VT | Playing subprojects in DDR

Concept: Playing subprojects in DDR
Module: VT-Edit
Time: 5 minutes

All this time, we have been working in VT-Edit, but there is much, much more awaiting your creative control within VT[3], including video switching, easily mixing captured footage and even edited projects with live camera sources.

There are 6 desktops within the VT production environment, and we have been working on one, designated by the colored desktop buttons at the upper left corner of the screen. By clicking on button 2, we jump to a clean desktop, while leaving our video project open and available if we need. In this open workspace, move the cursor against the top of the screen so the cursor changes to read 'Menu' and left click. This temporarily activates VT's menu to launch only the modules you need. On this desktop, let's launch VT-Vision, and a VT Switcher, by selecting each of them from the menu.

You'll notice that all VT modules can be placed anywhere you screen you wish; this makes customized layouts a snap. This, combined with skins, lets you work with just the assets you need. For example, the Video Switcher that launched for is is quite simple, but we need a more capable video switcher, so to change this skin, simply right-click, and choose the 6-input switcher from the context menu. In a flash, we now have a different view of the same switcher controls, and one that is more suited to the task we're about to undertake.

You will notice that the monitors, switchers and decks available in VT all mimic real-world equipment. This is to allow experienced producers to get right to work once they dive into VT's real-time production environment.

Now, go back to the menu and select 'DDR' from the Control Room category. The Digital Disk Recorder is used for capture and playback of any video clips, graphics or overlays in a live environment. To add a clip for playback, click on the 'Add' label in the middle of DDR. Instead of adding a video clip, however, navigate to where you saved your the EditTutorial, and load it instead. That's right, VT DDR is capable of loading and playing complex layered edits without ever rendering out the layers.

To route the DDR to our Program output, set it as an input on the switcher. Above each Switcher input is a colored tag showing what source is routed there. Right-click on the patch tag above Switcher input #1, and a context menu appears. Select 'Digital Disk Recorder' and we have now assigned this input. Select #1 on the Main bus, and we have routed this to our monitor. You can now Play the DDR and the fruits of your earlier labors are there to enjoy.