Pathway Pathport Manager 3 User Guide - Manual (Page 37)

Pathport Manager User’s Guide
37
Each cell in the table represents a single Patch Element, which is defined as a
combination of an xDMX channel at a specific priority.
Universes are created by using the command line to add patch elements to the
universe.
Patch Elements:
A Patch Element assigns a DMX output channel and a priority level for a single
xDMX channel. If data for that xDMX channel is received by the Pathport, the
data is then processed at the stated priority level.
A Universe is a grouping of Patch Elements that define how the Pathport output
port handles xDMX data being transmitted over the network. Universes can be
comprised of as few as one element, or as many as 4096 (in the current Pathport
release).
Priority:
Priority defines how a Pathport Output port processes incoming xDMX data
when there are multiple patch elements assigned to a single DMX channel.
Priority is what defines both HTP merges and "backup" failover patches within a
pathport network.
HTP Merges are created by assigning equivalent priority to two or more patch
elements for a DMX channel. When two or more of the assigned xDMX channels
are active, the highest level of all of the xDMX channels assigned will be
transmitted.
Backup patches, or xDMX prioritization, is accomplished by assigning different
priority levels to two or more patch elements for a DMX channel. The active
xDMX channel with the highest assigned priority will be transmitted as DMX at
the assigned DMX channel.
The priority system can also allow for complex universes, able to prioritize groups
of HTP merged channels. Using combinations of equal and differing priority
levels, it is possible to build a universe that can actively switch between groups of
HTP merged source channels.
Since each DMX channel may be assigned up to 8 patch elements, there are up
to 8 different priority levels available within a universe. Pathport Manager will
assign these priority levels automatically as patch elements are created. How
this priority is assigned depends on the command line syntax used.