, or comparing registration
• Text may be entered directly into frame
• Editor may be used to create custom fonts
• Any selected group of points (all or part of an image) can be:
  • Rotated
  • Scaled (resized)
  • Offset (repositioned)
  • Mapped onto 3D shapes (sphere, cone, cylinder, helix - formulas may be modified or user may enter own )
  • Colored
  • Interpolated to any number of points
  • Copied into any other frame

CHOREOGRAPHY (Animation and Show Production)

Real-time CONTROL (with MIDI Controller)

• Direct, live performance
• Set up and save discrete values
• Record, edit, and playback live performance
• Control display variables and digitize/edit simultaneously

SMPTE / MIDI

• MIDI in - controls any image dynamic (size, position, rotation, angle, writing rate, etc.) all user assignable
• MIDI out - controls external devices (synthesizers, lighting, laser projector, etc.)
• Reads and generates all standard SMPTE formats
• Timecode displayed in active Sequence or Event List window
• Cues easily marked (captured) during playback of timecode track

SEQUENCER

• Event List lists Sequences and times
• Double click on Sequence name in Event List opens Sequence window
• Resizable Sequence window listsnames of frames and dynamics - long lists easily viewed and scrolled through
• Easily select and edit/exchange frames in Sequence
• Double click on dynamics opens dialogue box, displaying all values, allowing type-in changes
• Dissolve any combination of dynamic variables, at any combination of rates
• Dissolve from one frame to any other frame
• Text scrolling from pull down menu

Service and Support

• Full-time staff available for unlimited telephone support and user input
• 1 year of software updates free
• Ongoing development program froma company specializing in all aspects of laser show production: hardware, software, creative, marketing, etc.

Hardware Requirements

• Apple Macintosh II (R) computer with NuBus (TM) expansion slots
• Hard disk and 8 Mb RAM
• Macintosh System 6.0.7 or greater
• B/W monitor - Color recommended

Technical Specifications

• Analog Outputs (Adjustable with trimpot attenuation):
  • X Horizontal scanner deflection (+/-10V)
  • Y Vertical scanner deflection (+/- 1OV)
  • Z Depth (used in stereo 3D image systems) (+/- 10 V )
  • R Red intensity of color mix* (0-10 V)
  • G Green intensity of color mix (0-10 V)
  • B Blue intensity of color mix (0-10 V)
  • Aux Analog Shutter (+/- 1OV)
  *also system intensity or "I" in monochrome systems

• Digital Outputs:
  • 8 user assignable bits that may be used to control shutters, color flags, smoke machines, slide projectors, etc. ( + 5 V)
• ILDA standard output connector on 15 ft. cable included