Startup Configuration

2023-JAN-23 Author: Aximmetry

Introduction

Aximmetry Composer Startup Configuration is the first window that appears when we start Aximmetry Composer. Some of the other Aximmetry programs also have customized Startup Configuration windows (e.g. Aximmetry Camera Calibrator, Aximmetry Basic Calibrator, Aximmetry Launcher). As Aximmetry Composer Startup Configuration comprises all features available across every application of the Startup Configuration window, we will focus on this one.

Here we can find the most important settings of our system. In the case of Aximmetry Composer, most of these settings can be modified from inside the program as well.

IMPORTANT: In the Startup Configuration window every change/adjustment gets applied in real-time, therefore no saving is necessary to proceed.

When Aximmetry Composer is already running, you can access the new Startup Configuration... menu via File/Startup Configuration...:

You can still access the Legacy Startup and the Manage Devices... menu via buttons in the bottom left corner:

NOTE: To access the Startup Configuration documentation for Aximmetry version 2024.3.0 or earlier, please refer to this document: Startup Configuration (ver. 2024.3.0 or earlier)

Video Inputs

In the top left corner, we see the VIDEO INPUTS. Here, we can map the video input devices we want to use for production (i.e., studio camera inputs and video outputs of third-party applications, etc.) by dragging and dropping them from the AVAILABLE INPUT DEVICES into the VIDEO INPUTS panel. For tracked cameras, you can also pair the corresponding camera tracking devices and zoom encoders to the video input devices.
NOTE: You can also choose to manually specify the input devices used for production within the project/compound or map them later on within Aximmetry Composer's Edit/Inputs & Outputs menu.
NOTE: For post-production, you do not need any input devices.
NOTE: To learn more about mapping and video inputs, please refer to the following documents:
Introduction to Setting Up Inputs / Outputs for Virtual Production
Mapping Devices

NOTE: To learn more about camera tracking devices and zoom encoders, please refer to the following documents:
Introduction to Tracking

NOTE: Example of mapping a new video input device for the production.

In the video input slot you can see the following:

At the top, you'll see the device's name.
On the right side, you'll see the live preview of the video input.
At the right center, you'll see the current resolution, frame rate, and color system.

Mapping #ID

Mapped input devices are identified by their mapping #ID number:

They will appear in Aximmetry Composer as Mapped: #X devices:

NOTE: Example of listing a mapped video input device on a Video Input module's Device pin.

NOTE: Aximmetry's camera compounds are designed to work with mapped devices.
NOTE: To learn more about mapping, please refer to the following document:
Mapping Devices

Video mode

The Video mode parameter is by default set to AUTO. This is the recommended setting.
You can however manually adjust this parameter if needed. Click on it to see the following pop-up menu:

NOTE: To receive video input, you must use the same Resolution and Frame rate as your video input device.
NOTE: The device will work according to the mode specified here, in the case of DirectShow devices (i.e. web cameras).

Adding Camera Tracking and Zoom Encoder Devices

We can drag and drop from the AVAILABLE INPUT DEVICES the Camera Tracking and Zoom Encoder devices we want to use for the production.
By doing so, we can map them to the same #ID number as the video input devices previously mapped (dragged and dropped). This is recommended when the Camera Tracking and/or Zoom Encoder devices are mounted on the studio camera that provides the video input.
NOTE: You can also map Camera Tracking and Zoom Encoder devices without mapping them to a previously mapped Video Input device.
NOTE: To learn more about Camera Tracking and Zoom Encoder devices, please refer to the following document:
Introduction to Tracking

NOTE: Example of adding/pairing a camera tracking device to a video input device.

Adding a Calibration Profile to a Camera Tracking Device

To add a calibration profile (created with Aximmetry Basic Calibrator or Aximmetry Camera Calibrator), simply click on Calib. profile, then select the profile you want to use:

NOTE: To learn more about camera calibration, please refer to the following document:
Introduction to Tracking

Removing Devices

To remove a device, simply click on the related X button:

Adding More Video Input Slots

To add more slots, simply click on the + button in the top left corner of the VIDEO INPUTS panel:
NOTE: You can map up to 9 devices as a maximum.

Available Input Devices

At the bottom left, you can find all the available input devices for production.
NOTE: Some devices may first need to be set up in Aximmetry, before they get listed.
NOTE: To learn more about video input devices, please refer to the following document:
Introduction to Setting Up Inputs / Outputs for Virtual Production

All input devices, including VIDEO, CAMERA TRACKING, and ZOOM ENCODER are managed here. You can switch between them by clicking on the type of input device you want to manage.

Adding New Input Devices

To add a new input device, simply drag-n-drop a card from the bottom of the AVAILABLE INPUT DEVICES panel into its center. After dropping the card, a pop-up window will appear to configure the device:

NOTE: Hardware-based input devices (i.e. internal capture cards) are listed automatically.

Adjusting the Settings of Input Devices

Device-specific settings are available for adjustments/editing by clicking on the wrench icon:

Unique to available video input devices, on their right side you can also see a live preview of their content:

NOTE: You can still manage all available devices within Aximmetry Composer's Edit/Manage Devices... menu. You can also reach it at the bottom of the Startup Configuration Window (see: Introduction)

Removing Input Devices

To remove an input device, click on the related "X" button:

NOTE: Hardware-based input devices (i.e. internal capture cards) are listed automatically and cannot be removed from Aximmetry manually.

Create a New Production

To create a new production, choose "Blank document" at the top center part of the configuration window. Please ensure that all other parameters (including input and output devices) are properly set up before you proceed. Click on the START button at the bottom right corner, or double-left-click on the "Blank document" with the mouse when ready.

Open a Recent Production

Recent productions are listed at the center of the configuration window. Please ensure that all other parameters (including input and output devices) are properly set up before you proceed.
To open an already listed recent production, select the production, then click START at the bottom right corner, or double-left-click on the production with the mouse.
To open an existing production not listed here, click the Browse... button at the bottom right corner of this panel.

Rendering

At the bottom of the configuration window, you can adjust the rendering Frame Size and Frame Rate of the production.
NOTE: To learn more about additional Render Setting parameters, please refer to the following document:
Rendering Settings

Select GPU...

You can also select which GPU to use for rendering.
NOTE: By default, Aximmetry selects the GPU with the highest performance.

NOTE: To learn more about Multi-GPU mode, please refer to the following document:
Multi-GPU
Outputs and Channels, Multi-GPU

Video Outputs

In the top right corner, we see the VIDEO OUTPUTS. Here we can map the video output devices we want to use for the production by dragging and dropping them from the AVAILABLE MONITOR OUTPUTS and AVAILABLE OUTPUT DEVICES into the VIDEO OUTPUTS panel.
NOTE: For in-program recording, you do not need any output devices.
NOTE: To learn more about mapping and video outputs, please refer to the following documents:
Mapping Devices
Outputs and Channels, Multi-GPU

NOTE: Example of adding a new video input device for the production.

In the video output slot you can see the following:

At the top, you'll see the device's name.
On the right side, you'll see the live preview of the video output.
Click the magnifier glass button to play a highlight animation on the video output device. This is useful to identify the device in the studio environment.