NewTek 3Play 4800 - Manual (Page 199)

Page | 183
Note: Buffers are linked to the original source file on disk. Not surprisingly, the link will fail if the
original file is moved, or deleted from the hard drive.
The Browser allows selection of files in most still image formats (including those with embedded
transparency), along with special animation effects. Examples of the latter type are supplied, but
you can convert custom animation sequences created in your favorite application to this format
using the supplied Animation Store Creator add-on application (see the sub-heading Animation
Store Creator in Section 14.3). Animation effects can be of either looping or auto-run type. The
type is determined in the supplied Animation Store Creator utility when the effect is generated.
Next to the gear you will observe a Remove (X) gadget. Click this to clear the current entry,
freeing up system graphics memory resources at the same time. Still image Buffers have another
very valuable ability, discussed next.
WATCH FOLDERS
The Frame Buffer folder is actually a “watch folder”, and you can optionally share it across a
network. Share Media Folders and Buffers is easily enabled or disabled even during a live
production using the File menu at the left-hand end of the Dashboard.
For still image buffers, when you save an image into the correct location the corresponding
buffer immediately updates, even if it is currently displayed. This lets you refresh overlays
virtually instantly from any computer on the same network, using suitable graphics applications
such as Photoshop®.
The files which serve individual buffers are located in clearly named sub-folders of the Frame
Buffer folder for each session. These folders are arranged as follows:
Sessiondrive:\3Play\Sessions\sessionname\Frame Buffer\Buffer (#)
e.g., D: \3Play \Sessions\MySession\Frame Buffer\Buffer 3
The Frame Buffer folder for the current session is accessible on the network when sharing is
enabled.