News

Central Control 3 Now available

Today we are excited to announce the release of Central Control Version 3, an exciting update to Central Control that no video professional will want to be without. Central Control 3 includes many new features, device modules and usability improvements that will be appreciated by existing Central Control users and new users alike.

 

New UI

The main window interface has been redesigned from the ground up. All devices in a project are now shown in a grid layout. It’s now possibly to see at a glance which devices are either on or off. The control and

 trigger buttons now also blink to show a control event or trigger respectively.

 

Teleprompter

The Central Control Teleprompter provides a full prompter solution right inside Central Control. Scripts are created and edited using either Microsoft Word or Google Docs, so users don’t need to learn any new software. When the script is changed, Central Control will automatically update it for you.  By enclosing a line in asterisks, an action line will be created that will be shown in red on the prompter. These action lines can easily be converted to triggers in Central Control which can be used to automate video playback, control graphics and even automate the teleprompter itself. The output of the teleprompter can be sent to a fullscreen output and NDI simultaneously. Finally, the teleprompter can be controlled with any control surface in Central Control.

 

PTZ Control

Support is included for PTZ control using either VISCA protocol or NDI. As well as included modules for AIDA and PTZ Optics, there is a generic VISCA module to allow control of nearly any IP Visca compatible camera.  Optionally, it’s possible to select an NDI source to use for grabbing snapshots for presets, which can then be shown on Stream Deck buttons for easy recall of all your camera presets!

 

Command Delegator

The command delegator is the evolution of Central Control 2’s Command Splitter. Command Delegator allows for selection of up to 8 devices of the same type, which can then easily be controlled from a single set of controls without the need for time consuming mapping with layers. Device selection in the delegator is possible using both solo and toggle, allowing for dynamic control. The obvious application for this is controlling multiple PTZ cameras, but equally it can be used to control multiple vMix systems, HyperDecks or any other device in Central Control.

 

 

WebPanel

The Central Control WebPanel lets users create a custom web UI, adding widgets for buttons and faders that can then be mapped to any command in Central Control. The WebPanel supports multiple views that have their own set of widgets. By specific a parameter in the link, a user can be locked to a certain view in the WebPanel to restrict access to functionality. WebPanel allows for a fast and easy remote control solution from any browser, tablet or phone.

 

In addition to all these features, Central Control 3 also includes many new devices. For a full list see the Central Control website. Central Control 3 is available right now at $249 for the Elite version, $149 for Pro and $79 for Intro.

 

Full Change List:

New Devices:

Central Control Teleprompter (MS Word Version)

Central Control Teleprompter (Google Docs Version)

Central Control WebPanel (Trigger anything from any browser, iPhone, iPad etc)

Command Delegator Xbox 360 Controller Emulator (Use any controller in Central Control in your favourite games!)

Timer Device (4 timers with individually definable intervals to trigger commands)

Livestream Studio

Chamsys MagicQ (OSC)

NDI Camera Control

PTZ Optics VISCA

AIDA PTZ Control

Gnural LiveToAir

X-Keys XK14 T-Bar

Keyboard Input

 

Improvements:

Brand new main window UI with visual feedback for control and trigger input

NDI Framegrabber for PTZ Preset snapshots on Stream Deck Keys

Specify project file on startup with command line args

Specify run in tray using command line args

New TriCaster command for loading M/E preset

Massive performance improves in Device Mapping Window

New vMix command to display current list input on StreamDeck/Display

Added ATEM Stream/Record Commands

Added ATEM Set Transition Duration 

New splash screen to show load progress

Many more frame rates in NDI output device

Create Trigger(s) button for Rundown Clock and Teleprompter to allow faster creation of triggers

Get VU Meter command for vMix to show Master VU Meters on Stream Deck

Added support for Stream Deck Mini Rev2

LTC Input has much more headroom now

Updated NDI to 5.5

TYST Panel joysticks now work!

About window now shows product key

 

Bug fixes:

Blackmagic Videohub crash fixed when TCP message frames where split

Olly can now remove the modulator

LTC Input freewheel duration fixed. Now 5000 milliseconds.

 

 

Central Control 2.1 Now avaliable

Central Control 2.1 is all about providing invaluable production tools for video producers and live streamers alike. Rundown Clock allows users to create their show rundown in familiar spreadsheet tools such as Excel and Google Sheets, then access it in the Rundown interface. The Rundown interface gives directors and producers critical information such as the duration of each event and the time since or until an event. In addition to this, the GPU rendered production clocks display the time of day, time until the next event, and the elapsed time since the current event started. For Elite customers, Rundown Clock can be paired with Central Control’s Triggers system, allowing for automation of a show based on the rundown.

The RunDown Clock tool is not alone, as Central Control 2.1 also introduces a new NDI output device. When paired with the Rundown Clock, it can be used to send the production clocks out as an NDI source ideal for use in multiviewers. All three of the production clocks are available, as well as Dual Clock view showing both the countdown clock and the elapsed time clock in a single video stream. NDI output can also be used to send valuable information such as time remaining displays for video playback on systems such as vMix and NewTek TriCaster. These are rendered with alpha channel making them ideal for use as an overlay channel in the talent’s confidence monitor.

Central Control founder and developer Joe de Max said “The new Rundown Clock device allows users to create show rundowns in familiar applications without any formal training, meaning not only can producers and directors create show rundowns, but also volunteers not familiar with the traditional tools. Combined with the Triggers capabilities of Elite, this provides some exciting automation capabilities”.

Central Control 2.1 also includes:

  • New StageTimer.io device
  • VLC Media Player device (Complete with Triggers)
  • Enhanced vMix replay capabilities
  • New controller devices
  • 64 Bit architecture throughout

Central Control 2.1 is available immediately as a free upgrade for all existing customers, as well as a free 30 day trial.

 

NDI Is a trademark of Vizrt Group

Central Control 2 Avaliable now!

Central Control 2 is avaliable from today, with 12 new devices, loads of new features and countless improvements. Let’s take a look at some highlights!

Triggers
Triggers allow you to conditionally map commands based on events. Take for example a Blackmagic ATEM based setup that also had vMix being used for video playback. A trigger could be set up to make vMix auto roll when it was on program, and then another trigger could be setup to transition back to preview when the video finished playing.

Timecode Input
Timecode is used in live shows to synchronize lighting, video, effects and much more. Lighting consoles and media servers have always enjoyed support for this, however video switchers, audio mixers, Microsoft PowerPoint and even smart bulbs. have typically been left out.  No more. By combining the new LTC or MTC timecode device with the new triggers functionality, you can trigger events on any device in Central Control based on incoming timecode.

X32/X-Air support
Central Control 2 now provides support for the Behringer X32 and X-Air series of mixers. Ideal for adding a tactile control surface to one of the rack mixers. Alternatively you could use this in conjuction with triggers. For example – to automatically mute microphones when you roll a video in your show

Supersource Animator.
If you own a Blackmagic ATEM with SuperSource, you’ll know how powerful it is for compositing multibox shots. Central Control 2 allows you to leverage this functionality using what we call the SuperSource Animator. SuperSource Animator allows you to create presets by taking Snapshots of the current layout. You can then easily animate between these presets, with multiple transition effects to choose from. Better yet, when used with a StreamDeck it will even provide thumbnails of the presets of the buttons!

Command Splitter
A common request is the ability to control multiple of the same device in a mirrored configuration. For example – mirrored vMix systems used for video playback. Previously in Central Control this meant having to map the same commands over and over again for each device being added. This was both time consuming and error prone. Now with the command splitter, you can pick a device as a source, and then split all the commands routed to it to up to 4 follower devices of the same type.

Rapid Control Mapping
Quick assign has been in Central Control from the beginning, and has allowed for really fast mapping of controllers. But we can do better! In Central Control 2, you can select multiple controls in the list, and right click to add commands. It will then map all of the selected controls for you, incrementing the relevant parameter as it goes along. Using this you can easily map a controller in minutes. You can also right click controls to copy/paste all of its commands, as well as deleting all commands assinged to a stack. It’s also now possible to clone layers in the device mapping window!

Editions
Central Control 2 will be available in 3 different tiers – Intro, Pro and Elite. Intro provides an entry level version for users just getting started. Pro provides unlimited devices per project and powerful features such as SuperSource Animator. Elite gives users advanced automation features such as Timecode Input, Triggers, Command Splitter and much more, as well as Elite tier devices such as those for Sienna Processing Engine.

The great news is that anyone who has already bought a copy of Central Control over the past year has automatically been upgraded to Pro at no extra cost. Upgrades between versions are possible at any time by simply visiting the Central Control website and paying the difference in price.

Full change list
Central Control Core:
!!! NEW !!!
Triggers. Conditionally map commands to events from other devices
FrameSource Control Type. 

New Devices:

Behringer X-Air/X32
Liminal ZoomOSC
Audivero Unity Client
Central Control – Command Splitter (Split commands to multiple devices).
Central Control – LTC Input
Central Control – MTC Input
Central Control – Timecode Monitor
Novation – LaunchKey Mk3
Obsidian – Onyx
Sienna – Processing Engine Vision Mixer
Sienna – Processing Engine Contribution Manager

Improvements:

High DPI support (yes!)
Big UI performance improvements.
Command multi assign. Select multiple controls and assign commands in one click.
Clone layers!
Voice Command device greatly improved
Device custom UIs are now no longer dialogs, meaning more than one can be open at once (Very useful for SuperSource animator)
Loads of new commands here and there
Many new commands
Improved OBS module
Licensing model more tolerant of systems that are not connected to the internet
ATEM SuperSource Animator Create presets for SuperSource then animate between them using a variety of effects

Bug Fixes:
Many!

Central Control 1.4 Now Avaliable

Today marks the release of a brand new version of Central Control, with 10 new devices and countless improvements. Let’s look at the highlights

Behringer X-Touch Family
Full support for the entire range of Behringer X-Touch MIDI controllers, with full support of the scribble strips, transport display and VU meters. Scribble strips can be set statically, or dynamically to show channel names and levels. VU meters can pull live audio levels from a TriCaster or vMix and the transport display can show DDR/Replay timecode.

Resolume Arena
The most popular VJ software ever. We got a lot of requests for this from users who were streaming DJ sets. Now you can control it from your favourite Central Control devices!

ShowCAD Artist
ShowCAD Artist is the industry standard lighting controller in nightclubs, and now you can control it from Central Control. StreamDeck Labels can also be dynamically set by the names of cues/cue lists.

Toggle Buttons
The toggle button device provides 32 pairs of virtual buttons. Each virtual button has an A and a B. Map the commands you want to execute on the first push to the A, and the ones you want to happen the second time to the B. You can now toggle between these two states.

System Device
The system device allows control of simple Windows functionality such as open and closing processes, focusing windows etc. It also has a “On Startup” button that is automatically fired when Central Control loads, perfect to use for automating the setup of your show (Especially when combined with the devices own commands and delays!)

Full change log

New Devices:
Behringer X-Touch
Resolume Arena
ShowCAD Artist
Novation LaunchPad X
Novation LaunchPad Mini Mk3
System
Toggle Buttons
Encoder Event Splitter
Vicreo Listener
XK68 Joystick
X-Touch Mini (MC Mode, this replaces the old device)

Improvements:
New “VU Meter” control type
StreamDeck – Multiline Text rendering
MIDI Devices now default to the right port
vMix – Get Tally State for StreamDeck key
Avaliable commands now sorted alphabetically
Loads of new commands everywhere.
TriCaster/VMC/Vectar – Delegation system for M/Es, PTZ and Media Players
StreamDeck Key control type is now “Display”
Get TriCaster and vMix playback timecode for Display controls
New set internal feedback command for setting feedback of controls from another control
Added previous and next layer commands
MIDI devices now reset feedback state when disabled
X-Touch encoders now have feedback
Feedback is now sent on it’s own thread (finally!)
New “Get Current Layer” command for StreamDeck Keys
Max layer count increased to 99!

Bug Fixes:
XK60 Device ID fixed
Fixed bug where StreamDeck bitmaps on layer 1 would break when adding a new layer
Fixed bug where gear would disappear on high DPI monitors
Fixed bug where click cancel on new project dialog would just do it anyway

 

CX Magazine review of Central Control

November’s edition of CX Magazine features a great review of Central Control by Simon Byrne. In the article simon details his use case for Central Control and also explores many of the other workflows supported, such as remote control of multiple vMix instances running in the cloud. Highlights include

There are lots of suitable devices such as MIDI controllers and the popular Elgato Stream Decks out there, but the challenge is to make them talk with other devices.

A superb solution is Joe de Max’s Central Control. Central Control is Windows only software that links up hardware controllers with other devices on the same machine and local network.

The powerful feature of Central Control is to connect to other IP networks, and more than one at a time. Recently I did an online job where I was running two copies of vMix on separate instances in the cloud with different IP addresses, plus an ATEM Studio HD switcher locally.

All of this was brought together onto a single Stream Deck XL which meant I had every input from the three locations all on a single, easy to read controller in front of me.

At only $50 USD, Central Control is an invaluable addition when combined with your favourite controllers.

Check out the full article here . By Simon Byrne. First Published in CX Magazine November 2020 www.cxnetwork.com.au.

 

Central Control 1.3 Now Avaliable!

It is with great excitement that I today share the news of the release of version 1.3 of Central Control. Head over the the download page to grab a copy. Highlights below the video!

PI Engineering X-Keys
One of the most requested control devices since the launch of Central Control has been PI Engineerin’s series of X-Keys keyboards. I am pleased to announced that the following models are now supported in Central Control:

XK24
XK80
XK124 Tbar
Xk64 Replay
Xke128

x_keys_xk_1719_rply_r_xke_64_replay_controller_1580225047_1537685

NewTek 3Play
Support for all modern (4800 or later) models of NewTek’s excellent 3Play instant replay servers. This allows OSC, StreamDeck, MIDI controllers (including faders) and of course X-Keys to be used to control the 3Play.

IrisDown Countdown Timer
Full control of IrisDown’s excellent countdown timer app. Furthermore, a “Timer Finished” control allows commands to be excuted once the timer reaches 0. 

Soundcraft Ui Series Mixer
Comprehensive mapping for mixer in Soundcraft’s Ui series. Including channel level faders, aux busses, mute, solo etc. Feedback also provided for use with motorised faders 

Delay and Order Commands
Command stacks can now have timed delays between commands. Also the ability to reorder commands in the list has been added

Full Change Log

New Devices:
NewTek 3Play
IrisDown Countdown Timer
IrisDown Show Control
PI Engineering XKeys – several models
Ramsun RMC7 vMix MIDI controller
Soundcraft Ui Series Mixers
Radio Button Feedback – Creates feedback (Useful for commands that don’t natively provide feedback)
Delay – add delays between executing commands

Improvements:
MIDI Output added to generic MIDI.
Reorder commands (Useful when using delays)
More Audio Commands for vMix
ATEM Execute Macro Command

Bug Fixes:
Fixed bug where losing connection to TriCaster would cause message thread to become blocked when using StreamDeck key previews
Fixed timing issue that stop feedback values being sent on startup

Central Control 1.2 Now Avaliable!

A day like today is not a day for sound bites but I feel the hand of history on my shoulder. This is a big release and it is with great pleasure that I share it with you today.

StreamDeck
Support has been added. Colours can be set for each feedback state, as well as a background image and a label. We’ve also added some special features just for my TriCaster family that we’re calling LiveKeys. This allows you to map a video input preview, effect icons or composition thumbnails to a StreamDeck key.

Bitfocus Companion
Map buttons in Companion straight to control surfaces in Central Control, allowing Central Control to fit in to your existing Companion worfklow. The importance of this can not be understated, giving Central Control users access to over 100 new devices.

PowerPoint
Control your presentation from a StreamDeck, MIDI controller, OSC and any other device in Central Control. PowerPoint doesn’t need to be the foreground window either.

HTTP API
Allows control of virtual buttons and faders using simple HTTP requests. A great use of this could be to control a PowerPoint presentation from a TriCaster macro. For example:
http://centralcontrolIP:port/centralcontrol/fader=1&value=50
http://centralcontrolIP:port/centralcontrol/button=1&value=true
The state of controls can also be requested like so, ideal for building custom web control panels.
http://centralcontrolIP:port/centralcontrol/state

Virtual Faders
Another useful tool. 32 virtual faders that can be mapped, allowing control of fader only commands from encoders and buttons.

New Devices
Vizrt Vectar
Elgato StreamDeck
Elgato StreamDeck Mini
Elgato StreamDeck XL
Bitfocus Companion interoperability
Microsoft PowerPoint
Virtual Faders
HTTP Listener
HTTP Requester
NewTek TimeWarp TW42

Improvements
Tidied up device list in Add Device dialog
ATEM – added Take USK, Set USK Delegation, Transition Style, and select transition commands
vMix – added loads of audio commands, better transition options and PTZ Nudge
Performance improvements to TCP module
Device Mapping window doesn’t list devices without commands anymore.

Bug Fixes:
Fixed bug where add command button was activated when it shouldn’t be.
Fixed bug where remove Voice Command device from project would cause an exception to be thrown
Fixed annoying UI bug where a control losing focus would sometimes cause a white bar to appear at the top of the window.

Central Control 1.1 Now available!

Fellow Central Control users,

It is with great excitement that I today announce the release of the latest version of Central Control, V1.1. Featuring 8 new devices and many improvements and bug fixes. Head over to the download page to get it now! Also see the demo video below!

Joe

Generic OSC – Addresses
To use the generic OSC device, simply send values using the following addresses (where x is the button number)

/centralcontrol/button/x
/centralcontrol/fader/x
/centralcontrol/encoder/x

Release notes

Version 1.1

New Devices:
Voice Commands
Generic OSC Input
OSC Switcher
OSC Mixer
OSC Replay
NDI Studio Monitor
TC860CS
Sound Player

Improvements:
Loads of new replay commands in vMix & TriCaster
vMix: NextTitlePreset and PreviousTitlePreset commands added
vMix: SetOverlaySource command added
Improved feedback responsiveness on Behringer X-Touch Compact

Bug fixes:
Fixed bug where logarithmic feedback values from vMix were not correctly being converter to linear.

Welcome!

Welcome to the Central Control blog, where we’ll post news about Central Control, cool workflows, case studies from users and much more. Stay tuned!

Joe